What is Fatigue?

Fatigue is a common problem involving a physical and mental state of being extremely tired. Physical and mental fatigue are different, but they often occur together. Fatigue can have causes that are not due to underlying disease. Examples can include lack of sleep, heavy exertion, jetlag, a large meal, or even aging.

Fatigue Symptoms

Fatigue can cause a vast range of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms including:

• Chronic tiredness or sleepiness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Sore or aching muscles
• Muscle weakness
• Slowed reflexes and responses
• Impaired decision-making and judgment
• Moodiness and irritability
• Appetite loss
• Reduced immune system function
• Poor concentration
• Low motivation
• Reduced ability to pay attention

Diagnosing Fatigue

As fatigue can present a vast range of symptoms and be caused by many different factors working in combination, diagnosis can be difficult. Your doctor may diagnose fatigue using a number of tests including:

Medical history – recent events such as childbirth, medication, surgery or bereavement may contribute to fatigue.

Physical examination – to check for signs of illness or disease. Your doctor may also ask detailed questions about diet, lifestyle and life events.

Tests – such as blood tests, urine tests, x-rays and other investigations. The idea is to rule out any physical causes, for example anemia, infection or hormonal problems.

Common Supplements Found in Our Pharmacy to Help Combat Symptoms

 Vitamin B12 is necessary for cells to produce energy. Vitamin B12 is responsible for forming red blood cells, which transport oxygen in the blood throughout the body. Once the oxygen arrives to your body’s cells, it is utilized for energy production. Vitamin B12 also plays an important role in neurological function. If you are feeling fatigued, eating foods rich in vitamin B12 or taking a supplement might just improve your energy levels.

Coenzyme Q10 is crucial for energy production. Coenzyme Q10 (aka CoQ10) is an antioxidant necessary for proper cell function, found in every cell of the body. Your cells need CoQ10 to produce energy, and research shows that it benefits patients with cardiovascular disease.

Magnesium promotes better sleep. If difficulty falling asleep is contributing to your fatigue, a magnesium supplement may improve your sleep quality, and help you feel more rested.

Iron optimizes cell function. Iron is an essential mineral that helps oxygen circulate throughout the body. It is also necessary for the body’s cell to function and develop properly. Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anemia, which can impair cognitive abilities, decrease immunity, and negatively impact work performance.

Treating Fatigue

Fatigue is a symptom –something you can feel and describe – not a condition or disease. To reduce your fatigue you first need to understand what the underlying reasons for your fatigue are.

If fatigue is having a negative effect on your quality of life, or causing you distress, then consider speaking with a health professional. By asking questions, they will help you work out why you are experiencing fatigue, and offer some suggestions on how to find relief. 

If necessary, your doctor might suggest certain medical tests if there is a reasonable chance the cause of your fatigue may be an undiagnosed medical issue (for example, anemia or thyroid dysfunction).

Fortunately, for most people fatigue will get better over time on its own or with some simple and practical lifestyle changes.

Additional Services Offered by Victory Medical

Did You Know… Victory Medical is a one stop shop. We offer additional services for your convenience so you can tackle all of your health needs in one spot.

Victory Medical Offers:

• Primary Care: annual physicals, blood work, medication management, EKG, Vaccines, X-rays, Blood work
• Heartwise Physical: a comprehensive, preventative, non-invasive, head-to-toe evaluation, that includes 26 tests and takes about 90 minutes to complete.
• Pharmacy: receive prescriptions through the convenience of our pharmacy. We also offer compounded prescriptions custom measured and compounded specifically for you.
• Urgent Care: Get help whenever you may need it with our Urgent Care clinics that have extended hours.
• Natural Hormone Replacement: Want to rejoin the human race and experience renewed energy, a fulfilling sex life, and happiness again? Don’t let the effects of aging drag you down.
• MedSpa: Look and feel beautiful at our MedSpa where you will receive quality treatments and products as well as beauty consultations
• Coolsculpting: The CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure is the only FDA-cleared, non-surgical fat-reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that resists all efforts through diet and exercise.
• Ketamine Therapy: Ketamine is rapid acting, has a short duration of action, and has been known to drastically help those affected by Chronic Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and PTSD.
• Allergy: Allergy testing can improve your quality of life and shed light on the cause or trigger of your bothersome symptoms. 
• Physical Therapy: Victory Medical provides state-of-the-art physical therapy and rehabilitation for pain management, neurological ailments, and the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries including sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and post-surgical needs.
• Chiropractic Therapy: Manage pain, heal faster, reduce stress, enjoy life
• Weight Loss: Medical weight loss is an effective option for individuals who haven’t had success with other methods, and for people who need their health and safety monitored every step of the way.

Ask a staff member for more information about any of our services or schedule an appointment by calling 512-462-DOCS (3627)