Maria Fisher46 said:I have moved this thread here, since you already opened a discussion regarding your symptoms, just to ensure everything remains organized in one place.
Anthony Scott54, I have just read through your previous posts from the beginning, and I am somewhat unclear on how you arrived at the conclusion involving progesterone and sex hormones; specifically, what led you to suspect low levels in those particular areas.
If there were significant fluctuations in those hormones, one would likely notice irregularities in the menstrual cycle first, rather than such pronounced fatigue and palpitations alongside a regular cycle.
You require a coherent diagnostic approach, preferably under a skilled internist who can establish a rational clinical testing algorithm. If you simply move from one isolated test to another, I fear you will achieve very little.
To begin, you should undergo a thorough, systematic physical examination to see if there are any deviations in your physical status. This should be followed by routine laboratory work (CBC, Sed rate, electrolytes, basic biochemistry, urinalysis, TSH), after which further investigations could be considered (ACTH, cortisol, etc.), viral serology, perhaps immunological (rheumatological) screening, psychological testing, and so on.
It appears you have completed some steps already, but I believe a competent internist needs to synthesize all these results into a single cohesive picture to determine if anything has been overlooked, potentially leading to a diagnosis...
Yes, if iron-deficiency anemia is the cause, but certainly not if other forms are at play (such as anemia of chronic disease). 😉
I have noted the same point you mentioned, so we are in agreement regarding the iron levels.
I should also mention that basic anemia screening involves checking hemoglobin and red blood cell counts; TIBC, iron, and ferritin are only used once anemia has actually been established.
I have had my CBC checked multiple times, and everything is fine, except for my iron being low. My thyroid levels are normal, as are my electrolytes—though magnesium and potassium sit right at the bottom limit—and my Vitamin B12 and folic acid are both fine. After those results came back, they suggested I check my sex hormones and cortisol, which I haven't done yet... not to mention I've gone through every possible neurological test (CT and MRI scans), and those were all clear; EEG was fine, too. Thyroid scintigraphy and a biopsy were also okay... I saw a cardiologist, and there are no signs of heart disease, though they did note a rapid pulse, which the doctor suggested might just be due to the low iron... I really don't know what else to test for... I've been cycling through doctors for seven months now and I still feel exactly the same :/