January 22
Fatigue
	If you tire easily during exercise, or just plain tire easily, your body may be telling you something. Fatigue can be a symptom of a number of illnesses. Busy lifestyles and a general lack of sleep can sap anyone’s energy, but if a good rest or work-out doesn’t refresh you or if you’re finding it difficult to maintain your level of energy, those signs could be a warning that something else is wrong. Anemia or a low red blood cell count is the first thing that a doctor might look for. If you are anemic, then the doctor will try to find out why your blood count is low and then prescribe the appropriate treatment. An underactive thyroid can also cause you to feel tired, as well as gain weight, and if severe enough, can cause swelling in the legs and other symptoms. It’s a surprisingly common condition, especially in women, and a simple blood test can detect it. It’s treated by taking replacement thyroid hormone. Another common reason for fatigue is depression, which can cause low energy, change in appetite, as well as feelings of sadness or despair. Some people are more susceptible to depression during the dark days of winter. If you think this may be causing your symptoms - talk to your doctor. Counseling and medication can be of great help in a majority of patients. There are other less common reasons for fatigue - including fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome. These conditions may be harder to diagnose, but they also may need to be considered if a more obvious cause isn’t apparent.