Treatment, which is almost always successful, consists of stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin. When taken regularly, the medicines block sleep attacks and lessen the muscular weakness. Although narcolepsy is not curable by present methods, its symptoms are certainly controllable. If your son follows medical advice, he should be able to live a full and normal life. I've been tested for diabetes, thyroid problems and lupus with negative results.
Oral contraceptives do cause depression and fatigue in some women.
The reason for this is unknown. However, the combination of a full-time job and a family are, to me, a more compelling explanation. Most men and women who hold down jobs outside the home are tired enough when they return home, without the additional responsibility of a family with all the typical chores and problems. Therefore, perhaps your exhaustion might be lessened if you were to obtain some help at home, either from a considerate husband or from a care-giver. Of course, your doctor was correct in checking you for treatable metabolic causes of fatigue.