Tiredness that lasts several weeks, leaves you waking unrefreshed or stops you keeping up with your normal activities is worth raising with your GP. Possible causes include low iron, thyroid problems, poor sleep, stress, perimenopause and diabetes, and blood tests can help find the cause.
Feeling tired is a common part of life, particularly for busy mums (and dads) managing work, children, school activities, household responsibilities and the mental load of caring for a family.
Ordinary tiredness usually has an obvious cause, such as a few late nights, a sick child or an especially busy week. It should improve with rest and a return to your usual routine. Fatigue is different. It is a persistent lack of energy that may continue even after some of the issues mentioned above are addressed.
If you have been unusually tired for several weeks, wake feeling unrefreshed or no longer have enough energy for your normal activities, it is worth discussing this with your GP.
Iron deficiency is common in women, particularly those with heavy periods, during pregnancy or after childbirth. It can cause tiredness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating. Iron deficiency can cause symptoms even before a person becomes significantly anaemic.
An underactive thyroid is another possible cause. Other symptoms may include weight gain, constipation, dry skin, feeling cold and changes in mood.
Sleep quality is just as important as the number of hours spent in bed. Snoring, frequent waking, restless legs, sleep apnoea or being disturbed by young children can all prevent restorative sleep.
Stress, anxiety and depression may also present as physical exhaustion. Not everyone with depression feels obviously sad. Some people notice irritability, poor concentration, loss of motivation or difficulty enjoying activities they previously liked.
Perimenopause can begin in a woman’s 40s and, occasionally, earlier. Hormonal changes may cause disturbed sleep, changing periods, hot flushes, anxiety, headaches and brain fog, all of which can contribute to fatigue.
Diabetes can also cause ongoing tiredness, particularly when blood glucose levels are too high or changing significantly. Other symptoms may include increased thirst, passing urine more often, blurred vision, recurrent infections, unexplained weight loss or wounds that are slow to heal. Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, and some people have few obvious symptoms.
Make an appointment if your tiredness:
Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, new weakness or thoughts of self-harm require urgent medical attention.
In an emergency, call 000. Crisis support is available at any hour:
Tell your GP when the fatigue began, how you are sleeping, whether your periods have changed and whether you have any other physical or emotional symptoms. It is also helpful to discuss your diet, medications, recent illnesses and current stresses.
Depending on your symptoms, your GP may recommend an examination or blood tests to check for anaemia, iron deficiency, thyroid problems, diabetes or other medical conditions.
Many mothers become used to putting their own needs last. While tiredness may simply reflect a demanding period of life, persistent fatigue should not automatically be accepted as part of motherhood. Sometimes it is your body’s way of telling you that something needs attention.
Can iron deficiency cause symptoms before anaemia is significant?
Yes. Low iron can cause tiredness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating before a person becomes significantly anaemic.
Can you have depression without feeling sad?
Yes. Depression does not always look like sadness. It may show up as irritability, poor concentration, loss of motivation or no longer enjoying activities you used to like.
Does sleep quality matter as much as hours of sleep?
Yes. Snoring, frequent waking, restless legs, sleep apnoea or being woken by young children can all stop sleep from being restorative.
When might a GP suggest blood tests for tiredness?
It depends on your symptoms. Your GP may suggest an examination or blood tests to check for anaemia, iron deficiency, thyroid problems, diabetes or other medical conditions.
What is the difference between tiredness and fatigue?
Ordinary tiredness usually has an obvious cause and improves with rest. Fatigue is a persistent lack of energy that may continue even after those causes are addressed.
When should I see a GP about tiredness?
Make an appointment if your tiredness has continued for several weeks, is getting worse or is affecting work, parenting or normal activities. Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, new weakness or thoughts of self-harm need urgent medical attention.
Prepared by Hunters Hill Medical Practice. This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice.
