Fatigue is a lack of energy, weariness and tiredness that are not alleviated with any amount of sleep. Fatigue can often be related to stress, long work hours or malnutrition, according to Mayo Clinic. When fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms, it can indicate an underlying condition. Medical or psychological conditions can both result in fatigue.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition characterized by an inadequate number of red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to all of the tissues in the body. When there are not enough red blood cells, the tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Several types of anemia include but are not limited to iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia and sickle cell anemia. Each type of anemia has its own cause; however, the most common symptom in all types of anemia is fatigue. Other common symptoms include paleness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands and feet, and headache, according to Mayo Clinic. Treatment for anemia depends on the specific type but generally focuses on replenishing the nutrient that is causing the anemia. For example, those with iron deficiency will be required to increase their intake of iron or take an iron supplement.
Clinical Depression
Clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by chronic negative feelings, such as sadness, anger and misery. Many people experience depressive feelings occasionally, but depression is diagnosed when these feelings occur at least five times during a period of two weeks, according to MedlinePlus. The exact cause of clinical depression is unknown, but it is believed to be a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. In addition to negative feelings, other symptoms of depression include fatigue, lack of energy, agitation, restlessness, change in appetite, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, and feelings of death and suicide. Depression is usually successfully treated with a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy. Severe cases may require hospitalization.
Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland is a small gland located in the front of the neck that is responsible for producing, storing and releasing the hormones responsible for the regulation of metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. A number of conditions can cause hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease, inflammation of the thyroid gland, consumption of too much iodine and nodules located on the thyroid gland. According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include fatigue; muscle weakness; nervousness; trouble sleeping; irregular heartbeat; diarrhea; weight loss; and goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid. Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with a combination of medications and radioiodine therapy, which destroys the overactive cells in the thyroid gland. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the thyroid gland. Thyroid gland removal requires a lifetime of hormone replacement therapy.
