To ask about possible causes of chronic tiredness?

[KimberleyClark]

Background - I am 63,hypothyroid and retired. I’m tired all the time. Sleep all night, wake up tired. I’ve also gained weight. GP has done all the tests. Thyroid levels fine, thyroxine dose correct, not anaemic, liver/kidneys fine,not diabetic or pre diabetic,blood pressure perfect according to GP. I saw an endocrinologist privately. He tested my thyroid and cortisol levels ( for Cushing’ssyndrome). All fine. Any ideas?

Long covid or other post viral fatigue?

Vitamin D deficient? I've just been diagnosed with this. It's an easy fix. Just needs a blood test to identify it

Have you had vitamin D levels checked? It’s not standard and drs don’t like ordering it.

Could be I suppose. Had Covid in Sept 22. Had whooping cough/hundred day cough last year, took four months to stop coughing,finally stopped around October.

I take a Vitamin D supplement.

Do you just have to much to do? Kids, work, older relatives, life stress?

It all adds up.

I would still get your Vit D checked. I once worked with someone with rickets (yes, in the 21st century!!) and one of her symptoms was that she could sleep for hours and was often tired. A standard vit D supplement might not be enough. I have low (though not alarmingly low) vit D and take a high strength vit D supplement but it’s still not worked yet!

B12 ?

I wouldn’t say so, no kids, retired,no elderly relatives any more (been there, got the t shirt). Perhaps I am not doing enough!

How active are you? Do you need to boost your system with some regular exercise? It is really hard to start when you feel so depleted of energy, but it does help.

Thanks, I take 1000 IUs, the “optimum level” but I will switch to a higher dose.

I have a gym membership but don’t go as often as I should. I will certainly try that.

Have you got anything auto immune in your family? High inflammation levels can make you feel dreadfully tired.

How "fine" are the test results? Lots of tests can be reported as fine when try y are borderline but you're symptomatic. Of you haven't seen them, I'd ask for the results to check them yourself.

My GP has put me on a loading dose. 50000 ui a week for 6 weeks then normal daily dose a day after that. My symptoms were the same as yours plus permanent pins and needles and joint pain. Worth a shot

Yes - but get it properly checked. It’s just a blood test.

Depression?
Are you on HRT?

Sleep apnea.

No, never taken HRT. I’ve read that it can interact negatively with thyroid meds.

Perhaps that is it. Many people feel tired when they are actually bored and unmotivated .

Try to have an activity of some kind every day to get ready for and look forward to.

Physical activity is great for blowing the cobwebs away, even a brisk walk needn't be high impact classes.

I don't think the weather helps when it's cold and miserable you do just want to sleep!

There's home tests for vit D

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Berkeley-Health-Vitamin-Assess-Accurate

Most GP's are very reluctant to test unfortunately!

You say you’re not anaemic but what’s your ferritin level? The NHS acceptable range goes very low, much lower than it should for good health. Your ferritin ideally should be above 70.

I think maybe good to ask your GP about HRT interaction wt existing meds.

i am post menopause and while I have my off days, I still have energy which I credit to HRT and daily exercise. Walk about 15 k steps almost daily. I have diabetes in the family and have to stave it off.

That said, the news cycle today can often make me feel really tired and sad. I try to avoid the news and find small pleasures.

I am hypothyroid too and even when my levels are 'normal', I'm always tired which is very frustrating!

Just ordered one.