Fatigue
Author: Chhaya Makhija, MD, DipABLM
Board certified specialist in Endocrinology & Lifestyle Medicine
"I am tired" is the anthem we're all singing by the time Friday hits. But here's the thing - with the right rest, self-care, and a bit of reflection, we can turn the tide on fatigue. Let's dive into it together!
🔍 What's Fatigue? It is subjective and could be tiredness or lethargy or a sense of mental fatigue and exhaustion. There is no universally accepted definition, hence it's evaluation is dependent on an individual's comprehensive history, lifestyle, habits, physical examination, laboratory tests and critical analysis and interpretation.
Consider the common culprits in your routine:
Inadequate sleep 😴
Disturbed sleep (Insomnia, pesky thoughts, worries, pain - what's keeping you up?)
Not fueling your body adequately 🍏
Excess intake of processed foods or heavy fatty meals 🍔
Overexertion without proper rest and hydration 🏋️♂️
Unaddressed chronic pain 🩹
If none of these ring a bell, reflect on recent sickness, recovery, medications, or travel. 🤒✈️. It just takes time for the body to recover and recuperate.
💉 When was Your Last Blood Test? Here is a list of conditions that I look at and consider ruling out:
Anemia 🩸
Infection 🤧
Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus 🩺
Vitamin D deficiency ☀️
Vitamin B12 deficiency 🌈
Thyroid disorder 🦋
Sleep apnea or disorder 💤
For Women: Irregular menstrual cycles, perimenopause, Menopause 🌸
For Men: Low testosterone 🚹 (common causes: due to use of exogeneous testosterone supplements, steroids OR due to obesity, sleep apnea, chronic diseases OR due to testicular disorders OR pituitary tumor).
If none of the above: then we as physicians look into an in-depth list like
Mental health disorders 🧠, Heart conditions like heart failure ❤️, heart disease, Lung disorders 🫁, malignancies, chronic inflammatory conditions, and other hormonal and mineral deficiencies to name a few.
The list is extensive, and while "internet search" might offer some insights, it won't provide all the answers and solutions. It's time to seek expertise. 📚⚕️
🔍 Breaking the Vicious Circle
I often hear from my patients about the challenges this creates - a necessary and sometimes overwhelming loop of worry. I want you to know that you're not alone in this experience. It's crucial to recognize that seeking care with your dedicated healthcare team is the key to breaking free from this cycle. 🚑💙
💡 Your Health, Your Priority
If you don't already have a medical care team, I encourage you to take that step. Your health is a priority, and having a team by your side ensures personalized guidance and support tailored to your unique needs. 🤝💙
Feel free to reach out if you'd like to schedule a consultation. Together, we can navigate your concerns, address your symptoms, and chart a path towards a healthier, worry-free you. 🌟
Your well-being is at the heart of what we do. Here's to taking proactive steps for a healthier and happier you!