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What Do Unexplained Weight Loss, Headaches And Infrequent Bowel Movement Indicate?
Question: Doctor, have been experiencing unexplained weight loss for 10 or so days despite no changes in diet, had been having headaches, infrequent bowel movements and I feel as though my bones are weakening as they seem to Crack very easily. I've been to the doctor and hospital and have had blood work done and they don't know what's wrong and I'm not sure what my next step should be as I'm afraid somethings seriously wrong.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am sorry you are feeling very worried. I'll provide some information that may help you sort things out.
Weight gain and loss is due to simple math of calories in or out. So weight loss occurs when:
1. There is a decrease in calorie intake (eating less).
2. More calories are expended (physical exercise/work; increased metabolism such as with hyperthyroidism).
3. Calories are lost due to diarrhea, vomiting.
So it would be reasonable to
1. Get your thyroid function checked
2. Keep a food diary to see if you are truly consuming as much food as you had in the past. Try to increase intake of higher calorie food and increase frequency of eating.
Regarding the cracking, that is not bones but is the sound of tendons/ligaments rubbing. There is no serious illness that correlates with cracking joints as a main feature.
That your BMs are more infrequent may indicate that you are eating less.
When people lose weight due to a serious illness, it usually occurs at the end of their illness, is proceeded by many other concerning symptoms, and usually occurs over time. So I wouldn't worry too much about this, but would suggest getting a TSH done, keeping a food diary, and trying to eat more.
I hope this helps allay your fears. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am sorry you are feeling very worried. I'll provide some information that may help you sort things out.
Weight gain and loss is due to simple math of calories in or out. So weight loss occurs when:
1. There is a decrease in calorie intake (eating less).
2. More calories are expended (physical exercise/work; increased metabolism such as with hyperthyroidism).
3. Calories are lost due to diarrhea, vomiting.
So it would be reasonable to
1. Get your thyroid function checked
2. Keep a food diary to see if you are truly consuming as much food as you had in the past. Try to increase intake of higher calorie food and increase frequency of eating.
Regarding the cracking, that is not bones but is the sound of tendons/ligaments rubbing. There is no serious illness that correlates with cracking joints as a main feature.
That your BMs are more infrequent may indicate that you are eating less.
When people lose weight due to a serious illness, it usually occurs at the end of their illness, is proceeded by many other concerning symptoms, and usually occurs over time. So I wouldn't worry too much about this, but would suggest getting a TSH done, keeping a food diary, and trying to eat more.
I hope this helps allay your fears. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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