We all get tired and worn out from time to time, especially after a lot of physical or mental effort. But some people deal with chronic fatigue, which lasts for months without any clear cause.
Ongoing, unexplained tiredness can often be a sign of an underlying health issue. If you’ve been feeling unusually drained and can’t figure out why, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions. Here are eight possible reasons you might be feeling this way, even if you generally lead a healthy lifestyle.
First, iron deficiency or anemia is a common cause of constant tiredness. Women, due to menstruation, are especially vulnerable to this. Other factors include not getting enough iron in your diet, stomach ulcers, or overuse of certain medications. A lack of vitamin B12 can also result in anemia. A simple blood test can check your iron levels, and if they’re low, you can improve them with supplements and an iron-rich diet.
If your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough hormones T3 and T4, you could have hypothyroidism, which can throw off your hormone balance. Symptoms include weight gain, dry skin, hoarse voice, hair loss, memory problems, muscle pain, and fatigue. Persistent fatigue is a typical sign of hypothyroidism, which can be confirmed by blood tests for TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). This condition can be managed with medication and natural therapies.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is diagnosed when fatigue lasts for more than six months without any clear cause. It affects millions of people in the U.S. and may follow an infectious disease. Besides fatigue, symptoms include cognitive issues like memory problems, poor concentration, and mental fog. If you’ve recently recovered from an illness and have these symptoms, talk to your doctor about CFS.
Intestinal parasites might go unnoticed for a long time, especially if you mistake your digestive issues for something else. Symptoms of a worm infection include abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and unexplained fatigue. Diagnosis is generally through stool tests, and treatments include medications, herbal remedies, and dietary changes. Properly treating parasites is important to prevent complications like intestinal blockages or nutritional deficiencies.
Blood sugar imbalances can also lead to fatigue. People with diabetes often feel exhausted due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Even if you’re not diabetic, it’s a good idea to check your blood sugar to rule out this issue. If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar is key to avoiding constant fatigue.
Not getting enough sleep is an obvious but frequently overlooked cause of daytime tiredness. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can leave you feeling drained and affect your overall health. Additionally, poor lifestyle habits can lead to chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease. A healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet, and adequate sleep are crucial for maintaining energy levels.
Over-exercising can cause adrenal fatigue. If you’re feeling burned out after your workouts, especially heavy weightlifting, it might be a sign you’ve gone beyond your body’s limits. Ensure you’re getting enough rest and following a proper diet. Also, using the right equipment, like a supportive powerlifting belt, can help prevent unnecessary strain and fatigue.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, but its deficiency can also cause chronic fatigue. Other signs of low vitamin D include frequent illnesses, joint pain, muscle pain, hair loss, poor wound healing, and depression. A blood test can determine if you have a deficiency, which can be managed with supplements, sun exposure (with sunscreen), and vitamin D-rich foods.
Besides these eight reasons, other conditions that might cause chronic fatigue include heart disease, liver disease, cancer, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, emphysema, sleep apnea, multiple sclerosis, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, and chronic inflammation. Always consult with your doctor to get the best course of action for your specific situation.