Q: These past few weeks, after I eat dinner, every two hours afterwards I'm starving to death (and I try not to eat at night because I know it's very bad), and I eat a large dinner anyways between 5 and 6:30. That's my largest meal of the day. I usually eat breakfast/lunch around 2pm because I get up at 12:30. I don't have a high metabolism, in fact, it's very sluggish, especially in the AM and an hour after I wake up. I can't eat breakfast because of that-or it makes me sick to my stomach. Also, I have an unquenchable thirst for sugary drinks, especially Pepsi. I can't enough of the stuff! Water doesn't cut it. Is there something wrong with me? Should I bring this up to my doctor when I go see her next Thursday? I can't keep eating and drinking like this or I'm going to get fatter than what I am (I'm 5'11" and weigh 205lbs.), I personally LOATHE eating, and I'm desperately trying to lose weight, but my body won't let me. Please help me and give me some suggestions or something! This can't go on anymore! Thanks!
A: You should definitely mention it to the doctor. It sounds like you may have an imbalance with your hormones, specifically your thyroid, or adrenals. Your doctor can do a simple blood test (I think it is called a metabolic panel ) to test the thyroid, adrenals and other hormones. How is your period? If you have heavy periods, or other problems with menstruating you might have some reproductive hormone imbalances too. These are all related, an imbalance in one leads to an imbalance in another. You should also be checked for diabetes. Don't be surprised if your doctor suggests that you are depressed and offers you a prescription for drugs. PLEASE don't just take that. Studies have found that many people who are diagnosed with depression are actually hypothyroid. Many of the symptoms are the same. Insist on the bloodwork and get a different doctor if yours is unwilling. Once you get diagnosed as depressed and accept a Prozak prescription, many insurance companies can choose to refuse you insurance if you ever have to change companies. Leave no stone unturned before going that route. How old are you? No matter what, start getting up at a more normal hour if you can because sleeping late like that is screwing with your body's circadian rhythms which are hormonally connected and dependent on daylight. It is really important that you inform yourself about the possible medical causes for your current state and take action to change it. The doctor may want to go with the easiest route which often is the wrong one, give you some drug to mask your symptoms and send you home to see no change. Your health is important. Good Luck!