3. Concussion
Concussion, like dehydration, can cause headaches. As far as children are concerned, Dana Cohen, MD, an integrative medicine doctor based in New York City, says it’s important for them to be hydrated before a doctor evaluates them for concussion.
“When a doctor is trying to diagnose a concussion in a kid, which has symptoms including dizziness and headache, it’s hardly ever taken into account that dehydration has very similar symptoms,” Dr. Cohen says. “You may be misdiagnosed with a concussion early on when you were just dehydrated.”
Or vice versa: Concussion can be mistaken for dehydration. Concussions require emergency care if accompanied by vomiting, changes in behavior and coordination, or a loss of consciousness that lasts longer than 30 seconds.
4. Menopause
Like dehydration, menopause is usually accompanied by symptoms such as irritability and dryness.
“If you’re losing estrogen, you’re drying out all over the place,” Cohen says.
Hashmi says dehydration can lead to dry skin that loses its elasticity. But if you’re a woman in your forties or fifties and notice dryness in the vaginal region, and perhaps also experience irregularities with your period, menopause could be to blame.
“That could be something to look into if you know you’re hydrating properly and [the dryness doesn’t go away],” Cohen says.
5. Sjögren’s Syndrome
Dry mouth can be the body’s way of telling you to take in more fluids. But the eyes also have a lot to say when it comes to hydration.
Your doctor will likely measure your tear production and check for a damaged cornea, which may indicate Sjögren’s syndrome and not dehydration.
6. Liver Disease
Talk to any hydration expert and he or she will tell you to pay attention to the color of your urine to know how hydrated you are. Pale yellow? You’re in the clear. But a dark color could be a sign you’re in need of some water. Or, it could indicate a problem with your liver.
When bile is being blocked inside or outside the liver, which is called cholestasis, your urine may be darker than usual. Be on the lookout for other signs that something’s not right with your liver, such as pale stools or a yellow tint to your skin and eyes, which are signs of a condition called jaundice.
7. Hypothyroidism
The condition occurs when the body’s thyroid gland isn’t working properly, and it’s something you’ll want to get checked out. If left untreated, it could lead to infertility, obesity, or heart disease, among other conditions.
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