Why am I so thirsty?

[Notverygruntled]

I went to the GP last week for the second time in six weeks (rarely go) and following 3 blood tests. GP not sure what to suggest, has said they will call me after consulting colleagues so, whilst waiting, thought I would consult the hive mind.

Shortly after Easter, I became quite thirsty.
Became particularly keen on juice. I had a blood test scheduled as I hadn't been feeling great for a while (I presumed it was anaemia
as I'm prone to that), and asked that they also test for diabetes. Bloods came back clear.

Thirst persisted, so I went back to GP, who suggested testing for calcium in case levels were high. Had another blood test, no issues. He also asked me to keep a bladder diary before returning.

I am now at the stage of drinking 6-7 litres of fluid a day, most of which seems to end up down the toilet! I am waking 3-4 times at night thirsty and needing the loo and the cycle is repeating (I get through a minimum of 2 x 500ml bottles of water a night and generally 2-3 glasses of juice, squash or milk).

I am shattered and really not sure how to get through a pending very busy few weeks at work. I am having to time drinks/loo breaks around travel and meetings and having to choose between being thirsty or needing the loo. Haven't heard back from GP so will chase on Monday.

Her suggestion was Sjögren's syndrome, but I don't have any joint pain. I am wondering about diabetes insipidus, but she didn't raise that. I am 50 but because I have regular periods and no hot flushes, apparently I can't be in peri menopause (she is the second female GP to say that to me, but that's something else to sort once this is....).

Any suggestions? She's said that it is not normal but doesn't know where to refer me to. Feeling somewhat down about it and no idea how/if to raise it with work as it just sounds a bit odd!

I saw something last year about if you drink a lot, but then urinate a lot, sticking an electrolyte/hydration tablet in a glass of water helps as you hold on to it, so don’t pee it all out, and are less thirsty.
These have helped me
hydration
I was using every day for a while but once things settled I now just use occasionally. Might be worth a try?

I would ask to be investigated for diabetes insipidus. Hope you get some answers soon.

That level of drinking suggests diabetes.

OP, you mentioned you especially crave juice. Is it really thirst you feel or a craving for sugary beverages, or perhaps just sugar? What happens if you drink water instead of juice?

Thank you all so much for your replies.

@DrWackadoodle, I will give those a try, thanks! Pleased they worked for you and happy to have a suggestion of something else to try.

@Life2Short4Nonsense, I've switched to water as much as possible now (bought a massive infuser jug which am keeping in the fridge) not least out of concern for calories, but am still drinking as much (restricting myself to one/two glasses of juice in the morning). It's mainly really cold things I want to drink, which I think is why it initially started with juice as it was in the fridge.

Am hoping the GP calls back today (I'll call if not), so will see where we go.

What else is going on as you say you haven't been feeling great for a while? Sjögren's also means very dry eyes, is that a problem?

Just a thought on juice and squash - if they contain artificial sweeteners these can increase thirst, so could make the problem worse.

Diabetes insipidus. Go back and don’t let the gp fob you off!!

You can develop water toxicity from drinking too much water, your electrolytes and sodium become too diluted. So I think you need to find a strategy to reduce the amount you’re taking in and also pursue investigations.

Annemia could also be a possibility, if it is mainly the cold you want. Do you also eat ice cube?

Thank you all so much for your replies. To answer some of the questions;

I do have dry eyes, which the GP asked about, and I think has made her suspect Sjogrens. She did seem rather emphatic that there should also be joint pain but that (fortunately) is not an issue as yet (bar a bit of 50-year old creakiness).

Iron levels have been checked and are fine; I have had the mad ice cravings in the past but am finding my preference is chilled drinks without ice, so it doesn't seem to be anaemia. I have not been feeling great since mid March but it's been a busy time so could well have been down to life. Work calms down a bit in 3 weeks time so a definite shift in focus will be taking place!

I will definitely look at electrolyte replacement today (even if it doesn't resolve it, something to help would be great) and the sweetener point is a good one, thanks. I am trying as much as I can to stick to chilled infused water. Three wake ups last night but got straight back to sleep so feeling a bit better. I will also call the GP and ask about diabetes insipidus as well as Sjogrens. She seems quite happy to refer me on, but just doesn't know where to.

Thank you all very much for taking the time to reply, it is really helpful to hear others' thoughts. It's not something I've really raised with others aside from immediate family as it just sounds so random! (and I'm not sure anyone else would listen so sympathetically to details of my bladder!!).

Have they checked your thyroid? Any unexplained weight gain or hair loss? Increased tiredness? If those apply then they are possible signs of hypothyroidism.

My DDad lost all the hair on his legs before his GP cotton'd on it was his thyroid and not depression causing his lethargy and weight gain.

I would have thought a GP would likely think diabetes first. That's a huge amount of fluid!

Oh op this is crazy if the GP doesn't know she needs to refer you on to someone who does like an endocrinologist.

'I am 50 but because I have regular periods and no hot flushes, apparently I can't be in peri menopause'

This comment in itself would make me question her ability. Of course at 50 you're in peri, any women certainly over 45 is in peri as we know hormones fluctuating and deplete which is the the very definition of peri.

To drink that amount is obviously abnormal and could well cause chronic problems so go back put your foot down and ask for a hospital referral with a specialist. Good luck.

I mean if she doesn't know who to refer to she needs to ask. Surely she has a senior to ask? Surely she's heard of medical consultants?

To drink 6 or 7 litres a day will be putting your body, particularly your kidneys, under immense strain. Ask for an endocrinologist or even a bogstandard physician/medical team referral today.

Also need to test for diabetes insipidus. This is a different condition from diabetes mellitus and has nothing to do with glucose. It's caused by either a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH, vasopressin) or a failure of the cells in the collecting ducts of the kidneys to respond to ADH.

Thanks again for the replies. Apologies if I'm missing anyone here, as they are all very much appreciated but to address a few points:

@Singleandproud, bloods came back clear for thyroid issues and, while I have some hair thinning, I'd put that down to peri menopause. I do have some weight gain but am not sure it's unexplained. The last few months have been a bit mad from a work and family perspective and I've found it hard to squeeze in exercise or even just to walk as much as I used to.

@Nannyfannybanny, that was my first thought and I already had a blood test arranged when this first started, so asked if they would also check for diabetes, which I'm advised they have and it's clear. I've also been checked for high calcium levels, to make sure there's no parathyroid
issues but those are normal too. Apparently I have the blood test results of an otherwise healthy person bar this!

@Janiie, re perimenopause, I quite agree and was frankly appalled that this is the second (female) GP to say I couldn't be in peri as I still have regular periods and no hot flushes. Whilst not wanting to be that person who has seen something on TV and thinks themselves as expert, it is surely quite general knowledge that there is a far wider range of symptoms. This is partly why I'd held back, as I'd thought some issues (tiredness, mood swings, brain fog) were probably down to peri but this has somewhat taken over this now.

What you have all done, as well as making me feel that I am not making a massive fuss over nothing, is encourage me to call back today. I saw the GP on Thursday evening and did try to get across how rubbish the lack of sleep in particular is making me feel, but it clearly isn't viewed as urgent as I've had no response as yet (she did say she would consult a senior colleague). I have something I need to get off my desk this morning and a lunchtime Teams call but will then call straight afterwards. I also have private healthcare, so might try that, and hopefully someone there will know who is best to see!

Thank you all again and I will keep you updated.

Yes but it is a complex condition that needs specialist management.

OP I hate to sound bossy but tell your hopeless GP that you want urgent referral to an endocrinologist. Today. Best of luck

I am 50 but because I have regular periods and no hot flushes, apparently I can't be in peri menopause (she is the second female GP to say that to me, but that's something else to sort once this is....).

This is absolutely, 100% wrong. It's outrageous and embarrassing that GP's, who are women no less, are this ignorant about peri-menopause/menopause. At 50, regardless that your periods are still "regular", you are almost certainly in some stage of peri-menopause. You do not have to have hot flushes when you're in Peri.

I would go to a private clinic as soon as possible if I were you.

Thanks, @Janiie I have just about taken your advice (and no issue with sounding bossy!). GP is out until the afternoon but the receptionist checked my notes and she has written to an endocrinologist. I am not sure if this is for advice or a referral but have asked if they can let me know likely timescale. If need be, I'll see if I can stretch to a private appointment.

Thank you all again for your help.

@Aquamarine1029, I didn't spot this when replying, sorry. It is ridiculous, isn't it, not least as I think she's a similar age to me.

This is all rather spurring me on to sort things out at least; hopefully once I can untangle what is being caused by the whole thirst thing, I can then look at what's being caused by peri menopause.

Have you got copies of the blood test results, with the respective ranges? Sometimes what GP's or labs deem normal, or rather in range, doesn't actually mean all is well.

Pleased to hear it. The fact it's been going on weeks, you've seen a GP and they still haven't done an immediate referral for a least a medical opa is not good enough.

'Written to an endocrinologist' doesn't sound particularly proactive unless it is an actual referral. My GP once wrote to a consultant for advice (for a much less urgent issue) and it was months until they heard back. You are young and I presume fit but no-one can sustain all the staggering amounts of drinking and passing urine you're doing for much longer. Keep pushing. Endo referral asap.

Evening everyone, just wanted to update to say that I have my referral and have a (private) appointment with an endocrinologist booked for 22 June. Not least as it appears that the GP had written for advice and I have finally got the bit between my teeth.

The first consultant I tried had no availability until the end of July, I nearly cried! Very relieved to find someone else.

Would have preferred not to pay but, frankly, it needs sorting now.

I have also made my line managers at work aware (both assumed the same expression of sympathy and slight bemusement ).

Thank you all once again for your help and for giving me a much needed shove to sort this out!

You are def peri at 50! Peri starts years before periods cease. I’m in post- meno and I don’t really get hot flushes.
GPs are so ignorant of meno matters.
I would keep pushing the diabetes thing.