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Suggest Treatment For Fatigue And Stress Relief
Question: I am a 47 year old woman who has always been very healthy. I have no chronic illnesses, no past surgeries or medical problems, and I take no medications. I eat well and try to get 7 hours of sleep a night. For the past six months I have had significant fatigue and a need for more sleep than I've ever had before. I am fit and I exercise (free weights and machines in the gym) and I run regularly. I enjoy running and I typically look forward to my runs. I run for general fitness, but also for stress relief. My typical per mile running pace has been about 9:15-9:30 for the last 2-3 years. For about the past six months running has felt more and more like a chore. My pace is now more like 10:15-11:00 per mile. I just don't seem to have the energy for running nor do I have the same energy I am used to for my job, my kids, etc. I am not depressed; my mood is fine. But, I feel very fatigued and low energy more often than not. I find myself wanting to nap a lot. I just feel exhausted even when I've slept and eaten. What is going on? Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Fatigue
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I am sorry you are having problems with fatigue. You didn't mention other symptoms but a few things come to mind:
1. Get a Complete Blood Count (CBC): a CBC can show if there is anemia, which can cause fatigue, or a low grade infection (which is less likely). A chemistry panel would be worthwhile too.
2. Definitely get your thyroid tested: A TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone level) and free thyroxine test can give some information. Thyroid disease can come on silently and often begins in women's 40s.
3. Perimenopause: sometimes as we approach menopause and our hormones decrease, it can cause some fatigue.
4. Poor sleep quality: Is there any chance that your sleep is not deep and uninterrupted?
I would start by getting the CBC and thyroid tests, along with a physical exam. This may help sort things out.
I hope this information helps.
By the way - great job with your healthy lifestyle!
Fatigue
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I am sorry you are having problems with fatigue. You didn't mention other symptoms but a few things come to mind:
1. Get a Complete Blood Count (CBC): a CBC can show if there is anemia, which can cause fatigue, or a low grade infection (which is less likely). A chemistry panel would be worthwhile too.
2. Definitely get your thyroid tested: A TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone level) and free thyroxine test can give some information. Thyroid disease can come on silently and often begins in women's 40s.
3. Perimenopause: sometimes as we approach menopause and our hormones decrease, it can cause some fatigue.
4. Poor sleep quality: Is there any chance that your sleep is not deep and uninterrupted?
I would start by getting the CBC and thyroid tests, along with a physical exam. This may help sort things out.
I hope this information helps.
By the way - great job with your healthy lifestyle!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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