Extreme Fatigue

I'm experiencing extreme fatigue on a daily basis. I eat healthily, with the exception of the occassional ice-cream binge. Lots of veggies, fruit, non-processed stuff. I don't drink enough water, but am trying to address that. I avoid caffeine after my one morning cuppa coffee.

I walk a lot - at least 4 times a week for 1-5 miles. I occassionally do weights, situps, exercise ball, etc.

I get about 8-9 hours sleep each night, although only when I take a non-habit forming sleeping aid. If I don't (and I've tried all the natural alternatives) I don't get to sleep for hours.

I have been under a LOT of stress in the past year - very big life changes, illness, etc. So that could be one of the root causes. None of those stresses are going to go away anytime soon though.

So my request for advice is this: Do you have an tips for giving yourself an energy boost? Is there anything I should be doing that I'm not?

Tue. Oct 3, 1:23pm

i had the same problem. it turned out to be a couple of things. i was iron-poor. even though i had enough iron in my diet, it was not being absorbed properly because i was also wheat intolerant and did not know it. i had occassional bloating and heartburn but not to the point where i was incapacitated, so i never looked into it until my iron was so low. after cutting out wheat, my iron levels have jumped up and so has my energy!! and i am sleeping better at night, i am more alert all around. good luck!

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 1:35 PM

I think I remember that your thyroid can be a culprit in extreme fatigue. does anyone else know for sure??? You can always get it check at the Dr.

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 3:00 PM

It sounds like something I would get checked out by a physician. Seems that you are doing everything else "right" so other than that I don't have any suggestions! Have you already seen a Dr. for this?

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 3:26 PM

OP here.

I've been to a doctor, who reckons I'm very healthy. He didn't check my thyroid, but I don't have any of the other symptoms associated with over/underactive thyroid. I am slightly anemic, but not enough to affect my energy levels. He's written it off to stress (isn't that a great catchall).

BUT. I've just done a search online for patient comments on a drug my shrink started me on about 5 weeks ago. Errrr...yeah. There were loads of people who reported extreme fatigue (check), vivid nightmares (check), night sweats (check) and decreased libido (check). Hmmm. Will need to discuss this one with the shrink.

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 4:00 PM

i have taken mental health drugs in the past and gone through the same side effects. isn't it incredible that the doctors think the side effects are easier to tolerate than the original problem? for me, it made everything worse. and to top it off, i gained about 45 pounds within a few months. i strongly suggest you research what kinds of tests are supposed to coincide with the medication you are on. my psych did was not so thorough with all of that. best wishes with your health problems!

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 4:17 PM

OP here

Yeah, forgive me for whining, but the whole libido thing drives me nuts. Depression causes a lack of libido, so do the antidepressants + mood stabilizers + antipsychotics they put you on. PLUS, the contraceptive I'm on (nuvaring) also lowers your libido. But what can you do? Grrr.

OK, moan over :-)

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 4:23 PM

one good thing about the lack of libido for me was that i have been single for a while now and am able to really focus on myself and my needs. i don't have the "distraction of attraction", so to speak. but, even after being off of the meds for over a year now, i still have no interest / sexual desire. at least i'm not adding more complications to my life right now...

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 4:28 PM

Believe it or not, one thing you can try, is cutting out the wheat. I cut out wheat, and found more energy and less depression. I was on the verge of getting of getting a prescription, but had a naturopath suggest I cut out wheat and corn.
3 weeks later I was happier, lighter, and much more energetic. If you check out a health food store, you can find lots of wheat free and gluten free products to use for a while if you want to give it a try. I cannot suggest this enough...

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 5:19 PM

Since you don't think it's a blood sugar/hormonal/nutritional deficiency...

Last year, during a period of mild insomnia, I decided to give acupuncture a try. I'd never had it before. I presented them with a laundry list of mild ailments, since I didn't know what it could do. My #1 complaint was the insomnia, and "lethargy" was somewhere around the middle of the list. Well, it never fixed my sleeping problem but the day after I got needled I felt like I had the energy of a 7-year-old and that feeling lasted for weeks. Could it be because I wanted it to work (what's that called, psychosomatic?)...I guess. But bear in mind I thought they were fixing the insomnia, not the energy complaint. I kept it up for a few treatments until I felt like I could "make it" on my own.

If you go to a student clinic at an acupuncture training center, you can give it a try for cheap. That way you're not out much money (like $25 instead of the usual $50-70) if it doesn't work for you.

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 6:32 PM

Tray drinking more water1

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 8:34 PM

Cat naps

Really. While this doesn't identify the cause, it might help the symptoms. Just a 20 minute nap during the day. But be careful, if you go much over 20 minutes you can end up just feeling tired again.

Wednesday, October 4, 2006, 10:17 AM

Extreme Fatigue

How are you doing with potassium, calcium and magnesium? The stress alone is probably a huge factor, though there are many possibilities. It could be an internal infection, an overgrowth of yeast or candida. I gain energy though changes in diet, but it sounds like you eat well. Is your log public?

Sunday, April 22, 2007, 9:41 AM

I have exactly the same problem - fatigue just doesn't go away, and I also eat well, and, although do not overexercise lately (often for the same fatigue reason), I am very active overall. Do drink a lot of water, and try to sleep enough. Stress - yeah, that's something that I've got over my head. Am taking iron supplements, same as B12. What the GP says? Too much stress, try to make changes to your lifestyle. Well, I'm trying to the reasonable extent. Yet it's still, possibly, too much stress. He then offered me some antidepressants as well. I said no. Don't know what to do. That wheat intolerance issue sounds interesting, how could I find out if I'm wheat intolerant or not?

Thanks!

Sunday, April 22, 2007, 12:32 PM

Btw, another question. I know people here talk a lot about the gained weight while on anti-depressants. Anyone has actually lost weight while on them?

Sunday, April 22, 2007, 12:33 PM

no, i gained 30lbs on anti-depressants. Now im med-free, 30 lbs lighter, and using exercise as my anti-depressant

Sunday, April 22, 2007, 8:45 PM

No one has commented that you need to have Vitamin C in order for your body to make use of Iron. Some people take Iron supplements, or think they're getting enough from their food, but their bodies just aren't absorbing it properly because there is no vitamin C with it. Look at your diet and see if this could be a problem for you. If so, just make sure you get both nutrients at the same time - whether from food or a supplement.

Monday, April 23, 2007, 1:09 AM

First thing is to talk to your doctor, get a hormone test done, make sure those levels are all okay. I would say that there must be something going on if you get that much sleep and are still tired all the time. I felt the same way for a long time and finally went and saw someone. Don't want to freak you out but I ended up having diabetes and a hormonal problem. I am fine now. Get it checked out.

Monday, April 23, 2007, 1:22 AM

I have been a lot more tired since I started working out, but changes in diet to reduce fat intake, especially before bed helps tremendously. For whatever reason, when I eat rice and beans before bed or at night, I feel much less tired.

Friday, August 31, 2007, 11:01 AM

you should see your doctor and have a few blood tests to check your thyroid, iron level, etc. you should definitely see someone if you need a sleeping aid to get a good 8 hours of rest. do you have sleep apnea?

Friday, August 31, 2007, 4:37 PM

this is a link to a WebMD article on the 7 causes of fatigue among women. In all 7 cases, they are things you should see a doctor about.

Link

Friday, October 5, 2007, 1:31 PM

Definitely get your thyroid level tested. I now take an iodine supplement and am doing much better. I had tried cutting out wheat, etc, and there was absolutely no change. After several months and way too many doctor bills, I finally found a doctor who actually tested my thyroid level, and it was found that I'm hypo thyroid. I couldn't take the medication prescribed as it caused extreme dizziness. With the supplement, I'm able to get up early and exercise and am on the road to recovery. Good luck.

Friday, October 5, 2007, 1:48 PM

EXTREME Fatigue

I have no idea what to do about my extreme fatigue. I can't even fuction on a daily basis at work. Sometimes I have to leave work to go home and lay down because I'm so extrememly tired. Along with my fatigue, I have extreme irritability. Everyone I work with knows not to talk to me in the mornings or I'll bite their heads off. I've seen 2 doctors about my problem. The first doctor diagnosed me with hypothyroidism. Since then, my thyroid levels are where they're supposed to be but the symptoms I went into the doctor for still persist. Fatigue, irritability, constipation, etc. The second doctor basically told me I was crazy and it was all in my head. I'm fed up and just so tired of being tired. I don't have the best diet but I don't have a horrible one by far. I eat lots of protein and things that are supposed to give me energy and I recently about 2 months ago started working out about 3-4 times a week lifting weights and doing cardio. And while doing so is about the only time during the day I'm not about to fall asleep standing up. I just have no idea what else to do. The doctors don't seem to think its anything serious but this is so hard for me to live with! If anyone can help, PLEASE feel free! I need any advice I can get. Thank you!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007, 9:47 AM

Could also be sleep apneia,have you noticed yourself snorimg more or waiking yourself up or have a sore throat in the morning?.f you go see your dr. and tell him your symptoms he/she will run the thyroid and iron test and whatever else they get from blood work and if sleep apneia is suspected they may want you to do a sleep study.It is no biggie you just go to the hospital and spend one nigt there hooked up with sensors to check your sleeping patterns.I would see a dr just to rule out something that could get progressivly worse.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007, 1:36 PM

I don't see that you mentioned the name of your med, but that could be the problem. A site I love for info on brain-altering drugs is crazymeds.org (I am in no way affiliated with the site!).

Acupuncturists are great. Also, if you can find a homeopathic doctor that may help. If not, try a nutritionist. Or a chiropractor.

If you are eating well & exercising you should NOT be suffering from extreme fatigue. Your doc is missing something. Don't be afraid to take charge of your health and demand your doc do more for you! Or go to a new one.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 1:48 AM

I suffered too, from extreme fatigue, but it was due to amalgam fillings! I had them removed and that plus a whole baggage of symptoms I've dealt with all of my life disappeared! If you have amalgam fillings, I suggest finding a dentist who can remove them properly! I found a web blog just recently of a poor woman who is still struggling from the effects. She sounds like she's on the right track, though, and gives lots of information and different websites to read. Check it out - http://happycamperscampsite.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 9:50 AM

4th doctor the charm. For over a year I suffered with extreme fatigue and was told it was stress related and depression. After 3 doctors telling me the same thing without doing any real tests. I went to my 4th doctor who finally after listening to all my complaints, when they started etc and refusing to be put off he did a complete blood workup and other tests. My tests showed my blood count was at 4.9 and I had to be taken to the hospital for 4 units of blood before they could do further testing on where I was bleeding from in my body. i am still recovering because I had been bleeding for so long in my stomach it had shrunk my red blood cells. The doctors estimate for over a year I had been slowly bleeding in my stomach. Besides some prescribed meds my doctor stressed to me that you I must take iron with 500 mg of vitamin C and there is also different types of iron and each one will require a different dosage to get the same effect. I have to take 325 mg of Iron gluconate which equals to 35 mg of actual iron gluconate. My doctor also stated that iron sulfate and fumorate are not absorbed as readily as gluconate and can be harder on the stomach and to find products that actually contain the gluconate not sulfate or fumorate. The moral of the story in all this don't give up and keep searching for a doctor who will listen and do testing to get to the root of the problem.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 1:44 PM

A Reply to Oct. 16, 2007 poster - Unfortunately, extremely typical...

if you take T-4 only medication..

Check out www.stopthethyroidmadness.com.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 11:25 PM

Hello!

I do not normally post personal health issues on the internet but I need help, I am suffering! I am 22 years old and for the past 10 months I have been suffering from extereme fatigue. This is suppose to be the best time of my life, I just graduated college and I have the whole world at my fingertips, yet this fatigue has taken over my life.

I started getting tired in mid June 2008 but I was in my senior year of college and was really busy with school and work so I tried to ignore it, hoping it would pass. With graduation in August 2008 my health was getting much worse and I could not wait to come back to New York to be with my family and get things sorted out. I would fall asleep in class, nap every chance I get, and call sick into work as much as possible. I finally went to a doctor, in Colorado, where I was going to school and they said I had mono. This is not ture because I had mono in the past and according to 8 out of 10 doctors you cant get mono again. I knew this doctor was wrong and I knew that this fatigue would not pass in 2-3 weeks.

I consider myself a very healthy person, 5'5' 125lbs, work out regularly, and try to eat healthy and nutritious foods. I would never have expected something like fatigue to take over my body.

Anyway, I stuck it out and finished school, just hoping that there was light at the end of the tunnel, or New York. When I arrived home my only goal was to get better. I was in and out of doctors all around the tri-state area and no one could figure out what was wrong with me. Some doctors diagnosed me with depression, lupus, mono, but with treatmeant and time none of thoes seemed logical.

My brother had lupus at a very young age and my mother had thyroid cancer when she was in her 30s. Doctors tested me for all sorts of possible diseases and dificiencies but they could not find anything. I started going to a CFS doctor (Cronic Fatigue Syndrome) and left immediately because I did not want to get caught up in that side of things. Anyone who knows what I am talking about can try to understand that CFS doctors are kind of crazy, and are in it for the money by persuading patients to buy all sorts of treatment packages. CFS scares me because it is unexpleained fatigue with no known cause and no known treatment and I try to avoid beliving or thinking that is what I have.

8 months later, I found a doctor who really understood me. She made me feel good about getting better and put me on medicine to treat my symptoms. I have been with her for several months and although her methods have somewhat helped I am suffering from this unexplianed fatigue.

I am 22 years old and should not be feeling this way. I use to have future dreams and goals, but that is all behind me because all I care about is getting better.

Someone, anyone...please help!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 11:51 PM

I tried some of your recommendations and I started taking cod liver fish oil pills. Loaded with omega 3 and vitiman d. Although my life is still revolving around my fatigue the vitimans helped and I feel healthier and stronger.

Friday, March 20, 2009, 12:19 PM

For the 22 year old college grad

While in grad school I had the same thing happen. With lots of rest I recoverd enough to function fairly well. Now, 35 years later, having extreme fatigue again but this time caused by cotton left in my bloodstream for a few years. Lisinopril, a heart medication ace inhibitor, has helped me the most.

I am curious as to Post tramatic stress syndrone. Perhaps if we've had stressful childhoods, that can set you up for extreme fatigue later in life. I thought my father as extremely mentally abusive, but not until he died recently am I able verbalize this. Perhaps stress can cause body's veins and arteries to contract, and lisinopril causes the opposite. I fell this is the right direction, but it is not a cure.

Fred

Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 4:14 PM

I have a few things.

Start off with your diet. "Your body is made in the kitchen, not the gym". Essentially that can be translated to your situation. I don't know your physical goals, so if i contradict your ultimate plan, then oh well. Fruits and veggies both have natural carbs utilized easily and quickly by the body for immediate effects. However, the fructose sugar found in fruit absorbs at around a 50% capacity, leaving you with half of it's energetic benefits. Same thing essentially with veggies, just a quick source. Try stacking more complex carbohydrates(slower, more extensive forms of energy. i.e. brown rice, and oats) with a B Complex Vitamin for fuller extraction and Fish Oil for a smoother flow of the blood stream along with your current love for fruits.
Secondly, low entensity workouts such as walking, situps, and the weight ball have effects lasting maybe for the next hour or two. MORE WEIGHT LIFTING. This is going to have effects lasting up the next 36 hours, rather you happen to notice it or not, your body's metabolism is undergoing constant stimulation after the workout. Combining fewer low entensity workouts with more higher entensity workouts, is causing an investment in energy for the next few days.
And lastly, the stress. Good luck. I kidd. You'll learn to cope with it once you realize that when you stress, you release what is called,"cortisol". Found in the adrenal glands next to your kidneys. This completely cuts off your fat motabolism, much like insulin. Stress, is a controllable factor in your life. Learn to deal with it.

Thursday, May 14, 2009, 10:01 PM

Cronic fatigue survivor

No one has yet determined what exactly causes this, it can be intermittent, and I have gotten through it with a number of things. Exercise makes mine much worse until I've done these other things....I also usually loose weight when I do these things...I'm just terrible about keeping up with them regularly.

1. a good multivitamin- look for one with a longer list of nutrients (I still buy generics for all my supplements)

2. magnesium supplement (slow release is supposed to be better. I've taken the regular ones 3 x's/day and they still work)

3. a hefty B complex supplement-the broader the better, cortisol and adrenalin bond with these to process out of your system

4. an anti depressant THAT WORKS FOR YOU.
They don't work the same in anyone. I had taken about 10 different ones that didn't help or even made things worse. I'm currently taking Cymbalta, it has been great, I only take 30 mg, which is far less than the standard dose. I suspect that other antidepressants that work for fibromyalga (sp?) would also be beneficial. I'M NOT DEPRESSED, IT IS STRESS THAT SHUTS MY BODY DOWN, the anti depressants help the fatigue and pain that I get when stressed.

5. if it's at all possible, reduce your stress. EASIER SAID THAN DONE, says the single mom of 3, one with severe mental disabilities, looking for work and has no support system...

and bye the way, thanks for the post. I needed the reminder for myself as well. I've been off my supplements too long and have been feeling CRAPPY!

Friday, May 15, 2009, 10:24 AM

we have a new article from a new program we have created to address the issue of fatigue. please let us know what you think!

-PEERtrainer

Link

Friday, September 18, 2009, 5:05 PM

Related PEERtrainer Links:

1. PEERtrainer Tip Of The Day Program: Free Email Based Weight Loss Coaching Program

2. Weight Watchers New Momentum Program Explained

3. How To Speed Up Weight Loss

4. Advanced Video: How To Master Portion Control

Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 8:25 PM

extreme fatigue

You may need to check out your fatigue with your doctor (Internal Medicine).
Things one may check is thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4), CBC to rule out anemia, HbA1C% to check diabetis status, and of course, Sleep Apnea Test.
Stress always robs you of fatigue, so stress management is mandatory.
So check with your doctor!

Sunday, January 30, 2011, 8:55 AM

if you are suffering from extreme fatigue, this article discusses 4 common supplements which could help you boost your energy levels.

http://blog.peertrainer.com/health/2011/02/4-supplements-that-health-experts-insist-will-boost-your-energy.html

This, in addition to eating more greens in your diet every day will probably help you feel better.

Thursday, February 10, 2011, 9:46 AM

Did you cut out gluten and casein? Extremely important. Once your diet is non-harming you can start supplementing with adrenal support herbs..

Thursday, February 10, 2011, 1:58 PM

There is a relation between diet and energy, and there are foods that can help with this.

The PEERtrainer Cheat System is a new, (free) and simple to follow system for eating. The objective is to help guide you towards a way of eating that will make it easier to lose weight, give you more energy and help you feel better.

We have created a short blog post that explains a bit more, as well as instructions on how to download it:

Link To PEERtrainer Cheat System

Saturday, February 19, 2011, 3:18 PM

Testosterone deficiency

Testosterone deficiency can result in loss of energy levels. It worsens when you're under extreme stress. Stress can ruin your levels causing them to plummet further. Why don’t you get your testosterone levels checked? All you need is a simple blood test. In the meanwhile, you can read up a few Ageless Male testimonials. This product elevates testosterone levels and restores energy metabolism. And try your best to stay away from activities that induce stress. Yoga and meditation can bring relief from stress and anxiety and help you relax. If you're relaxed, you wouldn't feel fatigued all the time.

Link

Thursday, January 10, 2013, 4:44 AM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge