Differential Diagnosis for Fatigue and Weight Gain
The following differential diagnosis is organized into categories to help guide the thought process.
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hypothyroidism: This condition is characterized by a decrease in thyroid hormone production, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. It is a common endocrine disorder that can be easily diagnosed with blood tests.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that can cause weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles and acne.
- Depression: A mental health condition that can cause fatigue, weight gain, and changes in appetite.
- Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes: Conditions that can cause weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms such as increased thirst and urination.
- Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder that can cause fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cushing's Syndrome: A rare endocrine disorder caused by excess cortisol production, which can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms such as high blood pressure and glucose intolerance. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening.
- Pituitary Tumor: A rare tumor that can cause an overproduction of certain hormones, leading to weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms such as headaches and vision changes.
- Adrenal Insufficiency: A rare condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms such as low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances.
Rare Diagnoses
- Acromegaly: A rare endocrine disorder caused by excess growth hormone production, which can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms such as joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Prader-Willi Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that can cause weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms such as short stature and intellectual disability.
- Myxedema: A rare condition caused by severe hypothyroidism, which can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms such as dry skin and hair loss.