My mom has suggested that I have blood tests done to see if I have hyperthyroidism, or any other problem.
The main symptom I have is fatigue. I'm exhausted most days even if I slept the night before. I work full-time, and by 2:00 or so I'm tired. Then I have to pick up my daughter after work & go home, where I have no energy or motivation to do anything. Our apartment is always a disaster because I don't have the energy to keep up. Now my husband is deployed, so it's all up to me!
Could this be hyperthyroidism? What other possibilities are there?
I am trying to get in touch with my gynecologist, as she is the only doctor near me whom I see regularly. My mom suggested that I should be able to have them write up orders to have the bloodwork done at a lab, and then see my doctor afterward to discuss results. Tried calling today but they left for lunch early lol
Will be trying again, just wanted to see if I should mention anything else to them! Thanks!
Update: Thanks for the tips! Low iron sounds like it could be a possibility - I will ask them to check that as well! I think I was checked for this before, but was ok then.
I just made an appointment with my allergist for next week. They are going to test me for food allergies, as well as have some blood work done to test my thyroid, iron levels, etc. Hopefully we will figure this out soon!
Thanks for all of the replies!
Update Oct 14: My allergist did a scratch test screening for food allergies - I have none! However, they didn't feel that I needed the bloodwork anymore, even though I was asking for it and mentioned the fatigue! Grrr Trying to get in touch with my gynecologist, but apparently they were closed yesterday & they are closed on Thursdays (today)...
here are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. There are many other things it could be though. Better to see a doc than self diagnose.
Common symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism
Palpitations
Heat intolerance
Nervousness
Insomnia
Breathlessness
Increased bowel movements
Light or absent menstrual periods
Fatigue
Fast heart rate
Trembling hands
Weight loss
Muscle weakness
Warm moist skin
Hair loss
Staring gaze
This could be or it could be a combination of things. I had the same symptoms and found that it was a combination of stress, depression, and hyperthyroidism. I never in a million years would have guessed stress or depression, but my husband said to me the other day..."You seem happier!" Talk to your doctor, get the test. You will feel much better.
I have these same exact problems too. I had blood tests and they found a vitamin d defieciency... all I need to do is take a vitamind d and calcium supplement to help with it's absorption. I already know I'm hypoglycemic and those are things that could be part of that as well.
More thyroid problem side effects also include mood swings, dry, brittle hair, thinning hair, among some of the ones you described.
Again the low iron (a sign if you are craving to munch on ice), or this could also be mild depression. Definitely speak to your Dr. so you can get everything sorted and get to feeling great again!
When you speak to the Dr, be sure to include things such as what you eat prior to your energy zaps, if you notice anything like weakness, double vision, if you feel better after you eat something, if you notice weight or cosmetic changes (such as hair...). Also, too much sleep can cause one to be tired as well.
Hyperthyroid is where your thyroid is over functioning. You are restless, have a hard time sleeping, may have eye problems (bulging eyes - think Marty Feldman), heart palpitations, you can't relax and you are always hyper and antsy.
Hypothyroid is where your thyroid is under functioning. You are tired all the time, you feel cold all the time, you can't seem to get enough sleep, your hair thins out (outer edge of eyebrows thin out), your hair/nails is/are brittle and do not grow well, your hands and feet always feel cold, your skin feels dry and soles of your feet can get thick dry skin with heels that crack and bleed easily.
When you have your thyroid levels tested, have them do TSH, free T3 and free T4. TSH by itself does not always give enough information to go on.
sounds like me. I had ver low Iron levels. I was to the point of needing a blood transfuession, or Iron Infuessions. Do you eat ice that is a sign for some. They say that low iron is common in women around child bearing years.
This sounds just like me 6 months ago. I had all of my blood levels checked and they all came back fine. I was ready to just claim it was from being a new mom to my second baby. My doctor suggested a sleep study to see if I was getting quality sleep. I thought he was nuts, but agreed. They found I had mild sleep apnea! Since starting treatment, I have sooo much more energy. I didn't even realize that I wasn't getting quality sleep. I thought if the kids slept all night--it was a good night. Apparently, sleep apnea is common these days regardless of size. Just a thought. Good luck!
It could even be depression, girlfriend. Having your husband in active duty (deployed or not) can be very stressful! Definitely get a panel drawn, though, as a full physical never hurt anyone. It could be anything, but don't rule out depression as a diagnosis, either.
It sounds like you may be anemic. I was and didn't know it. I thought it was an old wives tale when my Mom said that my craving ice meant low iron. I was tested and -sure enough! You could try some good prenatal vitamins plus a bit extra iron supplement for awhile. I do remember feeling so tired- very much so. Just exhausted. Good luck.
Fatigue is a symptom of thyroid problems...but it's also a symptom of many other things. I had post-partum hyperthyroidism after both my pregnancies. It was induced by the pregnancies, and resolved on it's own w/in 6 months or so of giving birth. My symptoms were sensitivity to heat (always sweating...but I was nursing too), rapid weight loss, occasional rapid heart beat. If you have a hyperactive thyroid all your body's systems go into overdrive...you may talk fast, walk fast, lose weight fast b/c of a faster metabolism, etc. So, a bloodtest wouldn't hurt, but it could be something else.
Sounds like you need to have a CBC done. The doctor can order labs (CBC) and you can find out how your levels are doing. If your thyroid is off, that could explain why you are tired. I have had some thyroid issues and they were diagnosed at my annual checkup. Good thing is, these issues are treatable.
It could be sleep apnea - I had the same symptoms.
Definately look into a blood test, also checking Iron and Vitamin D level, is also important...a good work up. Also wit your husband being deployed you have the added stess and probably depressed which a symptom is fatigue...Our prayers that you find the right help you need.
Besides getting checked for hypothyroidism you could get checked for vitamin deficiencies. Besides low iron low vitamin D and low vitamin B-12 can make you fatigued.
