Everyone feels worn out after a bad night or a busy week. But if you have been tired for weeks and rest does not seem to help, something else may be going on. Ongoing fatigue is one of the most common reasons adults see a doctor, and it often has a cause that can be found and treated.
When is being tired worth a doctor's visit?
Book a visit if your fatigue has lasted more than a few weeks, if it is affecting your work or mood, or if it comes with other changes like weight gain or loss, brain fog, thinning hair, or feeling cold all the time. Get care right away if fatigue comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
Could it be my thyroid?
Your thyroid helps control how your body uses energy. When it is underactive, you may feel tired, gain weight, feel cold, or notice dry skin and thinning hair. A simple blood test shows how well your thyroid is working. If your levels are off, treatment and regular monitoring can help keep them in range.
What about anemia or low vitamins?
Anemia means your blood is not carrying enough oxygen, often because of low iron. It can leave you tired, short of breath, or pale. Low vitamin B12 or vitamin D can also play a role. All of these show up on routine bloodwork.
Can blood sugar affect my energy?
Yes. Insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes can all cause energy dips, cravings, and that heavy feeling after meals. Insulin resistance is common and often goes unnoticed for years. If your labs point in this direction, your physician may recommend nutrition support or a medical weight loss program built around metabolic testing.
Could hormones be part of it?
Shifts in hormones can affect energy, sleep, mood, and libido in both men and women. For women, perimenopause and menopause are common times for these changes. For men, hormone levels decline gradually with age. Labs alongside your symptoms show whether hormones are a factor. If they are, your physician can talk with you about hormone optimization and whether it is appropriate for you.
What about sleep, stress, and other causes?
Poor sleep, sleep apnea, stress, low mood, dehydration, and some medications can all drain your energy. Sometimes more than one thing is going on at once. That is why a careful health history matters as much as the labs.
How does a fatigue evaluation work?
At Seven Hills, a fatigue evaluation is part of adult primary care. It starts with a real conversation about how you feel, when it started, and what else has changed. Your physician then orders targeted labs, such as thyroid function, blood count, vitamin levels, blood sugar, and hormones. You review the results together in plain language and leave with a plan aimed at the cause, not just the symptom.
Can IV therapy help with fatigue?
IV hydration and vitamin drips can be a helpful add-on for some patients, especially when dehydration plays a role. At Seven Hills, IV therapy is physician-guided. It works best once you know what is behind your fatigue, so we recommend starting with an evaluation. Individual results vary.
Get answers about your fatigue
Feeling tired all the time does not have to be your normal. Fatigue evaluations are available at our Brooklyn, Franklin Square, and Melville offices. Find your nearest location or call (516) 354-2707 to book.
