www.womanthismonth.com November 2016 45 The Thyroid Factor Another reason for a constant feeling of tiredness could be an underactive thyroid gland. “The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck and produces a hormone called thyroxine, which is responsible for the metabolism of each and every cell in the body. Low levels of thyroxine, also called hypothyroidism, and, in some rare cases, high levels of thyroxine, or hyperthyroidism, can cause tiredness by slowing down most body processes,” says our expert. Hypothyroidism also makes you put on weight and experience aching muscles. Too Sweet for Comfort A sluggish feeling is one of the main symptoms of elevated levels of glucose in the blood, claim medics. In those who have pre-diabetes or diabetes, the body’s tissues are unable to extract glucose from the blood, due to resistance to the action of insulin. Consequently, the high levels of glucose cause excessive urination and thirst and also fatigue. Therefore, tiredness in diabetes can be looked at as a case of poverty (in energy) in plenty (of glucose in the blood). D is for Deficiency If you’re running low on vitamin D, it’s very likely that you lack the physical stamina to see the day through. Dr Rao says deficiency of the sunshine vitamin can cause tiredness and fatigue in association with joint and muscle aches. If you have trawled the Internet researching why you are so washed out all the time, you may have come across the term ‘adrenal fatigue’. The Answer in the Adrenals All of us have a pair of adrenal glands located just above the kidneys, which are vital to our general wellbeing. When they function optimally, they produce the right amount of hormones, most importantly cortisol. But sometimes, they don’t produce enough of the good juice. “Low levels of cortisol production by the adrenal glands can cause adrenal fatigue. Moderate to severe fatigue with low blood sugar and low blood pressure, and occasionally, dark pigmentation of the skin may alert your physician to adrenal fatigue,” says Dr Rao. This condition can sometimes be life-threatening and is treated with glucocorticoids, he adds. Chronic fatigue can lead to loss of memory and concentration, muscle and bone pain, headaches, waking up feeling unrefreshed, anxiety and depression. All these can have an adverse impact on day-to-day functioning at home and at work. Other reasons for chronic fatigue in women can be menopause, obesity, uncontrolled hypertension, depressive illnesses and chronic sleep deprivation. It may be possible that all your tests have given you a clean bill of health in regard to the above causes of persistently low energy levels. A tweak in your way of life may be just what’s required. Dr Rao talks about maintaining a balanced lifestyle which includes healthy eating, regular physical exercise, adequate sleep and stress relief. He says: “These are the cornerstones to keeping healthy, maintaining vitality and fitness. “Avoid eating junk food, processed meats and alcohol and limit your intake of salt. Increase your frequency and portions of fruits, vegetables and healthy nuts such as almonds and walnuts.” No matter what your age or stature, the universal recommendation with regard to exercise for everyone is 150 minutes per week of any moderate intensity exercise. This means 30 minutes of exercise five days per week, or 45 minutes for four days a week. A good seven to nine hours of restful sleep is also required to keep you energetic during the day, advises the doctor.
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