Ask Dr. Marie: Are Oprah's Ills Really Thyroid-Related?

Medications and Side Effects

I suspect much of our patient's side effects came from medications such as beta blockers or perhaps some other blood pressure medications. These drugs should not be stopped suddenly as the risk of a sudden return of the rapid pulse could lead to a heart attack or even a stroke. I presume our patient lowered the dose gradually and was weaned off these medications.

What is her blood pressure now? Some patients with high blood pressure can safely stop their medications for long periods of time if they make the necessary changes to their lifestyle -- such as engaging in daily exercise, limiting salt intake, eating more fruits and vegetables and trying to limit stress or sleep problems. We call this a drug holiday. Unfortunately most people with high blood pressure eventually need the addition of some medication -- even with the healthiest lifestyle.

What is the underlying cause of our patient's weight gain and fatigue?

Our patient appears to work almost 24/7 and admittedly was not sleeping for days at a time at the onset of her medical problems. I know myself how important sleep is to my overall health. A good night's sleep of seven to eight hours a night is now known to be critical to good health, a strong immune system and even to maintaining a healthy weight.

Studies in children and adults have linked reduced sleep (fewer than six hours a night for adults) to impaired glucose tolerance and weight gain (specifically a gain in waist size from accumulation of the dangerous belly fat from rise in cortisol). Increased stress and reduced sleep are perhaps occurring in epidemic proportions and is almost certainly a factor in many patients who are having difficulty with low energy and losing weight.

Regardless of the precise medical circumstances of our fictitious patient, in the end, every patient comes to us with a unique and very personal story. None of us can know what our patient or Winfrey is going through or how best she can proceed to regain her health. I do believe very strongly however that she did listen to her body and believes in her own power to get better -- which is first and foremost. Our body's health radar works best, yet partnering with a trusted doctor who takes time to listen to you is critical too.

I wish all of you the best this new year.

Dr. Marie Savard is an ABC News medical contributor. To learn more about Savard's health management system, download free forms and a sample letter to your doctor, visit http://www.drsavard.com and click on "Learn how to take charge of your health."