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Gaining Weight. Having Hair Loss, Skin And Eyes Dry. What Should I Do?

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Posted on Mon, 10 Jun 2013
Question: Symptoms: very tired all the time, gaining weight (10 pounds in 3 months) White Blood Cell Count is 3.6, thyroid TSH level is 1.69 I Have a low grade fever. Hair is falling out, dry. My skin and eyes are also dry.

Can you provide a preliminary diagnosis and tell me what specialist I might see?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (3 hours later)
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
There are many causes for weight gain besides hypothyroidism.
These causes could be ....
...There could be hormonal changes in a female around peri menopause or menopause time.
....Many types of medications like...
Steroids,anti epileptics,anti depressants can also cause weight gain.Since you are taking lamictal,it can be the cause for your weight gain.
.....Chronic stress may result in adrenal fatigue which may cause weight gain along with falling hair.
...severe depression can result in overheating which may result in weight gain.

I would advise you to consult an endocrinologist and get thoroughly investigated for the cause.Treatment can be instituted,once the cause is found.

I hope it helps however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (23 minutes later)
My big concern is the low white blood cell count which goes with the extreme fatigue. I have been taking lamictal for 6 years with no weight gain issues. My thyroid functions very well as I said. I definitely do not have a hypothyroid. What would cause the drop in my white blood cell count? From 7.1 in 2009 to 3.6???
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (1 hour later)
Hello,
There could be many reasons for low white cell counts.
There are plenty of medical condition which are associated with low white cell counts like leukemia,auto immune disorders,many infections,nutritional deficiencies,viral infections,HIV,use of drugs.
However there are associated symptoms and other signs of such diseases.
In fact,the issue becomes XXXXXXX if there is sudden drop of white cell counts but in your case,it has been a gradual decrease.
In your case,it appears it could be due to regular use of lamictal and may be due to vitamins and mineral deficiencies.There is nothing to worry regarding this.
However emphasis should be made on diagnosing the cause of weight gain with dry skin and loss of hair.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (9 hours later)
What does a sudden drop in white cell count suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (8 minutes later)
Hello,
Sudden drop of white cells can occur in varios conditions like
Acute viral infection
Infections like tuberculosis,malaria or dengue
Certain types of cancers including leukemias and lymphomas
HIV/ AIDS infection and so on....
Thanks
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1978

Answered : 6704 Questions

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Gaining Weight. Having Hair Loss, Skin And Eyes Dry. What Should I Do?

Hello,
Thanks for the query.
There are many causes for weight gain besides hypothyroidism.
These causes could be ....
...There could be hormonal changes in a female around peri menopause or menopause time.
....Many types of medications like...
Steroids,anti epileptics,anti depressants can also cause weight gain.Since you are taking lamictal,it can be the cause for your weight gain.
.....Chronic stress may result in adrenal fatigue which may cause weight gain along with falling hair.
...severe depression can result in overheating which may result in weight gain.

I would advise you to consult an endocrinologist and get thoroughly investigated for the cause.Treatment can be instituted,once the cause is found.

I hope it helps however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks