Fatigue is a common symptom of women's health conditions.
There are many hormone-related and reproductive conditions that are specific to women, but women are also more prone than men to several other conditions, such as thyroid problems and auto-immune diseases. These health problems often cause vague signs and symptoms that make it hard for doctors to come up with an accurate diagnosis.
Hair Growth
While some women are genetically prone to excess body hair, it can often be a symptom of an underlying health problem, especially if it appears suddenly. New hair growth on the face, chest or back, or thickening of the hair on the extremities, can be a sign or hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary disease, Cushing's disease or an underactive thyroid. It can also be a sign of ovarian or adrenal gland cancers. The hair growth is usually caused by an overproduction of male sex hormones or an underproduction of female sex hormones.
Irregular Periods
While many women experience irregularity in their menstrual cycles from time to time, chronic irregular periods can be a sign of a health problem. Failure to menstruate or fewer-than-normal periods is a a common symptom of polycystic ovary disease, according to CNN.com. Irregular periods can also be a sign of other hormone disorders, such as hyperthyroidism. Kidshealth.org says that if you experience irregular periods for more than three years, or have other symptoms such as increased hair growth and muscle mass, you should see a doctor, as these might be signs of a hormone imbalance.
Weight Gain
Weight gain, especially for no apparent cause, is another sign of a health problem in a woman. As with hair growth and menstrual irregularities, a hormone imbalance is often the cause of this unexplained weight gain. Polycystic ovary disease can cause weight gain, as can an underactive thyroid. Weight gain can also be a symptom of depression.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom in health conditions that affect women. It is a main symptom in chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as a common symptom of fibromyalgia. The causes of these conditions are not known, but they are much more common in women than in men. Fatigue is also a prime symptom of the auto-immune disease lupus, as well as of depression and hyperthyroidism.
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