Everyone feels tired, because it is a natural reaction of the body to physical and mental stress. It is quite normal when after a busy working day there is general weakness of the body and drowsiness. But when rest does not restore strength, and fatigue becomes a constant companion, when a person wakes up “broken”, and there is not enough energy even for everyday tasks – this is a reason for anxiety. In such cases, it is important to find a medical basis for the existing situation in time, because fatigue can be only the “tip of the iceberg” that hides serious problems.
What is chronic fatigue and when does it require examination?
Chronic fatigue is a condition in which the feeling of exhaustion does not go away even after prolonged rest and full sleep (for 7-9 hours).
You should also pay attention to other signs:
- drowsiness during the day;
- difficulty waking up even after a long sleep, constant feeling of "broken" after waking up;
- decreased working capacity, physical weakness – even routine tasks require significant effort and much more time;
- memory impairment, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate on work tasks;
- irritability, causeless anxiety, apathy, increased emotionality;
- frequent colds, which indicates a weakened immune system;
- causeless muscle pain;
- migraines, dizziness.
If these symptoms persist for more than 2-3 weeks, do not expect everything to go away on its own. This is no longer the "norm", but a reason to see a doctor and undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.
The main causes of weakness and constant fatigue
Most often, chronic fatigue is provoked by the following factors:
- Anemia and iron deficiency
Anemia is a condition in which the level of hemoglobin in the blood decreases. This condition is often accompanied by iron deficiency, as this microelement is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin. As a result, the blood cannot carry enough oxygen, which leads to hypoxia - oxygen starvation, which is accompanied by weakness and fatigue.
Anemia is most common in women of reproductive age due to menstrual loss. Iron deficiency is mainly diagnosed in vegans and people with gastrointestinal diseases that cause problems with iron absorption.
- Vitamin D deficiency
The deficiency of this nutrient is especially relevant for people who live in regions with few sunny days or spend most of their time indoors.
- Thyroid dysfunction
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the function of this organ decreases, as a result of which the metabolism slows down. As a result, a person loses energy, gains weight, feels sleepy and exhausted.
This is a fairly common disorder, but it is rarely diagnosed in a timely manner, as people believe that they are simply tired or recovering from improper nutrition.
- Glucose level fluctuations
Glucose serves as fuel for cells. Unstable levels of this ingredient can indicate prediabetes or diabetes.
What tests should be taken if you feel tired and have low energy?
An examination will help identify the causes of weakness and chronic fatigue.The basic diagnostic kit includes the following blood tests :
- general – assesses the level of hemoglobin, the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets;
- biochemical – shows the concentration of glucose, creatinine, bilirubin;
- on thyroid hormones (TSH, free T4, free T3);
- for iron (ferritin, transferrin, serum iron, total serum iron binding capacity);
- for vitamin D.
Only a doctor can give an accurate answer to the question "What tests to take when tired" based on the existing symptoms and medical history.
Hemoglobin and iron tests
Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that is part of red blood cells and transports oxygen. If its concentration is below normal, cells suffer from oxygen starvation.
Ferritin is a protein complex that serves as a “depot” for iron. The corresponding indicator calculates all the iron reserves available in the body. Even if hemoglobin is normal, low ferritin can cause weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin due to the fact that the body loses reserves.
A serum iron test shows how much iron is “in transit” (circulating through the blood).
Transferrin is a protein that transports iron. The test results reflect the level of the protein that is able to transport iron.
Unsaturated iron-binding capacity determines how much transferrin is unfilled with iron.
With a deficiency of hemoglobin and iron, anemia develops - the body does not receive enough oxygen, which leads to weakness and lack of energy.
Thyroid hormones
T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) are hormones that are synthesized by the thyroid gland and regulate the rate of metabolism and energy production (ATP) in cells.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and controls the thyroid gland, controlling the synthesis of the hormones T3 and T4. The analysis evaluates the functioning of the organ, revealing increased (hyperthyroidism) or decreased (hypothyroidism) function.
With a deficiency of these hormones, a person lacks energy. They become sleepy and irritable, and their memory and ability to concentrate deteriorate.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is not just a vitamin, but a hormone-like substance that affects the immune system, nervous system function, metabolism, bone strength, muscle function, energy levels, and mood. Therefore, its deficiency is accompanied by constant exhaustion, decreased immunity and frequent colds, joint and muscle pain, brittle bones, decreased energy, fatigue, depression, irritability, and general weakness.
Glucose level
The concentration of glucose in the blood is reflected in a person’s energy and mood. Hypoglycemia (low sugar) causes sudden fatigue and dizziness. Hyperglycemia (high sugar) may initially be accompanied by increased energy, but energy quickly drops, causing fatigue. Unstable sugar (either too high or too low) leads to “energy swings” that exhaust the body. A sharp increase in performance is quickly replaced by an energy decline, in which the person feels severe fatigue and drowsiness.
It is important for parents not to ignore their child's complaints of constant fatigue. If rest does not help restore strength, it is worth checking the levels of iron, vitamin D and thyroid hormones - often this is where the cause lies.
What tests should be taken for weakness and drowsiness?
If basic tests do not reveal the cause or there are atypical symptoms, the doctor will recommend additional laboratory tests :
- hormonal – cortisone (stress hormone), testosterone (in men), progesterone and estrogen (in women);
- vitamin B12, which is involved in the formation of red blood cells and the functioning of the nervous system; a lack of this vitamin causes anemia, fatigue, and numbness of the extremities;
- on electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium) – deficiency can cause dehydration, dizziness, weakness, chronic fatigue, night cramps;
- on inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, leukocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) – show the presence, nature and intensity of inflammatory processes;
- serological tests – determine the concentration of cytomegalovirus and the level of antibodies to Epstein-Barr;
- Liver and kidney tests will help confirm or rule out intoxication of the body.
It is not always enough to know what tests to take for weakness and drowsiness. In some cases, instrumental diagnostics are necessary:
- Thyroid ultrasound – to assess the structure of the organ if there is suspicion of nodules or enlargement;
- Liver ultrasound – if fatty degeneration is suspected;
- sleep study – if apnea is suspected;
- ECG – if there are signs of heart rhythm disturbances.
How to prepare for taking tests
To ensure the results are as accurate as possible, it is important to follow the basic rules:- Take the test on an empty stomach. You must abstain from eating for 8–12 hours. During this time, you can only drink pure water. It is better to avoid tea and coffee (even if they are sugar-free).
- Proper diet. During the day, it is necessary to exclude fatty foods and alcohol from the diet, and minimize the consumption of foods with a high carbohydrate content.
- Physical activity. You should refrain from intense exercise the day before your visit to the clinic. It is recommended to sit quietly for 15-20 minutes immediately before donating blood.
- Drug treatment. Be sure to inform your doctor about taking any medications (especially hormonal) or vitamins.
What to do with chronic fatigue after receiving results
Do not try to interpret the results yourself and engage in self-treatment, which can lead to worsening of the condition and the development of serious complications.
If you are diagnosed with chronic fatigue, what should you do? You should consult a therapist or endocrinologist. The doctor will compare the results with the norm and the clinical picture, which will allow you to make the correct diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. Depending on your general condition, he may select medications or recommend adjusting your diet and daily routine.
When you need to see a doctor urgently
You should immediately consult a specialist if:- sudden, unexpected weakness that prevents you from getting out of bed;
- rapid, unexplained weight loss;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- subfebrile body temperature (37.1–37.9°C) for several days;
- the appearance of shortness of breath at rest or with minimal physical exertion;
- prolonged deviations in test results and lack of improvement after treatment.