Question: I am tired all the time. I have lost nearly 30 pounds in 6 months and am nervous, anxious, and sad many days. Is it menopause or hormonal, or something else? I'm in my 50s.
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Fatigue accompanied with mood disorder symptoms and weight loss may be from a number of causes. Certainly menopause does not usually cause this set of symptom; in fact, weight gain is more commonly seen. Anxiety and depression may account for this, but it's important to be sure some physical change does not account for your symptoms.
Is the weight loss a reflection of a poor diet or metabolic issues? While mood disorders may cause appetite changes and weight loss, you must be sure this weight loss is not related to an infection, hormone imbalance, or even cancer.
Your doctor should check you to be sure you do not have a condition such as an overactive thyroid with simple blood testing. Some malignancies are notable for causing depression and mood disorders (such as pancreatic cancer), and it would be a good idea to be screened.
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