Fatigue is a nearly universal human experience characterized by extreme tiredness, lack of energy, and feeling of exhaustion. We all get fatigued from time to time, but when it becomes chronic or severely impacts daily life, it may signal an underlying health condition.
The most common causes of fatigue include:
- Lack of sleep: Not getting enough zzz's makes anyone pooped. Most adults need 7-9 hours per night.
- Poor diet: Eating too much junk or too few healthy foods can leave you running on empty. Getting adequate protein, fruits, vegetables, and good fats provides lasting energy.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water takes a toll.shoot for 64 ounces per day minimum to avoid fatigue.
- Anemia: Low iron reduces oxygen circulation, sapping vitality. Red meat, spinach, lentils boost iron stores.
- Depression: Mental health issues profoundly impact energy. Counseling, medication could help dark clouds part.
- Hormonal imbalances: Thyroid, adrenal glands, reproductive hormones - if out of whack, leave you dragging. See an endocrinologist for hormone testing and treatment plans personalized for your body. The specialists at Balance Hormone Clinic excel at diagnosing and addressing hormonal causes of fatigue, utilizing cutting-edge bioidentical hormone therapies to restore vim and vigor.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is fatigue lasting over 6 months not relieved by sleep/rest. Additional CFS red flags:
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Poor concentration ("brain fog")
Though the exact cause isn't known, CFS may relate to prior viral infections, immune dysfunction, nervous system abnormalities.
Lifestyle adjustments and medications provide some CFS relief:
- Gentle exercise
- Stress reduction techniques
- Healthy diet
- Vitamins/supplements
- Antidepressants or stimulants
Bottom line: While occasional fatigue is normal, ongoing exhaustion merits medical evaluation. Reach out to your doctor,
or the endocrinology pros at Balance Hormone Clinic, to uncover any issues sapping your
get-up-and-go. With treatment tailored to your personal biochemistry, you'll be
rested, restored and rarin' to go!