Everyone experiences fatigue. Work piles up, sleep suffers, and energy drops. But when fatigue lasts for weeks, interferes with daily life, or comes with brain fog, dizziness, unrefreshing sleep, or body aches, it’s more than just stress. If this sounds like you, it might be time to investigate other causes for your symptoms.
Describe Your Symptoms
A thorough evaluation starts with your story. Track when your fatigue began, how it varies throughout the day, and what triggers crashes. Record your sleep patterns, snoring, naps, caffeine or alcohol intake, and any new medications or supplements. Note other symptoms like headaches, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, palpitations, shortness of breath, digestive issues, heavy periods, or weight changes. These details help guide testing and allow your clinician to create an informed plan instead of relying on guesswork.
What Clinicians Check During the Exam
Check vital signs in both sitting and standing positions. A rise in heart rate or a drop in blood pressure upon standing could indicate orthostatic intolerance. A thorough exam includes assessing the thyroid, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, joints, and checking for swollen glands or anemia. Simple signs like pale inner eyelids or dry skin may reveal nutrient deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that affect energy levels.
Initial Lab Work
Most patients with ongoing fatigue get a core panel to rule out common, fixable causes:
- Complete blood count and iron studies to check for anemia or low iron stores
- Thyroid panel (TSH ± free T4) for underactive or overactive thyroid
- Comprehensive metabolic panel for kidney, liver, and electrolyte balance
- A1C or fasting glucose for blood sugar problems
- Vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels
- Inflammation markers (ESR/CRP) to screen for hidden inflammation
Based on your history, your clinician may order additional tests for celiac disease, infections, autoimmune conditions, or sleep issues. Symptoms like post-exertional crashes, cognitive slowdowns, and unrefreshing sleep can also indicate myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Is it stress or something more?
Stress and poor sleep can exhaust anyone. Still, several signs suggest more is going on:
- Post-exertional malaise: even small tasks trigger a delayed crash lasting 24–72 hours
- Unrefreshing sleep: eight hours that feel like none
- Orthostatic symptoms: lightheadedness, fast heart rate, or weakness when upright
- Persistent pain or flu-like feelings: sore throat, tender glands, or muscle aches
- Memory and focus issues: the “brain fog” that slows thinking and word-finding
If you recognize these patterns, a deeper look is warranted rather than simply pushing through.
Conditions Doctors Rule Out First
Fatigue is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Your clinician will screen for multiple causes at once because they often stack:
- Sleep disorders: sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless legs
- Endocrine issues: hypothyroidism, diabetes, and other hormone shifts
- Nutrient deficits: iron, B12, folate, or vitamin D
- Heart and lung problems: arrhythmias, asthma, or other respiratory limits
- Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
- Medication side effects and interactions
- Mood disorders: depression, anxiety, or trauma can amplify fatigue and pain
Finding and treating even one contributor can lift your baseline energy and make other steps more effective.
Fatigue and Local Realities
Heat, dry air, and long sunny seasons can worsen dehydration and impact sleep quality. Build heat management into your routine: pre-hydrate before going out, schedule errands for cooler parts of the day, and use shade and light clothing. If you’re seeking chronic fatigue treatment, ask clinics how they tailor plans for desert climates, heat exposure, and seasonal allergens.
Questions for Your Next Visit
Bring a brief summary with your top three symptoms, triggers, and goals. Helpful questions include:
- Which likely causes fit my history?
- What labs or studies make the most sense to start?
- If activity triggers crashes, how should I pace safely?
- Which one change could give relief in the next two to four weeks?
- What signs mean I should follow up sooner?
Conclusion
Persistent fatigue requires careful evaluation and a manageable plan. For those seeking chronic fatigue treatment in Scottsdale, a thorough history, focused testing, and consistent habits can often uncover the causes and lead to sustained, improved energy.
