Anxiety or Something Else?

Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well!

I've been having some medical issues for the past few months, beginning probably in May or so. I've had weight loss (roughly 50 lbs - I was heavy to begin with, so I am not dangerously thin) coupled with decreased appetite and occasional tummy issues. The stomach issues are intermittent, maybe one a week... I can seem to find no pattern with them. I've also had pretty substantial diffuse hair loss (again, thankfully I had thick hair so it isn't super noticeable to anyone other than myself). But, every time I shower, comb my hair, or even so much as run my hands down my hair, I lose a handful. As superficial as it may sound, this is my biggest problem. I also have fatigue - as everyone my age is heading out to party or go to bars, I'm literally heading to bed. I can get 10 hours of sleep at night, then crash around 4PM. I try not to nap because it throws off my sleeping pattern even further. Occasionally, I also have dizziness when standing.

I had my thyroid checked, along with a few other things. All normal. I was referred back to my PCP who I will see in about two weeks. I know that a lot of these are classic anxiety/mental health problems. While I'm not discounting them, everything feels too physical. I've always been a nervous person, high-strung even. I've never been clinically diagnosed as having anxiety. Most of these symptoms presented themselves during my summer vacation where I had very little anxiety/stress (most originates from school). Even then, I was sleep upwards of 10 hours a night. I don't disagree with this possibly being a diagnosis,

I'm just not entirely sure. Sorry this has been so longwinded. Does anyone have any further suggestions? Does this sound like it could just be anxiety?

Thanks :)

Hi, thank you for the response.

Thank for for the suggestions, I will ask about them. I think I am also going to be tested for GI issues, such as Celiac.

I'm not discounting the possibility of this being anxiety related, it's just so hard to believe all these symptoms would be present without classic anxiety signs (panic attacks, tachycardia, difficulty breathing). We'll see how the appointment goes, it doesn't help that I get very nervous for doctor's appointments either! I've been like this my whole life, it would be interesting if it just started presenting itself a few months ago.

I'll keep you updated. Thanks again.

Interesting that you mention Celiac...

...if this is the case, you could have a nutrition deficiency due to intrinsic factor issues...which could account for the malabsorption resulting in the symptoms you describe.

Good luck, and yes...keep us updated!

S.C.