So many people are chronically tired today, that you could consider it a fatigue epidemic! Many, many things contribute to fatigue. There are several categories, encompassing hundreds of reasons, for fatigue.
Metabolic and Endocrine disorders are the most common. The adrenals and thyroid head this category. But basically any system that secretes a hormone (and there are about 72 hormones) – whether for brain health, sex hormones, or any metabolic function, if not producing properly, can contribute to, or cause fatigue.
Infections (including hidden infections) can certainly contribute. Whether it is a flu, dental infection, a communicable, parasitic or autoimmune disease or any immune malfunction, it needs to be ruled out or addressed. Cardiopulmonary disorders can also present with fatigue – whether that is valve issues, respiratory disorders, congestive heart failure or “simply” shortness of breath on exertion.
Many blood disorders, such as anemia need to be considered as well.
Lack of emotional wellbeing can make you tired. Depression, lack of motivation, anxiety, grieving, substance abuse, eating disorders – there can be a fine line. Many times people are falsely diagnosed with depression when it is actually fatigue from another cause. Yeah, they feel better on antidepressants, but the underlying cause of the fatigue goes untreated.
Inadequate sleep is, of course contributory to fatigue. This could be because of a sleep disorder, work schedule, or stress making it difficult to sleep well.
Make sure when trying to define reasons for fatigue that you consider medications. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, sedatives, drugs for drug withdrawal, steroids, antihistamines, and some blood pressure medications have side effects of fatigue. There are many others as well.
Other things to consider include certain illnesses such as diabetes or hypoglycemia, cancer or cancer treatments, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity and arthritis all of which have known associations with fatigue.
Lack of nutrients required for normal operation of your system is to blame so much of the time. Especially the B vitamins, vitamin D and Iron (or anemia). Lack of good nutrition can adversely affect your energy – whether it is artificially stimulated via coffee, energy drinks and sugar, or lacking, such as protein, fats and carbs (good carbs). Nutrition holds a leading role in the amount of energy you have to expend – or don’t have!
An often over looked cause of fatigue is the adrenal glands. The adrenals give you sustained energy throughout the day, help your response to stress, help regulate glucose levels (needed to provide cellular energy), they produce or synthesize steroid hormones, estrogen, testosterone and cortisol (all needing to be balanced for good energy), and even your ability to respond to illnesses relies on the adrenals. Good adrenal function is essential to energy levels in the body.
©2015 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
