Ask ConnieTalk something random:  Why am I so tired?  
Friday, October 19th, 2007

I have no idea why people send us e-mails about random personal problems - but that's okay, what the hell, I've never been one to not have an opinion.

  I am a 45 year old woman that has a HUGE problem with sleeping too much.  I can get up and feel alive with lots of energy, and then a couple of hours later feel exhausted and want to go back to bed.

I have been to the doctor several times complaining about this problem.  They have tested my blood for everything but find nothing wrong.  So they put me on an antidepressant.  I AM NOT DEPRESSED, and I still am exhausted all of the time.

What's wrong with me???  Would you please help me?  I want to get back to my old self.  Oh - and I have gained 30 pounds in the last 2 years.  PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!

-Twila"

My standard answer:  Google is your friend.  My expanded answer:  there can be many causes.  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a disorder in and of itself.  When you say your doctor tested your blood for "everything," that's too generic.  There are literally hundreds of types of blood tests.  Be more specific with your doc.

According to U.S. National Library of Medicine, fatigue can accompany the following illnesses:

• Addison's disease
• Anorexia or other eating disorders
• Arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
• Cancer
• Chronic liver or kidney disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Diabetes
• Infections
• AIDS
• Malnutrition

It can also be a symptom of menopause, or a side effect of thyroid problems, which we recently blogged about.  Check out this page on fatigue for further information.  Create a checklist of things that can cause fatigue, then find out what your doctor has already ruled out.

Best of luck, Twila - sending you warm and energetic thoughts!

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