Anthony Komaroff, M.D., Harvard’s world-renowned expert on chronic fatigue syndrome points out that it is an unusual illness, and an uncommon cause of persistent fatigue. Despite the high prevalence of fatigue, only about 4 to 8 of every 1,000 adults in the United States suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome which is about twice as common in women as in men. The causes of this syndrome are still unknown, and there is no accurate diagnostic test. However, scientists have found abnormalities in the brain and peripheral nervous system, in the immune system and in energy metabolism in people with this diagnosis.
It’s important to see your doctor if you feel so weary that you can’t do your regular activities as well or as often as you once did. Fatigue is a symptom of many illnesses, so describing your symptoms in detail can help narrow down the possible causes. How, exactly, does the fatigue feel to you? Do you have trouble concentrating? Does your body tire more quickly? Answers to these questions indicate how severe your fatigue is and whether it mainly involves muscle fatigue, brain fatigue, or both.
Once you’ve described your symptoms, your doctor may want to do some tests to rule out underlying causes. Conditions that include fatigue as a primary symptom include:
- Anemia
- Congestive heart failure
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Infection
- Kidney disease
- Chronic fatigue syndrome If these conditions are ruled out, it’s good to know that there are lifestyle changes you can make that will help relieve fatigue from a variety of causes. The Harvard Special Health Report, Boosting Your Energy includes a step-by-step plan for boosting your energy naturally. Certain kinds of exercise have been shown to relieve fatigue. Sleep habits, diet, stress relief techniques, and other methods to alleviate fatigue are described in this report.
Also in this report:
- Aging and energy
- Finding the cause of fatigue
- When to see a doctor
- A 7-step plan to jump-start your natural energy