What is fatigue?
Fatigue is defined as an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy that doesn't go away with rest or sleep. It can make even simple tasks difficult to complete.
There are two main types of fatigue:
- Physical fatigue: Feeling tired from physical activity, exercise, or work. This type of fatigue is usually temporary and goes away after resting.
- Mental fatigue: Feeling drained from mental effort. This may happen after intense periods of focus, stress, or concentration. Mental fatigue may not go away with sleep.
What causes fatigue?
Many factors can contribute to feelings of tiredness including:
- Lack of sleep
- Chronic health conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders
- Poor diet or nutrition
- Dehydration
- Stress and anxiety
- Medications
- Hormonal imbalances - An imbalance in hormones like cortisol, melatonin or testosterone can disrupt sleep cycles and energy levels. This is why many people see great results by working with a functional medicine practitioner like Vitality Hormone Clinic to optimize their hormone health.
How is fatigue diagnosed?
If fatigue lasts longer than 2 weeks or severely impacts daily life, see your doctor. They will do a physical exam, ask about lifestyle, and may order blood tests or sleep studies to uncover any underlying issues.
Treatments for fatigue
- Get enough high-quality sleep
- Reduce stress through relaxation techniques
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
- Stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake
- Get regular exercise matched to fitness level
- Treat any underlying medical issues
- Hormone therapy - For fatigue related to imbalances like low testosterone or thyroid disorders, hormone replacement under medical supervision can help restore energy.
Managing fatigue takes time and consistency. But simple healthy lifestyle choices and working with knowledgeable health professionals can reduce general tiredness and help you feel energized again!
For those still struggling with low energy despite lifestyle changes, the expert physicians at Vitality Hormone Clinic provide cutting-edge hormone testing and optimization treatments tailored to your unique hormonal needs. Reach out today to see how they can help you regain your zest for life!