5 Signs Your Fatigue Is a Medical Issue

We all feel tired from time to time. Maybe you had a late night, a long day at work, or just didn’t sleep well. But if you find yourself constantly drained, even after rest, your body may be trying to tell you something.

At Salem Women’s Clinic, Inc., in Salem, Oregon, Elizebeth Rose Harmon, MD, FACOG, and the team help you get to the bottom of your fatigue.

Fatigue can mean more than just being tired. It can signal an underlying medical issue that needs attention. If rest doesn’t seem to help and your energy never fully returns, it’s time to take a closer look.

Here are five signs your fatigue might be more than lifestyle-related.

1. You're sleeping but not feeling rested

You go to bed at a reasonable hour. You wake up after what should be a sufficient amount of sleep. But you still feel exhausted.

It could indicate sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. These conditions disrupt your sleep without fully waking you up, so you may not realize it's happening. People with sleep apnea often snore or wake up with dry mouth or headaches.

Even if you don’t notice any of those symptoms, persistent unrefreshing sleep is a red flag.

2. Your fatigue comes with mood changes

Fatigue paired with anxiety, sadness, or irritability may indicate a more profound issue. Mental health conditions like depression or chronic stress can drain your energy as much as any physical illness.

People often overlook this connection. They assume they’re just tired, but in reality, their mind is also under strain. You may lose interest in things you once enjoyed or feel emotionally flat. These symptoms may develop gradually and be hard to notice until they impact your daily life.

3. You notice changes in weight or appetite

Fatigue that comes with unexplained weight loss or gain should never be ignored. These changes might suggest a thyroid issue, diabetes, or even a nutrient deficiency. All of these can affect your metabolism and energy levels.

If your eating habits haven’t changed but your body has, something inside may be out of balance. You may feel sluggish, foggy, or too tired to go about your usual routine. Over time, this kind of fatigue can really take a toll.

4. You get sick more often

Your immune system works hard behind the scenes. When it’s not functioning correctly, you may feel run-down or experience frequent colds, infections, or lingering illnesses.

Chronic fatigue can be a sign that your immune system is struggling. Conditions like autoimmune diseases or chronic infections often cause low energy, even before other symptoms appear.

5. The fatigue gets worse, not better

Most people feel better after a weekend of rest, a few good nights’ sleep, or a change in routine. But if you’ve done all that and feel just as tired, or worse, it’s time to pay attention.

Ongoing fatigue without relief isn’t something to push through. It may indicate anemia, heart problems, hormone imbalances, or other chronic conditions.

When to talk to a provider

Fatigue may feel like something you can manage on your own. And sometimes, you can. But when rest doesn’t help, and tiredness becomes part of everyday life, get it checked out.

A brief conversation with our team can lead to straightforward tests and clear answers. You may need to make a few adjustments to your diet, consider changes to your medication, or undergo further evaluation. Either way, you don’t have to stay stuck in low gear.

You deserve to feel better

Fatigue that lingers can be debilitating. It’s a message from your body that something is out of balance. Whether the cause is physical, mental, or both, we can help you get back on track.

Don’t settle for always feeling tired. Take the first step, and get the care you need to feel like yourself again. Call Salem Women’s Clinic, Inc. or request your appointment online today.