Physical health issues, such as diseases or disorders in different parts of your body, may also lead to extreme fatigue. This is usually because the health condition can change your hormones. Likewise, some medications can results in fatigue as well. Read on to learn more.

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Physical Conditions and Medication

Conditions

Some of the underlying medical issues that can contribute to fatigue include:

  • Diabetes.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Hypothyroidism.
  • Addison’s disease.

Since pregnancy, menopause or certain contraceptives (like birth control pills and implants) affects hormones, these may also lead to fatigue. 

Some lung and heart conditions can impact your blood flow or cause inflammation, which leads to extreme fatigue. Examples of these conditions include asthma, pneumonia and cardiac disease.

Medications 

Some medications you take to treat a health problem may end up causing fatigue as a side effect. These include the following:

  • Blood pressure medications may slow down your heart and central nervous system and may deplete your body of electrolytes. 
  • Statins and fibrates, commonly prescribed for high cholesterol, may stop muscle growth or limit energy levels in your cells, leading to fatigue symptoms.
  • Benzodiazepines are medications for anxiety, seizures and muscle spasms. They depress your central nervous system. 
  • Antihistamines are medications for allergies. Like benzodiazepines, antihistamines also depress your central nervous system. 
  • Diuretics, also known as water pills, are prescribed to treat a range of conditions, including glaucoma and high blood pressure. They can cause your electrolytes to become unbalanced, leading to fatigue.

Stopping the use of a medication or altering the dosage may also lead to fatigue until your body is able to adjust again. 

If you believe your medications may be causing your fatigue, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternative medications that do not cause a fatigue side effect.

By Admin