I’m a 25 year old female who has been experiencing constant fatigue (no matter how much sleep I actually get), a lack of concentration and occasional headaches and occasional rapid heart rate. I am within my healthy weight range (I’m 5′4″ and 121 lbs), although I’m trying to lose a few pounds with gradual diet changes (more veggies, etc.), getting more exercise (although this has been difficult lately) and taking a daily multivitamin.

I had a physical earlier this year and my heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol, and iron levels were fine. I do take the generic form of Ortho-Tri-Cyclen and have been for about 6 years with no problems. I also have asthma, but haven’t had any problems or need for my inhaler in months.

In other words, I’m a generally healthy and happy woman, but over the past few months, I’ve been tired and distracted no matter what I do. This is especially frustrating since I’m at the end of my first semester of grad school, and concentration is key right now! If you have any advice or suggestions as to what could be wrong, please let me know!

Posted by: Maria/ MD Health Forum.com Team

Your symptoms require an evaluation of your health care provider. Constant fatigue, concentration difficulty, headaches and increased heart rate may occur in various health conditions including: different types of anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome and psychiatric problems such as general anxiety disorder.

Patients with anemia may complain of the same symptoms that you mentioned as a result of the lack of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. This will diminish the ability of your blood to transport oxygen to your cells. Increased heart may occur in anemia because your heart works harder to provide enough oxygen to nourish your cells. When your cells are not getting enough oxygen, they fail to function efficiently and this will cause fatigue. Diminished oxygen supply to your brain cells will also contribute to concentration difficulty.

Anemia may be caused by poor nutrition. Vitamins and minerals are needed for your body to make red blood cells. Changes to the diet may sometime cause a number of health problems. It’s best to follow your health care provider’s or dietitian’s recommendations. When trying to lose weight, it is important to make sure that you still get enough nutrients for your body to maintain its normal functions. Insufficient dietary intake of iron and Vitamin B 12 increases one’s risk of anemia.

Fatigue that goes away after you rest could be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition can limit you ability to carry out common activities of daily living. Its symptoms include fatigue for 6 months or more, muscle pain, memory problems, headaches, pain in the joints, sleep problems, sore throat and tender lymph nodes. These symptoms may also occur in other illnesses, making chronic fatigue syndrome difficult diagnose.

I’ve read that millions of American adults experience general anxiety disorder (GAD), a condition characterized by constant anxiety that interferes with normal activities and relationships. The causes of generalized anxiety disorder is not yet completely understood. It may have something to do with naturally occurring brain chemicals. Genetics, environmental and psychological factors such as stress, are also thought to play a part in the development of GAD.

The other symptoms that you mentioned: tiredness and headache, are among the side effects of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. It is important to notify your doctor if you are taking vitamins, minerals and herbal products as some products may interact with Ortho Tri-cyclen.

I recommend that you discuss with your doctor how those symptoms have been affecting your day-to-day activities. Identifying the underlying condition that has been causing your symptoms is an important step towards an effective treatment. Good luck.

This blog entry is for your general information only.

References:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america/index.shtml
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/chronicfatiguesyndrome.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/generalized-anxiety-disorder/DS00502

Tags: anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Fatigue, GAD, General Anxiety Disorder, rapid heart rate, tiredness

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