Though lack of energy is often due to lifestyle factors, it’s always important to check for an underlying medical cause, says Dr Rosemary Leonard.
Top of the list is low iron levels. “The combination of menstrual loss of blood, combined with eating very little red meat is usually to blame,” she says. Other causes of tiredness include an underactive thyroid, and falling hormone levels during the menopause. Fatigue can also be a sign of diabetes. Some medications can also cause lethargy, including beta blockers, antihistamines, codeine, sleeping tablets and antidepressants. Finally, anxiety, stress and especially depression are well known for sapping energy levels.
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