Fatigue is one of the most common health complaints seen in a doctor’s office.
Fatigue is also known as weariness, tiredness, exhaustion, or lethargy, and is generally defined as a feeling of lack of energy. Fatigue is not the same as Chronic Fatigue. According to specific diagnostic criteria from the Centers for Disease Control, Chronic Fatigue affects as much as 8 to 10 percent of the population. However, every day fatigue is a pervasive problem. In fact about 80% of our patients list fatigue as a primary concern when they come to our office.
What are Common Causes of Fatigue?
There are many possible physical and psychological causes of fatigue. Some of the more common causes we see at our office include food allergies, anemia (including iron deficiency), sleep disorders, underactive thyroid, improperly functioning adrenal glands (both excess and deficient), hormone imbalances, digestive problems, lack of exercise, excess weight, stress, and poor nutrition.
About the Most Common Causes of Fatigue Seen in Our Office;
Hypothyroidism
This may be the most commonly missed diagnosis today, with 40 percent of the population having undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Our office routinely treats undiagnosed hypothyroidism, which responds well to either specific supplements or thyroid medication.
Adrenal Glands
Another under-diagnosed problem is improperly functioning adrenal glands. This condition is normally due to prolonged stress and eventually results in fatigue.
Melatonin Deficiency
One of our hormones to decline early in life is melatonin. As a result, sleep is disrupted, resulting in fatigue. Simple supplementation can greatly improve sleep for roughly 70 percent of our patients.
Other Hormones
As we age, many of our hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA) decline, affecting our overall energy level. Supplementing with bio-identical hormones to treat these deficiencies greatly helps to improve energy and youthful vitality.
Poor Nutrition
We live in a time of fast foods and poor nutrition, which affects our ability to process sugar and decreases the amount of energy we have. Changing our diet and correcting our metabolism results in more energy and improved health.
How Can Fatigue Be Treated?
Treating fatigue begins with an initial consultation with one of our doctors. A complete history is then taken and an examination is performed. Saliva and/or blood work is also undertaken. Based upon the information gathered, an individualized and personalized treatment plan is developed and reviewed with the patient. A comprehensive, holistic treatment plan is then recommended. Common treatments employed can include personalized nutrition plans, specific supplements, intravenous therapies, specific dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, weight loss programs, detoxification, bio-identical hormones, psychological support and pharmacologic therapy as needed.
Our Offer to You
If you feel you may have fatigue, we are offering a no-charge, 20-minute consultation with one of our doctors to help evaluate your condition and introduce you to our office and its caring staff.
For more information, contact DreamBody Medical Centers today at (480) 292-1110.
