Fatigue - Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & More

6/11/2019 Fatigue: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & More
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Causes of Fatigue and How to Manage It

Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, MD on May 2, 2019 Recently Updated — Written by
Krista O'Connell
Causes When to see a doctor Treatment Lifestyle changes
Overview
Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of
energy. It isn’t the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. When you’re
fatigued, you have no motivation and no energy. Being sleepy may be a
symptom of fatigue, but it’s not the same thing.
Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions that range in

severity from mild to serious. It’s also a natural result of some lifestyle
choices, such as lack of exercise or poor diet.
If your fatigue doesn’t resolve with proper rest and nutrition, or you
suspect it’s caused by an underlying physical or mental health condition,
see your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your fatigue and
work with you to treat it.
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What causes fatigue?


There are many Apotential causes
DVERTISEMEN T of fatigue. They can be divided into
three general categories:
https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue 1/10
lifestyle factors
physical health conditions
mental health issues
Lifestyle factors
If you’re experiencing fatigue, your activities and other lifestyle choices

may be the root cause. For example, fatigue can result from:
physical exertion
lack of physical activity

lack of sleep
being overweight or obese

periods of emotional stress
boredom
grief
taking certain medications, such as antidepressants or sedatives
using alcohol on a regular basis

using illicit drugs, such as cocaine
consuming too much caffeine

not eating a nutritious diet
Physical health conditions
Many medical conditions can also cause fatigue. Examples include:
anemia
arthritis
fibromyalgia
chronic fatigue syndrome
infections, such as cold and flu

Addison’s disease, a disorder that can affect your hormone levels
hypothyroidism, 
A D V E R T I or
S E Munderactive
ENT thyroid
hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid
sleep disorders, such as insomnia
eating disorders, such as anorexia

autoimmune disorders
congestive heart failure
cancer
diabetes
kidney disease
liver disease
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

emphysema
Mental health issues
Mental health conditions can also lead to fatigue. For example, fatigue is a
common symptom of anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder.
When is it time to see your doctor?

You should make an appointment with your doctor if you’re feeling
fatigued and you:
can’t think of anything that might account for your fatigue

have a higher-than-normal body temperature
have experienced unexplained weight loss
feel very sensitive to colder temperatures

regularly have trouble falling or staying asleep
believe you may be depressed
If you’ve made efforts to address the most common lifestyle causes, such
as lack of rest, poor eating habits, and stress, without success, and your
fatigue has continued for two weeks or more, make an appointment with
your doctor.
In some cases, your fatigue might be caused by a serious medical


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condition. Go to the hospital immediately if you experience fatigue along
with any of the following symptoms:
rectal bleeding
vomiting blood
severe headache
pain in your chest area
feelings of faintness
irregular heartbeat
shortness of breath
severe pain in your abdominal, back, or pelvic region
thoughts of suicide or self-harm
thoughts of harming another person
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How will your doctor treat fatigue?

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
Your doctor’s recommended treatment plan will depend on what’s

causing your fatigue. To make a diagnosis, they will likely ask you
questions about:
the nature of your fatigue, including when it started and whether it

gets better or worse at certain times
other symptoms that you’ve been experiencing

other medical conditions that you have
your lifestyle and sources of stress
medications that you’re taking
If your doctor suspects you have an underlying medical condition that’s

causing your fatigue, they may order some medical tests. For example,
they may order blood or urine tests.
What are some lifestyle changes that can help

reduce fatigue?
A number of measures can help lessen fatigue caused by daily activities.
To help boost your energy levels and overall health:
drink enough fluids to stay hydrated
practice healthy eating habits
exercise on a regular basis
get enough sleep

avoid known stressors
avoid a work or social schedule that’s overly demanding
take part in relaxing activities, such as yoga

abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs
These lifestyle changes may help ease your fatigue. It’s also important to
follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan for any diagnosed
health conditions. If left untreated, fatigue can take a toll on your physical
and emotional well-being.
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6/11/2019 Fatigue: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & More

Causes of Fatigue and How to Manage It

Causes When to see a doctor Treatment Lifestyle changes

Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions that range in

What causes fatigue?

physical health conditions

mental health issues

If you’re experiencing fatigue, your activities and other lifestyle choices

lack of physical activity

being overweight or obese

using alcohol on a regular basis

consuming too much caffeine

Physical health conditions

Many medical conditions can also cause fatigue. Examples include:

infections, such as cold and flu

sleep disorders, such as insomnia

eating disorders, such as anorexia

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Mental health issues

When is it time to see your doctor?

can’t think of anything that might account for your fatigue

have experienced unexplained weight loss

feel very sensitive to colder temperatures

believe you may be depressed

In some cases, your fatigue might be caused by a serious medical

thoughts of suicide or self-harm

thoughts of harming another person

HEALTHLINE PARTNER SOLUTIONS

Get Answers from a Doctor in Minutes,

ASK A DOCTOR NOW

How will your doctor treat fatigue?

Your doctor’s recommended treatment plan will depend on what’s

the nature of your fatigue, including when it started and whether it

other symptoms that you’ve been experiencing

your lifestyle and sources of stress

medications that you’re taking

If your doctor suspects you have an underlying medical condition that’s

What are some lifestyle changes that can help

drink enough fluids to stay hydrated

practice healthy eating habits

exercise on a regular basis

get enough sleep

avoid a work or social schedule that’s overly demanding

take part in relaxing activities, such as yoga

READ THIS NEXT

10 Reasons You’re Always Tired (And What

Feeling tired on a regular basis is extremely common. This article outlines

CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder characterized by extreme

12 Diet Hacks to Reduce Chronic Fatigue

13 Fatigue-Fighting Hacks to Supercharge

What’s Causing My Fatigue and Nausea?

Adrenal Fatigue Treatment

Can I Be Tested for Adrenal Fatigue?

Some healthcare providers subscribe to the theory of a condition known

Ask the Expert: Treating MS Relapses and

Why Do I Feel Tired After Eating? 

Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, RD, LD

The Adrenal Fatigue (AF) Diet

You may be able to reduce symptoms of adrenal fatigue by changing your

Get our wellness

Enter your email

Your privacy is important to us. Any information you