Family doctor Evaldas Šivickas from the Health Solutions Center “Antėja” notes that fatigue is a very common but nonspecific symptom. It can be caused by simple sleep deprivation or prolonged emotional stress, but sometimes it may also be a sign of anemia, thyroid dysfunction, infection, metabolic disorders, or other diseases.
“It is important for the doctor to identify the cause of the symptoms so that not only the consequences but also the underlying problem can be treated. Taking vitamins and dietary supplements ‘just in case’ does not necessarily help. If the body is not lacking a specific substance, additional intake usually does not solve the main cause of fatigue. Moreover, starting supplements before tests are done can alter some test results and no longer reflect the true initial condition of the body,” the specialist notes.
According to him, it is also important to remember that supplements are not completely harmless. Excessive doses of some vitamins or trace elements can cause adverse effects, interact with medications, or lead to an excess of certain substances in the body.
The most common causes of fatigue
Vitamin or trace element deficiency is just one of many possible causes of fatigue. According to the doctor, one of the more common causes is anemia, which can develop due to iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiency, as well as chronic diseases, bleeding, or other reasons.
“Fatigue can also be caused by impaired thyroid function. Other important causes include diabetes, chronic kidney or liver diseases, heart and lung diseases, acute or prolonged infections, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Fatigue can persist even after some viral infections,” says E. Šivickas.
Additionally, he says, fatigue is very often caused by disturbed sleep. A person may sleep enough hours, but due to snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or frequent awakenings, the sleep quality may be poor. Then the person wakes up in the morning unrefreshed and feels drowsy and lacking energy during the day.
Vitamin or trace element deficiency is just one of many possible causes of fatigue.
Psychological well-being is also important. Prolonged stress, anxiety disorders, emotional burnout, or depression can manifest not only as a bad mood but also as lack of energy, sleep changes, decreased motivation, and physical exhaustion.
When assessing fatigue, it is always important to review the medications being taken. Drowsiness or decreased energy can be caused by some sedatives, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, or other drugs.
Who should pay more attention to fatigue
Although fatigue can affect anyone, for some groups of people, prolonged or changed fatigue may be an important signal worth paying more attention to.
For women of reproductive age, especially those with heavy menstruation, fatigue may be related to iron deficiency. It is important to know that iron stores can be depleted even before pronounced anemia develops.
“During pregnancy, some fatigue is common due to changes occurring in the body, but severe or worsening weakness may also be related to anemia, thyroid dysfunction, or other conditions, so it should not be automatically attributed solely to pregnancy,” explains the family doctor.
For older people, newly developed or progressing fatigue may be a sign of chronic disease, infection, anemia, heart dysfunction, or adverse drug effects. In older age, some diseases may present not with typical symptoms but with general weakness, decreased activity, or appetite loss.
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More attention is also needed for people with chronic diseases – diabetes, heart, lung, kidney, liver, or autoimmune diseases. A change in the nature of fatigue may indicate worsening disease control or emerging complications.
It is worth consulting a doctor
After a stressful week, lack of sleep, or increased physical and emotional strain, fatigue is a natural reaction of the body. Usually, the condition improves after sleeping, resting, and adjusting work and rest schedules.
“You should see a doctor if fatigue lasts for several weeks, does not go away with rest, gradually worsens, or starts interfering with daily activities – work, studies, physical activity, or usual household chores. More attention should also be paid if there is unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, recurring fever, or heavy night sweats,” advises E. Šivickas.
You should see a doctor if fatigue lasts for several weeks.
Other important symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, frequent or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.
You should also consult a doctor if you notice unusual paleness, frequent bruising, bleeding, or enlarged lymph nodes.
Tests help find the cause
According to E. Šivickas, tests for the cause of fatigue are usually selected based on the patient’s age, duration and nature of fatigue, diet, lifestyle, comorbidities, medications, and signs found during examination.
“Testing usually starts with a complete blood count. It helps detect anemia and can also show possible infection, inflammation, or blood system changes. Ferritin testing is often done to assess iron stores in the body,” the interviewee says.
Thyroid function is usually assessed by measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and if changes are found or additional indications exist, other thyroid hormone tests are performed. Depending on symptoms and suspected cause, kidney and liver function, electrolyte concentration, and inflammation markers may be evaluated.
“Vitamin B12, folic acid, or vitamin D tests are usually ordered when symptoms, dietary habits, comorbidities, or other risk factors suggest their deficiency,” says the “Antėja” family doctor.
After blood tests, there are situations when no significant changes are found, but even this provides important information. In such cases, sleep quality, psychological well-being, physical activity, work and rest schedules, medications, and other factors that may cause prolonged fatigue are further evaluated.
Therefore, prolonged fatigue should not be viewed simply as a lack of energy – it is important to assess the overall health condition and look for the true cause.
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