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Tired: "i'm Just Tired, Doctor"

In today's world, feeling tired is a common problem. There are many causes such as:

• poor eating or sleeping habits

• anemia

• hormone imbalances, as with menopause or thyroid problems

• chronic diseases, such as diabetes or kidney disease

• infections like TB or AIDS and

• emotional problems like stress or depression

If you are feeling tired, make sure you're eating a nutritious diet, without a lot of sweets and fat. It's helpful to eat healthy foods and get regular exercise every day. Sleeping at regular times each night for 6-8 hours is suggested. You may hope for a magic pill, diet or drink to help, but nothing like that is known. Today, work and stress play a big part in our lives. Make sure you use your time off to help relieve those stresses.

Some people will still feel tired despite these efforts. In that case, review your feelings and what you have tried with your healthcare provider. A careful history and a general checkup may be needed, including a female exam, mammogram, and blood and urine tests. Tests to rule out infections, hormone problems, and general diseases may also be necessary.

Your treatment will depend on what caused the problem. Low thyroid or menopause are common causes of fatigue in women as they age. These are treated by hormone medication. Sometimes a simple vitamin and mineral supplement is all that is needed. More severe or long-lasting problems may need other medication or therapies.

Depression, whether the cause or result of your tiredness, can be an issue that can strain you and your family. Counseling along with continued medical care may be helpful to help keep your spirits up.

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