Fatigue Causes (2024)

FAQs

Fatigue Causes? ›

Usually, lifestyle factors are the cause. For example, fatigue may stem from lack of sleep, dietary choices, and too much or too little exercise. Other common causes of fatigue include medication side effects, depression, allergies, viral infections, pregnancy, or medical conditions.

Medical causes– unrelenting exhaustion may be a sign of an underlying illness or condition (such as flu, glandular fever, chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid disorders, heart disease or diabetes). Lifestyle-related causes – alcohol or drugs or lack of regular exercise can lead to feelings of fatigue.

Red flags, which may point towards serious underlying pathology, include constitutional symptoms (unintentional loss of weight, loss of appetite, fever), recent onset in a previously well older patient, unexplained lymphadenopathy and abnormal bleeding.

Not getting enough sleep is one reason why you may be tired. Other possible reasons include nutrient deficiencies, stress, an underlying health condition, and drug side effects. If you have chronic fatigue, see a doctor for a diagnosis. If you're feeling overly tired or have little energy, you're not alone.

Menopause fatigue is often referred to as 'crushing'. It's a feeling of overwhelming, sudden 'crashing' tiredness, something akin to how we feel when we're coming down with a virus - a feeling of being drained, not being able to concentrate or keep your eyes open, and something that doesn't improve with sleep.

Drug Therapies

Antidepressants often prescribed for chronic fatigue include: Tricyclics: amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), notriptyline (Pamelor) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)

Nutrient deficiencies

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, iron, and magnesium, are among the most common causes of unexplained fatigue. Vitamin D deficiencies affect over 50% of the global population, and approximately 12.5% have iron deficiency anemia.

What is the body test for fatigue? ›

It includes a full blood count and tests for vitamin D, inflammation, iron levels including ferritin and thyroid function tests. Analysis of 9 essential biomarkers including: Full Blood Count. Iron levels.

Fatigue can be a sign of a serious health condition. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have fatigue along with other symptoms, such as: Shortness of breath or pain in your chest, arm or upper back. Heartbeat that's unusually fast (tachycardia) or slow (bradycardia).

Immune system changes -- ME/CFS may be triggered by changes in the way a person's immune system responds to stress or illness. Mental or physical stress -- Many people with ME/CFS have been under serious mental or physical stress before becoming ill.

If you don't get enough vitamins and minerals in your diet, or enough glucose (sugar) in your blood, this can make you feel tired, lack energy and feel foggy. Not having enough iron in your blood can cause fatigue. This is called Iron deficiency. It may be that you're not getting enough iron in your diet.

The following factors can contribute to fatigue, either alone or in combination: Psychological and psychosocial – stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical – anemia, diabetes, glandular fever, and cancer. Physiological – pregnancy, breast-feeding, inadequate sleep, and excessive exercise.

Well, this depends on a person's age, health, fitness level and lifestyle. Generally, the more years that pass, the more you'll value your beauty sleep, and its true senior fatigue is a real thing. However, most people start experiencing a decline in their energy levels by the time they reach their mid-thirties.

The thyroid is a small gland at the base of your neck. It controls your metabolism, the speed at which your body converts fuel into energy. When the gland is underactive and the metabolism functions too slowly, you may feel sluggish and put on weight.

Fatigue can be a sign of a serious health condition. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have fatigue along with other symptoms, such as: Shortness of breath or pain in your chest, arm or upper back. Heartbeat that's unusually fast (tachycardia) or slow (bradycardia).