Fatigue - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is fatigue?

Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, or lack of energy. It's a common symptom that can have many different causes.

There are two main types of fatigue:

• Physical fatigue - This refers to an inability to continue exercising or performing physical tasks at normal capacity. Your muscles feel weak and heavy, and you may experience muscle aches or soreness.
• Mental fatigue - This involves difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, forgetfulness, or mood changes like irritability. Your mind feels foggy and it's hard to focus on tasks.

Fatigue is a normal response to physical or mental exertion, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. It signals that your body needs rest and recovery time. However, fatigue becomes problematic when it is:

• Chronic - Lasting longer than 6 months
• Persistent - Present even when you're rested
• Severe - Interferes with daily activities
• Unexplained - Not linked to a medical condition or other cause

What causes fatigue?

• Lack of sleep - Not getting 7-9 hours per night
• Poor diet - Low protein, vitamins, minerals
• Dehydration - Not drinking enough water
• Sedentary lifestyle - Inactivity and lack of exercise
• Chronic stress - Work, relationships, finances, trauma
• Medical conditions - Anemia, cancer, heart disease, thyroid disorder, autoimmune disease, obesity, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome
• Medications - Antihistamines, blood pressure meds, pain relievers

How is fatigue diagnosed?

Your doctor will take a medical history, ask about symptoms, and perform a physical exam. They may recommend blood tests to check for potential underlying conditions such as anemia, thyroid dysfunction, or vitamin deficiencies.

How is fatigue treated?

• Get adequate sleep - Stick to a regular sleep-wake schedule
• Improve diet - Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Increase physical activity - 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
• Reduce stress - Relaxation techniques, counseling
• Treat underlying medical conditions - Follow doctor's orders
• Change medications - Consult with prescribing physician
• Supplements - Iron, vitamin D, B vitamins, etc.

Severe or chronic unexplained fatigue may require specialized treatment. Vitality Hormone Clinic offers advanced testing and personalized care for fatigue and low energy. Our expert physicians evaluate hormone, nutrient, and metabolism imbalances that can contribute to exhaustion. We create customized treatment plans to help you regain vibrant energy and zest for life. Ask us how bioidentical hormone replacement, IV vitamin therapy, and other innovative solutions can overcome your fatigue!

In conclusion, fatigue is the body's way of signaling it needs rest. While occasional tiredness is normal, chronic or excessive fatigue can degrade quality of life. Identifying and addressing the root causes - whether medical, lifestyle, or mental - is key to resolving fatigue issues. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people can find relief from exhausting fatigue and reclaim their energy.