Talking with your provider about fatigue
Feeling tired once in a while is normal. But when tiredness becomes constant, it can affect your mood, focus and daily routine. Many people assume they should just deal with it, but ongoing fatigue can be a sign that something else is going on. Primary care providers see fatigue often, and a simple conversation can help uncover what’s causing it.
“From my perspective, fatigue often comes from neglecting our own needs and spreading ourselves too thin,” said Bethany Metz, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, family medicine nurse practitioner at Beacon Medical Group Bremen. “Between caregiving, work, school and stress, it’s easy to feel drained and overwhelmed.”
There is a difference between being tired after a long day and feeling fatigue that doesn’t go away. If your low energy has lasted for several weeks, or if you notice changes like weight gain or loss, shortness of breath, mood shifts or ongoing pain, it’s a good idea to make an appointment. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean something serious is wrong, but they do suggest that your body needs attention.
“A sign I don’t want my patients to ignore is when daily tasks — like getting dressed, cooking or other basic activities — start feeling overwhelming or unmanageable,” Bethany said.
Preparing for your visit can help your provider understand the full picture. Try writing down your sleep habits, recent life stressors and any new medications or vitamins you’re taking. Think about how your fatigue affects your daily life, whether it slows you down, makes it hard to concentrate or changes how active you can be. These details give your provider important clues.
At your appointment, your provider will ask questions to learn more about your symptoms. They may ask about your sleep, stress levels, medical history, eating habits and activity level. Depending on what you describe, they might also order blood tests to check for issues like anemia, thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies. Not everyone needs lab work, but testing can help rule out common medical causes.
Fatigue can have many causes. Sometimes it comes from lifestyle factors like stress, lack of sleep or poor nutrition. Other times, it can be related to chronic conditions, mental health concerns, infections or side effects from medication. Because fatigue can come from different sources, each person’s situation is unique. That’s why a personalized approach is important.
“I often see fatigue in patients stemming from a combination of low physical activity, poor nutrition, and mental health struggles,” Bethany said. “When these factors build up, they can drain energy and make everyday life feel much harder.”
Once your provider understands what may be contributing to your fatigue, you can work together on a plan to improve your energy and overall health. This might involve small lifestyle changes, follow‑up visits or adjustments to medication. Managing fatigue can take time, but staying open with your provider and checking in if symptoms continue can help you feel better and get back to your usual routine.
“My goal for my patients is to create a safe, supportive space where they feel heard and empowered, guiding them gently to make positive changes one step at a time,” Bethany added.
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