[54F] Experiencing a range of symptoms including fatigue and dizziness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. Other symptoms can include loss of memory or concentration, unexplained muscle or joint pain, headaches, and unrefreshing sleep.

  • There are no specific tests for CFS. Your doctor will have to rule out other potential causes of your fatigue to diagnose this condition. Treatment focuses on symptom relief.

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, depression, hair loss, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold.

  • Diagnosis is confirmed through blood tests measuring your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine. Treatment typically involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

• Malabsorption syndromes: These are a group of disorders in which the small intestine can't absorb enough of certain nutrients and fluids. Symptoms can include diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, and fatigue. Given your history of SIBO and IBS, this is a possibility.

  • Diagnosis typically involves tests to measure the fat in your stools, blood tests, and imaging tests. Treatment depends on the cause.

• Autoimmune diseases: These are conditions in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. The immune system normally guards against germs like bacteria and viruses. When it senses these foreign invaders, it sends out an army of fighter cells to attack them. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakes part of your body, like your joints or skin, as foreign. It releases proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells. Given your history of an unspecified autoimmune disease, this could be contributing to your symptoms.

  • Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, imaging tests, and taking a medical history. Treatment depends on the specific disease and your symptoms.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to manage your symptoms:

1. Rest and take care of yourself: Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and taking time to relax and take care of your mental health.
2. Stay hydrated: This can help with your diarrhea and overall health.
3. Try gentle exercise: While you should rest when you need to, some people with chronic fatigue syndrome find gentle exercise like yoga or walking to be helpful.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms
• If you notice blood in your stool
• If you develop a fever or chills
• If your depression worsens or you start to have thoughts of harming yourself

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations.