Health Info > Health Checks & Blood Test Published on : September 9, 2024

Tiredness test: Is there a test for feeling tired?

Name: Hola Health
Address: Australia
Telephone: +611300014652
Price range: $

Written by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist

Feeling tired is a universal experience. But how can you distinguish between a normal energy dip and something more concerning? Let's delve into the problem of fatigue, exploring its causes, symptoms, and when it might be time to seek help.

How can I tell if I'm tired?

Tiredness isn't always just about feeling sleepy. It can manifest in various ways, both physically and mentally.

Physical signs:

You might experience:

Persistent fatigue or exhaustion
Muscle weakness or aches
Headaches
Slowed reflexes or responses
Dizziness or light-headedness
Changes in appetite

Mental signs:

Fatigue can also impact your mind, leading to:

Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Irritability or mood swings
Forgetfulness or difficulty learning new information
Decreased motivation or lack of enthusiasm
Difficulty making decisions

If you find yourself relating to several of these symptoms, it could be a sign that you're dealing with more than just a passing wave of tiredness.

What causes fatigue?

Fatigue is a complex issue with numerous potential causes, falling into three main categories:

Physical causes:

A wide range of underlying medical conditions can lead to fatigue, including:

Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
Thyroid problems (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
Sleep apnoea (disrupted breathing during sleep)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue)
Diabetes
Heart disease
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia)
Infections (e.g., mononucleosis, hepatitis)
Cancer

These conditions can disrupt your body's energy production or utilisation, leaving you feeling drained. It's like your body's engine struggling to function optimally due to a faulty part or insufficient fuel.

Psychological causes:

Mental health significantly impacts our energy levels. Conditions such as:

These can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol. While these hormones are helpful in short bursts, chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, disrupting sleep, impacting mood, and ultimately depleting your energy reserves. It's like carrying a heavy emotional burden that weighs you down.

Lifestyle factors:

Our daily choices play a crucial role in how energised we feel. Unhealthy habits like:

Poor sleep hygiene (irregular sleep schedule, uncomfortable sleep environment) can lead to sleep deprivation, leaving you feeling groggy and unrested.
Unbalanced diet (lacking essential nutrients or relying on processed foods) can deprive your body of the fuel it needs to function optimally.
Lack of exercise can lead to muscle weakness and decreased cardiovascular fitness, making physical tasks more tiring.
Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption can disrupt sleep patterns and dehydrate your body, contributing to fatigue.

It's like trying to run a car on empty or with the wrong type of fuel.

What are the red flags for fatigue?

While occasional tiredness is normal, certain signs should raise a red flag:

Sudden or severe fatigue: If you suddenly feel extremely tired without any obvious reason, it's worth investigating.
Fatigue that interferes with daily life: If tiredness is preventing you from going about your normal routine, it's a sign that something might be amiss.
Fatigue accompanied by other symptoms: If your tiredness is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, pain, or any other unusual symptoms, seek medical advice.

How do you detect tiredness?

There's no single "tiredness test." Instead, doctors use a combination of approaches to pinpoint the underlying cause of your fatigue:

Blood tests: These can check for anaemia, thyroid problems, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and other conditions that can cause fatigue. It's like checking the oil and coolant levels in your car. Get blood test referrals from a registered online doctors through telehealth.
Scans: In some cases, doctors may recommend imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to look for any abnormalities in your organs or tissues. This is akin to taking a closer look under the hood to identify any potential issues.
Sleep studies: If sleep apnoea is suspected, you may need to undergo a sleep study to monitor your breathing and other vital signs during sleep.

The specific tests and their frequency will depend on various factors, including your age, medical history, and the severity of your fatigue. For instance:

Younger individuals with no significant medical history might only need occasional blood tests to rule out common causes of fatigue.
Older adults or those with chronic conditions might require more frequent monitoring and additional tests to assess their overall health and identify any potential contributors to their fatigue.

How to know if fatigue is serious?

If your fatigue is:

Persistent: lasting for several weeks or months
Severe: significantly impacting your daily life
Accompanied by other symptoms: such as unexplained weight loss, fever, pain, or any other unusual symptoms

It's crucial to seek medical attention. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing the underlying cause of your tiredness.

Do I need to see a doctor?

If you're experiencing unexplained fatigue that's impacting your daily life, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor or a telehealth appointment with an online doctor. They can help you identify the cause and develop a treatment plan.

Questions you may be asked by the doctor:

When you visit your doctor about fatigue, be prepared to answer questions about:

Your sleep patterns (how many hours you sleep, sleep quality, any sleep disturbances)
Your diet and exercise habits
Your stress levels and how you manage stress
Your medical history, including any past or current illnesses
Any medications or supplements you're taking
Recent travel history (to rule out infectious diseases)
Your work environment and any potential stressors or exposure to toxins
Your family history of medical conditions

This information will help your doctor gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation and guide them in determining the most appropriate tests and treatments.

The doctor may also examine:

During your appointment, the doctor might perform a physical examination, which may include checking:

Your lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes could indicate an infection or other underlying condition contributing to fatigue
Your thyroid gland: An enlarged thyroid gland could suggest a thyroid disorder, which can impact energy levels
Your heart and lungs: To assess your cardiovascular and respiratory health, which can also be linked to fatigue
Your abdomen: To check for any abnormalities in your organs that might be causing your tiredness

These examinations, along with your medical history and any test results, will help your doctor identify the root cause of your fatigue.

What is the treatment for tiredness?

The treatment for tiredness depends entirely on the underlying cause. It might involve:

Addressing medical conditions:
Medication to manage chronic illnesses or infections
Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
Surgery in some cases
Managing mental health issues:
Therapy to address depression, anxiety, or stress
Medication to manage symptoms
Stress management techniques like mindfulness or meditation
Making lifestyle changes:
Improved sleep hygiene: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimising your sleep environment
Dietary changes: Ensuring a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
Exercise programs: Gradually incorporating regular physical activity into your routine
Taking medications, if necessary: Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor might prescribe medications to address specific symptoms or conditions contributing to your fatigue.

How can telehealth help?

In some cases, telehealth can be a convenient way to discuss your fatigue with a doctor, especially for:

Initial consultations: To assess your symptoms and determine if further evaluation is needed
Follow-up appointments: To discuss test results, adjust treatment plans, or monitor your progress
Online Scripts: Get prescriptions online after consulting a health practitioner in minutes from home. Once you have your online prescription, you can go to any pharmacy to get your medicine or even order it online for same-day pharmacy delivery.
Medical Certificates: It confirms someone’s health condition and can be used as proof for various reasons such as taking leave from work or school, or for travel purposes. Getting a medical certificate or doctor’s certificate online is easy.
Referrals - Online doctor referrals are certified by Australian registered. Request a pathology, radiology or online specialist referral via telehealth.

Telehealth offers several benefits, including:

Improved access to care: Especially for those in rural areas, with limited mobility, or facing transportation challenges
Convenience and reduced travel time
Potential for faster diagnosis and treatment

However, in-person visits may still be necessary for physical examinations or specific tests.

Conclusion

Tiredness is a common experience, but persistent or severe fatigue should not be ignored. By understanding the signs, causes, and available diagnostic tools, you can take proactive steps to address your tiredness and improve your overall well-being. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. So, if you're feeling constantly drained, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor. Your health is worth it!

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