What causes can be responsible for persistent fatigue?
July 1, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Yvonne König
Dear Doctor,
My name is Ben Hoffmann and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing persistent fatigue for some time now and I am starting to become concerned. I am 35 years old, work in an office job, and generally lead a healthy lifestyle. I pay attention to my diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. However, I have been feeling constantly tired and lacking in energy for the past few weeks. I have trouble concentrating and feel exhausted, even after a good night's sleep.
I have already tried to improve my lifestyle by increasing my exercise and trying to eat better, but the fatigue just won't go away. I am worried that there may be a more serious underlying cause for my ongoing exhaustion. Could organic conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or iron deficiency be responsible for my fatigue?
I would like to know what possible causes could be contributing to my persistent fatigue and what tests you would recommend to investigate these causes. Could there also be psychological factors such as stress or depression that could be causing my fatigue? What treatment options are available to me to alleviate my fatigue and improve my quality of life?
I look forward to your professional assessment and thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Ben Hoffmann
Dear Ben Hoffmann,
Thank you for your trust and open words regarding your persistent fatigue. It is understandable that you are concerned and seeking answers to improve your quality of life. As a physician specializing in internal medicine, I am here to assist you and will try to answer your questions as comprehensively as possible.
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that persistent fatigue can have many different causes, both organic and psychological. It is good that you have already tried to improve your lifestyle by exercising more and eating healthier. However, it is possible that there may be a medical cause behind your fatigue that should be investigated.
Organic causes for persistent fatigue could indeed include hypothyroidism, diabetes, or an iron deficiency. Hypothyroidism can lead to a slowed metabolism, resulting in fatigue and exhaustion. Diabetes can also contribute to fatigue as the body may not effectively convert sugar into energy. An iron deficiency can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the body, resulting in fatigue.
To investigate organic causes for your fatigue, I recommend visiting a doctor and undergoing various tests. These may include blood tests to check your thyroid function, blood sugar levels, and iron levels. A thorough medical history and physical examination can also provide important clues to possible causes of your fatigue.
In addition to organic causes, psychological factors such as stress or depression should also be considered. Stress can keep the body in a constant state of tension, leading to fatigue and exhaustion. Depression can also cause persistent fatigue, lack of motivation, and concentration problems.
To alleviate your fatigue and improve your quality of life, it is important to identify and treat the underlying causes. Depending on the cause, different treatment options may be considered. Hormone replacement therapy may be helpful for hypothyroidism, while a tailored diet and medication may be necessary for diabetes. Iron supplements may be prescribed for an iron deficiency. For psychological causes like stress or depression, therapy, relaxation techniques, or medication may be helpful.
It is crucial that you undergo a comprehensive medical examination to determine the causes of your fatigue and receive appropriate treatment. Do not hesitate to seek professional help to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
I hope that my explanations are helpful to you and I am available for any further questions. I wish you all the best on your journey to more energy and well-being.
Sincerely,
Yvonne König, Specialist in Internal Medicine
