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What Causes Fatigue With Weakness In Arms And Legs?
Question: I have been experiencing bouts of fatigue that I feel start in my chest and spread to weakness in arms and legs. my head feels like it is suddenly draining and I feel pressure behind my eyes. I have been loosing chunks of hair in the shower which would point to my thyroid but when I have had it checked (I have had the fatigue before but not as often as I am having it now), my results are normal. I am 49, in good shape and eat wholesome foods. I drink in moderation and I do smoke (3-4/day...I know, I know) If I take an omega 3 vitamin, a multi vitamin, an adrenal support vitamin, and sometimes a thyroid support vitamin, the fatigue lessens. What could be causing these bouts? I am menopausal and use bioidentical creams which have helped me immensely. Unfortunately, it took 4 years for my gynecologist to give me the script because my tests did not show that I needed them so I don't have a lot of faith in test results for myself. Doctors need to listen to symptoms, especially with women. I do get acupuncture treatments which are also helpful for hot flashes/night sweats, anxiety and fatigue and moodiness. These bouts are not due to anxiety as I never had anxiety until after the birth of my first child (29) and I can recall having very mild forms of this fatigue as a teenager and young adult. I love to exercise but have to be careful not to deplete my energy. There is still so much I want to accomplish and do and I don't want this to hinder my goals. Your response is appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Follows.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thank you for posting your query on HCM.
Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that you must get your vitamin D levels , vitamin B 12 levels , CPK levels checked . Deficiency of calcium , vitamin D levels can give rise to fatigue specially in your age . If all these levels come out normal then a possibility of chronic fatigue syndrome should be considered . But this should be a diagnosis of exclusion .
If you dont want to get these tests done then you should take supplements for these .
Take care.
Dr. Shruti
Follows.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thank you for posting your query on HCM.
Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that you must get your vitamin D levels , vitamin B 12 levels , CPK levels checked . Deficiency of calcium , vitamin D levels can give rise to fatigue specially in your age . If all these levels come out normal then a possibility of chronic fatigue syndrome should be considered . But this should be a diagnosis of exclusion .
If you dont want to get these tests done then you should take supplements for these .
Take care.
Dr. Shruti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for responding. I live in Florida and get plenty of vitamin D from the sun. I have asked for B-12 shots and they gave me one. Yes, I agree on the cal/mag so I will buy some. Why the CPK test? What is the purpose of the test as it relates to my situation? Not interested in being diagnosed with CFS. What about adrenal fatigue and thyroid? I have read that these two problems are very closely related especially in menopausal women? Thank you for your response. I am seeing my family doctor. Should I go to a specialist? I don't find the doctors here very helpful.
Brief Answer:
Follows.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thanks for reverting back.
CPK is a test which is used to diagnose myositis , it is a muscle enzyme .In case of fatigue it should be done ideally . Since your thyroid levels are normal then it will be difficult to say anything about thyroid . Adrenal fatigue is difficult to diagnose since your blood pressure is fine , no hyperpigmentation it is less likely to be adrenal one .
Still am in favour that you should get vitamin D levels checked as large amount of sunlight exposure is required for adequate levels . So it better to get them checked.
Take care.
Dr. Shruti
Follows.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thanks for reverting back.
CPK is a test which is used to diagnose myositis , it is a muscle enzyme .In case of fatigue it should be done ideally . Since your thyroid levels are normal then it will be difficult to say anything about thyroid . Adrenal fatigue is difficult to diagnose since your blood pressure is fine , no hyperpigmentation it is less likely to be adrenal one .
Still am in favour that you should get vitamin D levels checked as large amount of sunlight exposure is required for adequate levels . So it better to get them checked.
Take care.
Dr. Shruti
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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