Differential Diagnosis for Extreme Tiredness Post-Delivery
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Postpartum fatigue: This is the most common cause of tiredness post-delivery, often due to sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn. The fact that moods are reported as okay suggests that this might be more related to physical exhaustion rather than a mood disorder.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Anemia: Common in postpartum women, especially if there was significant blood loss during delivery. Anemia can cause extreme tiredness.
- Thyroid dysfunction: Postpartum thyroiditis can occur and may present with fatigue, among other symptoms.
- Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea or insomnia can significantly contribute to tiredness and are not uncommon in the postpartum period.
- Dehydration and nutritional deficiencies: Lack of adequate fluids, iron, or other essential nutrients can lead to feelings of extreme tiredness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Postpartum hemorrhage (late): Although less common, late postpartum hemorrhage can occur and may present with fatigue among other symptoms due to blood loss.
- Pulmonary embolism: A life-threatening condition that can present with sudden onset of fatigue, among other symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain.
- Cardiomyopathy: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and palpitations.
- Infection (e.g., endometritis, mastitis): Can cause significant fatigue, along with fever, pain, and other localized symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sheehan syndrome: A rare condition caused by necrosis of the pituitary gland, usually resulting from severe postpartum hemorrhage. It can lead to hypopituitarism, presenting with fatigue among other symptoms.
- Adrenal insufficiency: Though rare, it can occur postpartum and cause fatigue, weight loss, and hypotension.
- Mitochondrial myopathies: Rare genetic disorders affecting the mitochondria, which can cause extreme fatigue, among other symptoms.