If you don’t get the rest you need, your body lets you know. The physical and mental exhaustion results in fatigue. But what if you are feeling a lack of motivation because of low energy? While fatigue may be a cause for lack of energy, feeling lethargic could indicate other issues. Doctor Angie shares what the real culprit might be and what steps you can take.
By: Dr. Angie Sadeghi
Do you often wake up in the mornings wishing you could smash the alarm?
Do you often feel like you hate the thought of getting out of bed even after getting a proper 8-hour shuteye?
Do you feel completely lethargic and without energy?
You could be a parent, high-achieving executive, athlete, or modern-age individual determined to make a success of every aspect of your life. And feelings of low energy, mental exhaustion, and lack of concentration are just what you don’t need. If you’ve been noticing these symptoms around the time when you’ve just crossed the age of 30, the cause could be imbalances in the primary hormones in your body.
There’s a Difference Between Lethargy and Fatigue
Fatigue is a condition you experience when you’ve been working too hard without getting adequate rest and sleep. The actual physical and mental exhaustion that results from extended periods of physical activity is fatigue. A lethargic feeling, on the other hand, is the lack of motivation to get things done because of feelings of low energy. While fatigue can be a cause for lack of energy, you can also feel lethargic because of other health issues, both physical and mental including hormone imbalances, depression, sadness, and a bleak attitude towards life.
Being Lethargic Can Affect Your Career and Personal Life
Fatigue may seem like a valid explanation for your low levels of productivity in and out of the workplace. But, lethargy does not. When you’re lethargic and unable to perform the workplace duties expected of you, you’ll soon find that you’re lagging behind the competition. Once your team is unable to deliver on the deadlines because of your procrastination and inability to work, expect to be passed over for the next assignment and possibly, even promotion.
Eventually, you might find yourself out of a job. Not being able to care for your family and manage household responsibilities can have an adverse effect on your personal life. Before the lack of energy and focus starts to bring your world down, take the necessary steps to restore your health and positive outlook towards life.
Talk to Your Doctor About the Symptoms You Have
As you discuss your symptoms with your doctor, she’ll likely ask you a series of questions to determine the root cause of your lethargic health. For instance:
- Do you feel sad and moody?
- Do you feel like you’re going through your activities in a dazed state?
- Do you find it difficult to think right and concentrate?
- Do you feel a lack of energy so that you’re sluggish in conducting your tasks?
If your answer agrees, she’ll conduct a complete medical examination to rule out the possibility of an illness. She may also check if you’ve been eating healthy and sleeping well.
Lethargic feelings can sometimes be the result of side effects of the medications you’re taking so she might want to take a closer look at your prescriptions.
After talking to your doctor, you may realize that the hormone imbalances caused by pregnancy, delivery, menstrual cycle, and perimenopause can also have effects of low energy levels.
In fact, a report in the Medical Daily reveals that around 80% of women deal with lethargy as a result of imbalances in hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. And in men, the symptoms can be caused by lowered levels of testosterone.
Let’s Talk Some More About Hormone Imbalances
Having ruled out medical issues as possible reasons for your lack of energy, your doctor will likely do a hormone profile. Once they cross the age of 30, many people start to sense changes in their moods and energy levels in addition to other factors. These can include weaker bones and muscles, lack of libido, digestion issues, and weight gain. You’ll also find it harder to concentrate and remember things in addition to hot flashes and insomnia.
Do these signs sound familiar? If they do then your feelings of exhaustion are probably caused by hormone imbalances. And, before these symptoms turn your life upside down, you should set about restoring balance.
Restoring Hormone Balance is Simple
Once you have identified the root cause of your lethargic state as hormone imbalances, you must consult a certified practitioner who can guide you in the right direction. You’ll find that the best way to deal with your symptoms is to opt for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). BHRT involves taking special supplements that can correct the imbalance. Your doctor will create the perfect formula that can synchronize the disproportion according to the precise levels indicated by your blood tests. And, since these supplements are made from plant sources, you won’t need to worry about any possible side effects. By taking BHRT under the supervision of your doctor, you can restore the skewed hormones and get rid of the lethargic feelings.
Here are Some Other Steps You Can Take for Good Health
While BHRT should put you on the road to a healthier life, here are some other steps to follow.
Make sure you get adequate sleep and do what you can to keep stress at bay. Eat healthy, nutritious meals and drink plenty of fluids.
By adopting the ideal combination of supplements and a healthier lifestyle, you can get rid of the lethargic state and begin to live life to the fullest again.
Doctor Angie Sadeghi is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology, a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, and an avid fitness competitor. Her unique approach to weight loss includes a mixture of medical science and holistic natural medicine, combined with advanced hormone balancing, nutrition, and the psychology of lasting weight loss.
Connect with Dr. Sadegh: Website | Facebook | Google+ | YouTube
References:
What causes lethargy? 45 possible conditions
Fatigue, Tiredness, and Lethargy
How To Overcome Lethargy And Become More Productive At Work