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To see an endocrinologist or keep going to the primary doctor?

By Anonymous December 28, 2010 - 6:36pm
 
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I've been to my primary doctor for the past three years trying to figure out what is wrong with me. My symptoms: severe fatigue (I'm taking 2-3 hour naps almost daily, and I never took naps before), weight gain, back pain (probably from the weight gain), mood swings, constipation, which leads to hard and bloody stools, complete lack of motivation to do anything, and light sleeping, not so much insomnia. I had a complete hysterectomy about four years ago, and since then, I've noticed these symptoms getting worse. I've tried and am still taking antidepressants, which help with the feeling down issue, but I think I feel down because I'm so tired and unable to get motivated to do anything. I've taken hormones, but due to my family history with breast cancer, I opted to quit. Even with the hormones, I was still incredibly tired. I have tried taking Miralax for the constipation, and it did work with softening my stool, but I still didn't "go" but once every three days or so. My thyroid tests came back "normal," time after time. I've tried eating healthier, no change. I am at a loss because I know something is going on with my body, but we can't seem to find an answer. My primary dr. is amazing, but I feel like we're missing something. I'm not sure he understands the extent of my fatigue, though I think he is listening to me. I'm so frustrated and don't want to seem like a "baby" and complain all the time.

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Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Anon - Three years is way too long to be dealing with these problems, especially if they are worsening. It's time for you to take charge of your health and become your own best advocate. While your doctor may seem nice, the bottom line is that you are not getting what you need to feel well and stay well.

What type of doctor is your primary care physician? If I was in your shoes I would see a gynecologist who specializes in assisting women dealing with post-menopause concerns and also get a referral to an endocrinologist.

You may also want to review some of the information on our site about post-menopause treatments: https://www.empowher.com/condition/search/what-is-menopause and seek information from other resources as well.

You are by no means a "baby" in any way, you are a human being who deserves to live a good life, and that's hard to do when you're constantly too tired to do much of anything.

Thanks for coming to our site, and let me know if we can help further and how your quest for wellness goes. Hopefully the new year is going to result in a new YOU! Hang in there!
Pat

December 28, 2010 - 6:56pm
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