Question: I am a woman in 60s and in relatively good health. But in the last couple months I’ve suddenly felt very fatigued. I sleep well, but I just don’t seem to have any energy. Any idea what could be the problem?

Dr. Cwynar's answer:
I would be suspicious of your thyroid causing the sudden fatigue. As women age their thyroid can suddenly get sluggish. Most physicians start testing a womans thyroid by a simple blood test routinely at the age of 65 because of the large number of women who fall into this category. Certainly if you are a few years younger you should ask for this test at an earlier age. Other symptoms include thinning hair, dry skin, and constipation. This affects women four times more frequently than men.