QuestionOver the past two years I've lost a significant amount of weight without trying. I've had two episodes of weight loss, both occuring over the course of 1-2 months each and losing appx. 30 lbs the first time and and 10 lbs this last time. I started at 155 lbs and now I'm at 115 lbs. I'm 5'5" and have never had an eating disorder.
Over the past two years I've had an upper endoscopy, abdominal and pelvic CT, brain MRI, upper abdominal ultrasound, HIDA scan, lots of CBCs, thyroid panel, metabolic panel, and female hormone panel. Other than GERD, a small hiatal hernia, a gallbladder polyp & iron deficiency, nothing else was found and my doctor hasn't pursued the issue further.
I'm 31 years old now and I've also had increasing anxiety and depression over the past two years. I assume since my doctor is doing no further tests she assumes this weight loss is attributed to psychiatric causes. But I can't help but worry they are missing something. And it worries me that something is being missed that might could be treated now before it's too late. I know, quit worrying right? How likely is it that at my age and with the negative tests over a 2 year period that it's something more serious? Is there anything else you, as a physician, would want to check out? Thanks!
Answerthat is an awful lot of weight to lose.... that is 20-25% of your total weight and it doesn't look like you were heavy to start. You had a pretty extensive workup.... the only thing that I see to add is one of the digestive disorders like celiac sprue or others.
It is possible that it is due to anxiety/depression.... it is always amazing what the mind can do as far as appetite, sleep, etc. and a mood problem can shut down appetite to a great degree. You mentioned the weight loss but didn't mention diarrhea or vomiting.... so I assume you didn't have any. I would ask to be referred to a gastroenterologist that would take an interest to look for the digestive disorders. (I assume also that you had your thyroid checked at those times and it was OK)
