HomeAnswersEndocrinologysevere fatigueI have been experiencing extreme fatigue for the past eight months. What could be the reason?

Why am I experiencing extreme fatigue for the past eight months?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 6, 2022
Reviewed AtJune 16, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing extreme fatigue for the past eight months. Also, I have been taking Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Folic acid, etc, with a slight improvement.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I reviewed your query. You are taking Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Folic acid, but I could not find levels of these vitamins. Other tests show (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) muscle enzyme CK (creatine kinase) is high and a mildly elevated ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). In the present scenario, I suggest you to get a blood test to check for the levels of vitamin B12, vitamin D3, and TSH. And, if the TSH levels are elevated beyond 5 mIU/mL, then kindly check T4 levels.

I also want you to answer the questions mentioned below,

  1. How is your appetite?
  2. Do you sleep well?
  3. Do you have dry hair and skin?
  4. Do you have constipation?

Kindly provide the above details and revert.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I have attached my reports for your reference.

  1. My CK level might be high because I used to exercise very intensely a while ago.
  2. My appetite is normal.
  3. My sleep seems normal.
  4. No abnormal constipation.
  5. My hair is not dry.
  6. My skin is also normal.

I also feel exhausted after minor physical activity because I need hours to recover from it. For example, sometimes laying down can get too complicated, and I change position multiple times.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I reviewed your reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). You have consistently high CK (creatine kinase) and ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Your vitamin levels are low, and PTH (parathyroid hormone) is normal. Also, there are a few abnormalities in the complete blood picture. Your calcium levels are on the higher side, but it can be due to increased calcium absorption since you take Vitamin D. Your TSH (stimulating thyroid hormone) and thyroid function are normal. It seems there are some muscle issues as CK is secreted from muscles. Otherwise, your reports are normal. I suggest you to stop taking vitamin B12 and continue with vitamin D3. Kindly consult a specialist, talk to them and take the medications with their consent. I also suggest you to check for a peripheral smear, ANA (antinuclear antibody) and autoimmune screening.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed
Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed

Diabetology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Endocrinology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy