What are Common Causes of Weakness and Fatigue?

The most common causes of weakness and fatigue are anemia, infectious disease and thyroid imbalance. Chronic fatigue syndrome and pregnancy are also main causes. The key to overcoming both the weakness and fatigue is determining which is the correct cause of the issues. This is typically done by a doctor or other licensed medical professional. Once the root causes have been determined, a course of treatment can be designed to help minimize or eliminate both the weakness and fatigue.

Anemia is a blood disorder caused by an insufficient number of red blood cells in the body. This is often a result of a deficiency of certain nutrients, including iron, B12, and folic acid, which is often caused by poor diet or pregnancy. Anemia can also be triggered by kidney or bone marrow disease. The decreased red blood cell count can affect muscle health and energy levels, causing both weakness and fatigue. Anemia can generally be treated though the use of supplements.

A variety of infectious diseases can also cause both weakness and fatigue. These include common illnesses, such as a cold or the flu, as well as less common illnesses, like mononucleosis and pneumonia. Since all of these diseases have a tremendous impact on the body's immune system, they commonly cause a sharp decrease in the general feeling of well-being. Infectious diseases are often treated with antibiotics.

Weakness and fatigue are also common symptoms of a thyroid imbalance. The thyroid gland itself is designed to regulate how a person's body controls its energy levels. If the thyroid is either under-active or over-active, the body is unable to properly maintain energy levels, creating both a lethargic feeling as well as weakness in the muscles. Thyroid imbalances can be corrected and regulated with the use of artificial hormones.

Another common cause of weakness and fatigue is chronic fatigue syndrome. This illness is often mistaken for influenza at first, bearing many of the same identifying factors. While influenza typically subsides in a week or so, the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can last anywhere from six months to several years. The disorder is most often treated with a combination of anti-depressants and psychological counseling.

Pregnancy can also be a major contributing factor to the onset of both weakness and fatigue. This typically happens during the first trimester as the mother's body is becoming accustomed to supporting the growing fetus. As the body begins to regulate the correct vitamin and nutrient disbursement to both the mother and child, the symptoms typically begin to fade with no additional treatment plan required. Most doctors will recommend a daily vitamin and mineral supplement during the pregnancy to help reduce the risk of anemia.