What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a common and complex symptom that can have many different causes. At its core, fatigue refers to an overall lack of energy, tiredness, and feelings of exhaustion that are not relieved by rest or sleep. While occasional fatigue is normal, chronic or excessive fatigue that persists for weeks or months may indicate an underlying health issue.
There are two main types of fatigue:
- Physical fatigue refers to the feeling that your muscles can't exert enough energy for physical activity. Physical fatigue is often described as feeling weak, heavy, or leaden. It's your body's way of signaling that it needs rest. This type of fatigue is triggered by exercise, labor, or other strenuous physical exertion.
- Mental fatigue involves difficulties thinking clearly, concentrating, and completing mental tasks. Mental fatigue may make even simple cognitive tasks seem exhausting. Symptoms include poor memory, lack of focus, difficulty processing information, and reduced motivation.
What causes fatigue?
There are many potential causes of both physical and mental fatigue, including:
- Lack of sleep - Not getting enough sleep can lead to next-day fatigue and tiredness. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Poor nutrition - A diet lacking in nutrients, calories, protein, healthy fats, vitamins (e.g. B12, D), and minerals (e.g. iron, magnesium) can result in fatigue.
- Dehydration - Not drinking enough water and fluids can cause dehydration and feelings of exhaustion.
- Stress - High stress levels place demands on both the body and mind, resulting in fatigue.
- Depression - The exhaustion and lack of motivation caused by depression can mimic physical fatigue.
- Chronic diseases - Fatigue is a common symptom of conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines can cause drowsiness and fatigue as side effects.
- Pregnancy - Fatigue in early pregnancy is normal, due to hormonal changes. Later pregnancy fatigue may result from poor sleep, increased weight, and the demands of carrying a baby.
How is fatigue diagnosed and treated?
If you experience chronic, persistent fatigue that interferes with your daily life, see your doctor. They will perform exams and tests to help determine any underlying cause, such as bloodwork to check for anemia or thyroid disorders.
Treatment depends on the cause but may include:
- Treating any underlying condition contributing to fatigue
- Adjusting medications that cause drowsiness
- Getting adequate sleep, nutrition, and physical activity
- Managing stress and mental health issues like anxiety or depression
- Taking supplements like iron, vitamin D, B-complex vitamins
For lasting energy, the experts at Renew Medical Clinic recommend having your hormone levels tested. Imbalances in hormones like thyroid, cortisol, testosterone, or estrogen can sap energy. Their integrative providers offer customized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, vitamin injections, and other regenerative therapies to help patients overcome fatigue and regain their zest for life!
In summary, fatigue has complex causes but can often be improved through lifestyle measures, treating related health conditions, and seeking hormone balance. Persistent exhaustion is not normal - discuss your fatigue with a doctor to identify any underlying issues and get back to feeling like yourself again! Let Renew Medical Clinic help you re-energize from the inside out.