Could My Abnormal Blood Test Results Be Behind My Severe Fatigue?
Hello everyone, I’m a 26-year-old person assigned female at birth, and over the last eight months, I’ve been experiencing an alarming increase in fatigue. This has intensified over the last three months, making it extraordinarily difficult to manage daily life. Additionally, I’ve noticed a decline in my appetite since mid-last year, initially attributing it to feelings of depression. During this time, I’ve shed around 12 pounds without engaging in much physical activity. Alongside this, I've been facing noticeable hair loss, including shedding significant amounts of eyelashes (while not immediately visible, I often experience eye discomfort that leads me to rub my eyes, resulting in 5-10 eyelashes coming out at once). Regarding my medication, my psychiatrist prescribed Sertraline in December of last year, starting at 50 mg for the first month before increasing to 100 mg. I also have Hydroxyzine HCL 25 mg (to be taken as needed) to address my longstanding sleep problems, which I’ve dealt with since around the age of 12. About a month and a half ago, I began taking a multivitamin from Thorne twice daily. I suspect my sleep difficulties may be linked to undiagnosed ADHD, but my psychiatrist suggested we first explore the potential impact of depression or anxiety. Despite the improvement in my mood attributed to Sertraline, the fatigue has persisted. In fact, after beginning my Ramadan fasting this month, the exhaustion became so overwhelming that I felt nearly bedridden, struggling to even lift my hand to sip water by my bedside once the fasting period ended. This deeply concerned me since I have fasted throughout Ramadan for over ten years and always managed to complete my responsibilities, both at home and outside. When I informed my psychiatrist of my condition, she recommended a blood test. The results of the tests revealed some concerning numbers: 1. MCH: 26.3 pg (classified as "moderately low"; I’ve had borderline low MCH in previous tests) 2. Cholesterol: 230 mg/dL (considered "borderline" with an LDL of 155, also "borderline high"; the remainder are within normal limits) 3. Vitamin D, 25-hydroxy: 22.3 ng/mL (deemed "insufficient") Do you think that one of these results is a more significant contributor to my issues, or could they all be collectively impacting my health? My online research suggested that my symptoms are closely aligned with iron deficiency anemia, but I’m uncertain. A couple of additional points that may provide context: high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure are prevalent on my maternal side of the family. I also have several family members, including my mother and half-sister, who frequently struggle with anemia unless they are very diligent about their diet. I've been a vegetarian since 2019, which may also factor into my overall health status.
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 12:01:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing severe fatigue can be distressing, and it sounds like you're facing a confluence of potential health issues, including your recent blood test results. Your fatigue, appetite change, weight loss, hair loss, and irritation with your eyes may indeed be linked to your abnormal blood test results, particularly your low MCH, vitamin D insufficiency, and possibly dietary factors given your vegetarian lifestyle.
Explanation
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Low MCH: This suggests that your red blood cells contain less hemoglobin, which could indicate iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms of this condition often include fatigue, weakness, and hair loss.
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Cholesterol Levels: While your cholesterol is classified as borderline high, this is generally not a direct cause of fatigue. However, it’s worth monitoring due to family history.
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Vitamin D Insufficiency: Low levels of vitamin D can affect energy levels and overall well-being. It is crucial for many body functions, including immune health, bone health, and even mood regulation.
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Vegetarian Diet: It's important to ensure your diet is balanced and includes sufficient iron, vitamin B12, and other nutrients commonly found in animal products. Deficiency in these could contribute to both your blood test results and your symptoms.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions to help you manage your situation more effectively:
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Increase Iron Intake: Since your symptoms suggest possible iron deficiency anemia, focus on iron-rich foods like lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, tofu, and leafy greens. Pair these with vitamin C sources (like oranges or bell peppers) to enhance absorption.
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Boost Vitamin D Levels: Consider vitamin D supplements (if not already prescribed) and try to spend some time in natural sunlight each day, as this can help increase your levels. A healthcare provider could recommend a specific dosage based on your blood levels.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms and any changes you make. Note areas of improvement or further concerns, particularly with energy levels and appetite.
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Review Diet for B12: If you’re not consuming fortified foods or supplements, consider adding B12 sources to your diet, like fortified cereals or plant-based milk, to prevent deficiency.
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Hydration and Nutritional Balance: Especially during Ramadan, ensure you're hydrating adequately and consuming balanced meals during non-fasting hours. This can help alleviate some of the fatigue.
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Follow Up on Blood Results: Discuss your blood test results in detail with your healthcare provider to determine if further testing or different interventions, such as supplements or dietary adjustments, are needed.
Reassurance
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed given your symptoms and test results. Taking these steps towards nutritional balance and monitoring will assist in addressing your fatigue. Remember, effective management can take time, and improvements in your condition are possible with the right strategies. If things don't improve, it’s essential to seek further guidance from your healthcare provider.
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