Hi. I Am Suddenly Very Moody With My Family. Very

Posted on Mon, 30 Sep 2019

Question: Hi. I am suddenly very moody with my family. Very fatigued. Often have cold hands. Some days when I breath it's hard to describe but I can feel my chest is sort of heavy maybe, then when I take a deep breath I cough and have some phlegm that just stays put. I do take blood pressure medication daily. When I have checked recently it's pretty on track to normal I think. Last night was 113/84.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid problems need to be ruled out- tests and examinations explained below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

I would advise you to have a check of your thyroid function because the thyroid problems are common in women and get more common with age. TSH and FT4 levels in the blood are the main two tests. If these come out normal than your thyroid is working well and your symptoms are not related to it.

Other tests to consider if the thyroid function is normal are:
- CBC, ERs
- ECG
- a basic metabolic profile that includes fasting glucose, creatinine and electrolytes (Ca++, Na+, Cl-, K+), liver function tests, lipids, etc.

A thorough physical examination should be performed by your doctor to check your lungs and heart and check for lymph nodes or other abnormalities.

If all the tests and examinations come out normal then very likely stress and overload may be causing your mood to be low and the fatigue and chest heaviness. In this case, the doctor can screen you for anxiety and depression (questionnaires that you can fill in the office) to better have an idea if these are the cause of your symptoms and which is the best treatment for you.

I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (18 hours later)

Would thyroid problems also be tied to more hair loss than normal?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The thyroid problems may cause hair loss

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

Yes, thyroid problems may cause hair loss as well as it affects the hair follicles.
It is important in your case to have the TSH and FT4 checked to make sure the thyroid is normal.

I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad