Exhaustion: symptoms, causes and treatment

Exhaustion is more than just feeling tired. It is a persistent and overwhelming fatigue that can affect daily activities and quality of life. But how can you tell whether it's just temporary tiredness or something more serious? Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of exhaustion—and how to help your body regain balance. 

Table of Contents

• What is exhaustion? And how is it different from fatigue?
• What are the symptoms of exhaustion?
• What causes exhaustion?
• What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
• When is it important to get tested?
• How is exhaustion treated?
• What can you do to boost your energy?
• Summary

What is exhaustion? And how is it different from fatigue?

Exhaustion is an overwhelming and persistent feeling of tiredness and reduced performance, both physically and mentally. It goes beyond the normal sense of tiredness after a long day or lack of sleep. Exhaustion can be both a symptom and a standalone condition.

As a symptom, exhaustion can accompany numerous medical and psychological conditions. As a standalone condition, chronic exhaustion is often referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). CFS is a complex, hard-to-define condition characterized by extreme fatigue. Exhaustion becomes problematic when it persists and significantly affects a person’s daily activities, work life, and social interactions. When such persistent exhaustion is experienced and no clear cause can be identified, it is essential to seek medical advice to identify underlying reasons and find appropriate treatment (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). 

What are the symptoms of exhaustion?

Exhaustion can significantly impact daily life. Symptoms may vary and often involve more than just physical tiredness. The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue despite sufficient sleep

• Cognitive exhaustion and difficulty concentrating

• Emotional exhaustion and irritability

• Muscle pain and weakness

• Sleep disturbances

• Headaches

• Lack of motivation and energy

• Gastrointestinal problems

• Decreased immune response

Source:  NHS, 2023

It’s important to note that although these symptoms may be associated with exhaustion, they could also indicate other medical conditions. If symptoms are persistent or severe, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What causes exhaustion?

Exhaustion can be caused by a variety of physical and psychological factors. These place excessive strain on the body and drain its energy, potentially leading to prolonged fatigue. To better understand and treat the cause of exhaustion, it’s helpful to be aware of potential triggers. These include:

Physical health problems

• Organ-related diseases: Conditions affecting the function of specific organs, such as kidney failure, liver disease, or lung diseases like COPD, can lead to exhaustion.

• Hormonal imbalances: Problems with the adrenal glands or thyroid, such as hypothyroidism, can cause constant fatigue. Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid condition that can result in ongoing tiredness and lack of motivation, as the thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism.

• Cardiovascular diseases: Illnesses affecting the heart and blood vessels can reduce the body’s oxygen supply. These include heart failure, arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure.

• Blood and immune system disorders: This includes anemia, where a lack of red blood cells leads to reduced oxygen transport and fatigue. Other blood disorders and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus may also be involved.

• Chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases: These include conditions marked by persistent inflammation, such as Crohn's disease, or infections like the Epstein-Barr virus.

Nutritional and lifestyle factors

• Nutrient deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients—especially minerals and vitamins—can cause fatigue. Iron, magnesium, and calcium deficiencies, as well as deficiencies in certain B vitamins (B12, B6, or folate) and vitamin D, are particularly relevant.

• Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can significantly impact energy levels.

• Excessive alcohol or drug use: This can disrupt sleep cycles and lead to chronic fatigue.

Wondering if a nutrient deficiency could be behind your ongoing exhaustion?

It’s remarkable how the body responds to a lack of certain minerals and vitamins. With Homed-IQ’s tests, you can now conveniently check your nutrient levels from home. The vitamin deficiency test offers detailed insights into essential vitamins like B12 and vitamin D. The magnesium test can also provide valuable information in relation to exhaustion symptoms. The athlete blood test not only measures important vitamins and magnesium but also provides information on your iron levels—helping you take a proactive approach to your health and well-being.

Mental health problems

• Depression: One of the main features of depression is a persistent feeling of exhaustion or tiredness (APA, 2023). 

• Anxiety: Chronic anxiety can be physically and emotionally draining and lead to exhaustion (APA, 2023). 

• Stress: Both physical and psychological stress can play a major role in the development of exhaustion. When we’re stressed, our body produces the hormone cortisol. Persistently high cortisol levels can cause physical and mental problems, which in turn may intensify exhaustion.

Medications and treatments

• Medications: Some medications, including certain antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and antihistamines, may cause fatigue as a side effect.

• Medical treatments: Certain therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can also cause exhaustion due to the physical toll they take on the body.

Other causes

• Overexertion

• Jet lag

Sources: Mayo Clinic, 2023; NIH, 2023

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other potential causes of exhaustion. If you are experiencing persistent tiredness or fatigue, it’s important to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, describes a profound and persistent fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and is often worsened by physical or mental activity. Unlike everyday tiredness, CFS can significantly impair daily life and typically lasts for at least six months.

The exact causes of CFS are not yet fully understood. Some theories suggest viral infections, changes in the immune system, or hormonal imbalances may play a role. What makes CFS unique in the context of exhaustion is its intensity and duration. Treatment is complex and often multidisciplinary. There is currently no specific cure, and therapy focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

When is it important to get tested?

If the exhaustion persists and does not improve with rest or lifestyle changes, it may be advisable to undergo medical testing to identify the underlying causes.

Want to understand your symptoms better?

Are you experiencing signs of exhaustion and seeking clarity? As previously discussed, exhaustion can be caused by many different factors. Homed-IQ offers innovative tests to help identify potential causes. The thyroid test provides valuable insights into your health and can help you take proactive control. If your test results are concerning, you should consult a doctor immediately for further evaluation and diagnosis.

How is exhaustion treated?

• Doctor’s visit: The first and most important step is always a medical examination to identify the exact cause of the exhaustion.

• Laboratory tests: Recommended tests include a full blood count, thyroid test, vitamin deficiency test, and others depending on symptoms.

• Medication: Depending on the diagnosis, medications such as hormone replacement therapy for thyroid issues or iron supplements for anemia may be necessary.

• Psychological support: Exhaustion can have both physical and psychological components. If exhaustion persists, it is always advisable to consult a psychologist or therapist.

What can you do to boost your energy?

If you’re suffering from exhaustion, there are several approaches to improve your condition. Here are some recommendations:

• Lifestyle adjustments: An active and healthy lifestyle is often key to managing exhaustion. This starts with maintaining a regular sleep schedule to ensure your body gets the rest it needs. A balanced diet rich in vitamins (e.g., B12, folate, and vitamin D) and minerals (e.g., magnesium and calcium) provides the body with essential energy and supports overall health. Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can not only boost your energy levels but also improve your sleep quality. It’s important to consume alcohol, caffeine, and sugar in moderation, as they can affect your energy balance and sleep, and may promote inflammation when consumed in excess. Also, remember to drink enough water to avoid dehydration, which can also cause fatigue.

• Stress management: Stress is one of the main causes of exhaustion. Learn to recognize the signs of stress and develop strategies to manage it. Breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are effective techniques to calm the mind and reduce stress levels.

Sources: NHS, 2021; Brazier, 2023

Before starting any new treatment or making significant lifestyle changes, you should always consult a doctor. This ensures that any measures taken are tailored to your personal situation.

Summary

Exhaustion is more than just a feeling of tiredness. It’s important to listen to your body’s signals and seek medical attention if exhaustion persists. By understanding the causes and symptoms, you can take the right steps toward treatment and prevention.