Fatigue is something we’ve all felt at one time or another, but for some of us, it’s not just an occasional inconvenience—it’s a constant, unshakable burden. Fatigue goes beyond just feeling tired all the time; it’s an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that can interfere with your ability to function day-to-day. 

It can feel like carrying a heavy weight, both mentally and physically, leaving you worn out, sluggish, and disconnected. Along with this, you might experience poor concentration, memory problems, reduced motivation, and even mood swings.

Fatigue Root Causes

As a physician, when someone comes in with fatigue as their main concern, my mind immediately starts running through a long list of possibilities:

• Adrenal Insufficiency
• Anemia
• Autoimmune disease
• Cancer
• Celiac Disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
• Dehydration
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Gut Dysbiosis (SIBO and/or LIBO)
• Hypothyroidism
• Infection
• Malnutrition
• Respiratory Disorder
• Restless Leg Syndrome or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
• Sleep apnea
• Sleep Stage Disorder
• Stress
• Valvular heart disease

Could Lifestyle Factors Cause Fatigue?

Sometimes, the culprit behind fatigue isn’t a serious medical condition but rather some easily modifiable factors. These include:

• Diet: Are you fueling your body with the right nutrients?
• Exercise: Are you getting enough movement in your day?
• Stress management: Are you keeping stress levels in check?
• Sleep hygiene: Are you creating an environment and routine that promotes restful sleep?

Addressing these factors can often make a big difference, but if you’ve tried and your fatigue persists, it’s time to dig deeper.

When Fatigue Requires a Physician Visit

If you can’t pinpoint the cause of your fatigue or if it’s impacting your quality of life, it’s time to see your concierge doctor. A comprehensive evaluation can help uncover underlying issues and guide the next steps. This might include:

• A physical exam
• Blood work to check for anemia, thyroid problems, or nutrient deficiencies
• Imaging studies, if needed
• Gut testing to explore potential issues like dysbiosis
• Micronutrient testing to identify deficiencies that could be contributing to your symptoms

Fight the Fatigue

You don’t have to accept fatigue and feeling tired all the time as a part of your life. If lifestyle changes don’t resolve your symptoms, seeking medical attention is an essential step toward finding answers. Fatigue is your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention—don’t ignore it. With the right approach, you can uncover the root cause and get back to feeling like yourself again.

You deserve to feel energized and vibrant. If you’re tired of being tired, take the first step today by scheduling a Meet & Greet with our concierge medicine Scottsdale facility.