Fatigue & Tiredness
Fatigue after a busy day or a heavy workout is normal, but if you feel tired all the time there may be a medical reason, and you do not need to just push through it. Dr Faizal reviews the whole picture, not just one symptom, to help you feel yourself again.
Same-day appointments · Whole-picture assessment · No referral needed
What is fatigue and tiredness?
The NHS describes fatigue as physical and mental exhaustion that does not improve even after rest and that you feel all the time. It is more than just feeling sleepy and can linger for months. Tiredness, by contrast, is something that improves once you have rested.
It is very common. A 2022 study estimated that around 250,000 people in England and Wales live with chronic fatigue syndrome. If your fatigue has lasted for weeks, a same-day GP consultation with Dr Faizal can help you find out why.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered
Fatigue symptoms: what does fatigue feel like?
Symptoms of fatigue are unique to everyone, but a few patterns come up again and again.
Physically
- Heaviness in the arms and legs
- Stairs feeling harder than they should
- No stamina left by the middle of the day
Mentally
- Brain fog
- Difficulty focusing
- Losing your train of thought
Emotionally
- Low mood
- Irritability
- Loss of interest
According to the NHS, experiencing fatigue symptoms for more than six months is a clear sign to see a doctor. Have a same-day GP consultation with Dr Faizal to find out why it is happening and what the next steps are.
Types of fatigue and exhaustion
Acute Fatigue
Fatigue that comes on suddenly and severely, sometimes called crashing fatigue. It is often linked to low blood sugar, a viral infection, or anaemia.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME)
Fatigue lasting beyond six months is known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, with extreme tiredness, widespread pain, and difficulty focusing.
Post-Viral Fatigue
Fatigue that lingers after a viral infection such as flu, glandular fever, or COVID-19, even once the virus itself has cleared.
The type of fatigue you are experiencing often points towards the cause. For more on CFS and ME, see the NHS and the Quadram Institute, and the NHS Lothian guide on post-viral fatigue. If you are too tired to make it to the clinic, Dr Faizal can see you at a home visit.
What causes tiredness and fatigue?
There are many reasons for feeling fatigued all the time, and identifying them is the first step to feeling better. Common causes include:
Medical Issues
Thyroid disorders, iron deficiency or anaemia, and low vitamin B12 or vitamin D levels can all lead to fatigue.
Hormonal Ups and Downs
Hormonal shifts, particularly around periods, perimenopause, or menopause, can cause extreme tiredness. A women’s health or men’s health consultation can help.
Lifestyle Habits
Poor sleep, long periods of stress, working extra hours, or inactivity can all contribute to feeling fatigued.
Mental Health
Anxiety and low mood are strongly linked with feeling tired all the time, sometimes as a main symptom. Our mental health support can help.
Other Factors
Post-viral effects and the side effects of certain medications can also lead to fatigue and tiredness.
If your tiredness may be hormonal, a women’s health or men’s health consultation can help. Where low mood is a factor, our mental health support is here for you. Related conditions include thyroid disorders, period problems, and menopause and perimenopause.
Red flags for fatigue: when to see a GP
As the lung health charity Roy Castle puts it, ongoing fatigue is worth mentioning to a GP rather than dismissing as routine tiredness. See a GP if you have:
- Fatigue lasting more than two weeks and not improving
- Severe fatigue that appears suddenly
- Fever alongside unexplained weight loss and widespread pain
- Fatigue that is getting worse day by day
- Tiredness that stops you driving, working, or managing daily life
Feeling fatigued all the time? How our GP will diagnose it
Getting to the root cause starts with a consultation with Dr Faizal. He will first ask about your symptoms and lifestyle, then, if required, arrange a full blood count or other specific tests such as:
Feeling tired all the time and rest is not helping?
If you have chronic fatigue and tiredness, have a same-day consultation with Dr Faizal. Get a clear diagnosis and know the next steps towards your relief. You deserve to feel good, physically and mentally.
How Dr Faizal treats extreme fatigue and tiredness
Fatigue and tiredness are symptoms, not a diagnosis. Here is how Dr Faizal approaches your case:
A Private, Unhurried Consultation
You have a 15 or 30 minute private consultation where Dr Faizal thoroughly assesses your fatigue symptoms and asks about your medical history. If you are too unwell to work, he may issue a sick note.
Medical Tests If Needed
If the consultation suggests it, Dr Faizal may arrange diagnostic tests or a full health MOT so the underlying cause can be identified.
Treatment Plan & Prescription
Dr Faizal guides you on self-management in line with NHS advice and, where clinically appropriate, prescribes treatment. IV drips or vitamin injections may also be discussed.
Ongoing Care & Referral
You can follow up with Dr Faizal by video consultation to discuss any changes in your symptoms. If more advanced care is required, he can arrange a specialist referral.
If you are too unwell to work, Dr Faizal can issue a sick note, arrange a full health MOT, or discuss IV drips and vitamin injections where appropriate. Self-help advice follows NHS guidance, and a specialist referral can be arranged if needed.
"I'd been putting off a conversation about my blood pressure for months. Dr Secretary gave me 30 minutes and went through everything properly. I left with my prescription and a referral already sorted."
"My son had a high temperature on a Saturday morning. We were seen the same day. The doctor was calm, thorough, and explained everything clearly. At £49, absolutely worth it for the peace of mind alone."
"The doctor didn't make me feel stupid for leaving things. He was straightforward, ran some bloods, and when I needed referring on, the letter was ready before I left the room. No extra charge."
Your GP for fatigue treatment in Preston
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered GP based in Fulwood, Preston. He trained in the UK, holds a medical degree from the University of Manchester, and a BSc with Distinction from Imperial College London. He is a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners with experience across both NHS and private general practice.
BSc (Hons) · MBChB · MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered · Seeing patients in Preston since 2017
Why choose My Private Clinic for fatigue treatment?
Named GP Every Time
Dr Secretary personally assesses and prescribes. Not a locum, not remote.
CQC-Registered
Independently regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Same Day Available
Appointments are often available the same day. Call or WhatsApp to check.
Evenings & Weekends
Mon to Thu 5 to 8pm, Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm.
FAQs about tiredness and extreme fatigue
What is the cause of profound fatigue?
Factors like low iron levels, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, infections, ongoing stress, low mood, and poor-quality sleep can all cause profound fatigue. You can consult Dr Faizal to find what is causing yours.
How can I improve fatigue?
The best treatment depends on treating the cause. For self-management, you can try improving your sleep quality, reducing stress, and eating a balanced, healthy diet. If your fatigue still does not improve, discuss it with Dr Faizal.
What are five symptoms of fatigue?
Common symptoms of fatigue are persistent tiredness that does not improve, low energy, lack of motivation, heaviness in the arms and legs, brain fog, and muscle weakness.
What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a medical condition that causes severe fatigue lasting at least six months. The tiredness does not improve with rest, and patients may also experience widespread pain.
Will Dr Faizal prescribe vitamins for tiredness and fatigue?
Yes. If you are feeling tired all the time because of a vitamin deficiency, Dr Faizal can prescribe vitamin supplements or injections where clinically appropriate.
What is the difference between fatigue and tiredness?
Fatigue is a persistent symptom that needs medical assessment. Tiredness is a temporary exhaustion that improves once you rest.
Should I consult for constant tiredness and fatigue?
Yes. If you feel fatigued throughout the day and your symptoms last for several weeks, do not dismiss it as routine tiredness. Consulting a GP is the best step to take.
Do I need a referral to book a consultation for extreme fatigue and tiredness?
No. You do not need a referral to consult with Dr Faizal, and you can often be seen the same day.
What is the latest treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?
There is currently no cure for CFS. Dr Faizal focuses on symptom relief and self-management so you can feel better and get back to your daily routine, with specialist referral where appropriate.
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