[54F] Experiencing persistent fatigue and other symptoms

Patient Description

A 54-year-old female has been experiencing persistent fatigue for almost one year, which is present all the time and does not improve with rest or any specific activities. The patient also reports constant dizziness, described as a spinning sensation, rated at a severity of 5-6 out of 10, ongoing for 5 months, and notably does not occur while driving. Additionally, she has been dealing with hair loss, nausea, body pain, and has found it difficult to lose weight. The fatigue has significantly impacted her ability to engage in physical activity.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, several conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This is a complex disorder 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.

    • There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. You may need a variety of medical tests to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms.
  • Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It's believed that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.

    • Fibromyalgia is diagnosed more often in women. People who have fibromyalgia may also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression.
  • Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.

    • Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on your symptoms and the results of blood tests that measure the level of TSH and sometimes the level of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.

What you can do

While waiting for your appointment, you can try the following to help manage your symptoms:

  1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Aim for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Drink plenty of fluids. Exercise regularly. Get enough sleep.

  2. Reduce stress: Try stress-reducing activities, such as yoga, meditation or deep-breathing exercises.

  3. Pace yourself: Keep your activity on an even level. If you do too much on your good days, you may have more bad days.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

  • If your fatigue is accompanied by unexplained, persistent symptoms such as: fevers, weight loss, or lymph node swelling.
  • If you experience a sudden worsening of your symptoms.
  • If you develop new symptoms.

Remember, 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 examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?

Common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, sleep disturbances, muscle or joint pain, headaches, sore throat, and memory or concentration problems.


How is fibromyalgia diagnosed and what are its common symptoms?

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, including widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. There is no specific test for fibromyalgia, so diagnosis often involves ruling out other conditions.


What are the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness, and depression. Diagnosis is typically confirmed with blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels.


What lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of fatigue and dizziness?

Lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms include maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, engaging in regular but moderate exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, and practicing stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation.


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