Unexplained Fatigue and Low Energy: What Might Be Going On

Summary

Feeling constantly tired or lacking energy can creep up slowly or appear quite suddenly. It can affect your concentration, mood, motivation and ability to work or exercise. This guide explains the common reasons behind these symptoms, how to think about chronic fatigue in everyday terms, what you can safely do at home, when to seek routine medical help, and how a consultant physician can assess fatigue in person at Eric Healthcare in Salford or online across the UK.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for you if:

1.    You feel tired most days and cannot explain why.

2.    You wake up unrefreshed despite a whole night’s sleep.

3.    Your energy levels have dropped over weeks or months.

4.    You are unsure whether this is stress, lifestyle, an underlying condition or something more serious.

5.    You have had some tests already, but still do not have clear answers.

6.    Your fatigue is affecting your routines, work or relationships.

If your fatigue is part of a sudden, severe illness — for example, chest pain, breathlessness, collapse or confusion — stop reading and call 999 immediately.

Red flag checklist: when to seek urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if fatigue is associated with:

1.    Sudden chest pain, especially heavy, crushing or spreading to the arm, jaw or back.

2.    Severe breathlessness or difficulty speaking.

3.    New weakness in the face, arm or leg, or sudden difficulty speaking.

4.    Blackouts, seizures, collapse, or severe dizziness.

5.    High fever with rash, stiff neck, or extreme drowsiness.

6.    Passing black or bloody stools, vomiting blood or heavy bleeding.

7.    Rapidly worsening symptoms that feel “serious and sudden”.

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, worsening quickly or feel life-threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E immediately.

Common reasons for unexplained fatigue

Fatigue is not a diagnosis — it is a signal. It usually comes from one or several systems in the body. Here are the most frequent categories.

1. Lifestyle, sleep and short-term factors

• Poor or irregular sleep routines.

• Chronic stress, overwork or burnout.

• Recovering from a viral illness (including post-viral syndromes).

• Heavy training, poor hydration or lack of balanced nutrition.

These are common and often reversible, but they can take time to improve.

2. Medical conditions usually managed by a GP

• Anaemia or low iron stores.

• Thyroid disorders (underactive or overactive).

• Vitamin B12 or vitamin D deficiency.

• Mild infections, inflammation or poorly controlled long-term conditions.

• Low blood pressure or mild rhythm issues.

These problems often show up on basic blood tests.

3. Conditions that may need consultant-level review

• Persistent fatigue lasting more than 3 months without a clear cause.

• Fatigue combined with palpitations, dizziness or breathlessness.

• Suspected heart rhythm problems (e.g., atrial fibrillation).

• Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.

• Unexplained weight loss, night sweats or prolonged fever.

• Post-viral fatigue or long recovery after infection.

This is where a structured assessment of symptoms, blood tests, heart rhythm monitoring and a full clinical history is essential.

What you can safely do at home for now

If you do not have any red flags and can manage day to day, the following may help:

1.    Protect your sleep routine — aim for regular times, reduce screens late in the evening, and avoid stimulants before bed.

2.    Balance activity and rest — avoid the cycle of “push hard then crash”.

3.    Hydrate consistently — small amounts throughout the day.

4.    Eat regularly — small, balanced meals with a mix of protein, vegetables and complex carbohydrates.

5.    Check your basic readings if you have equipment at home (temperature, pulse, blood pressure).

6.    Keep a fatigue diary — note sleep quality, stress levels, physical activity and days where symptoms feel worse.

7.    Pharmacy support — pharmacists can advise on simple symptom management and over-the-counter supplements if appropriate.

If you feel progressively worse, or your fatigue does not improve after a few weeks of reasonable self-care, a medical review is appropriate.

When and how to seek non-emergency medical help

1. Start with your GP

Your GP can arrange initial blood tests, review your medications, and check your thyroid function, iron levels, and general health. Many causes of fatigue can be managed fully in primary care.

2. Walk-in or urgent treatment centres

Useful if symptoms are new and uncomfortable but not dangerous.

3. Consider a consultant physician when:

• Your fatigue has lasted many weeks or months.

• You have already had tests, but still lack a clear explanation.

• You have several symptoms affecting different systems.

• You are concerned about heart, lung or metabolic causes.

• You want a more detailed, structured evaluation.

• You need coordinated investigations such as blood tests and Holter monitoring.

4. Online or in person?

• Online consultations are excellent for history taking, reviewing results and planning next steps.

• In-person assessments are recommended when examination is essential, such as for heart, lung or neurological concerns.

How Dr Paraiso’s clinic can help

Dr Hassan Paraiso is a consultant in Acute and General Internal Medicine. He helps adults understand persistent symptoms and move from worry to a clear, actionable plan.

You can access his care in three ways:

1. In-person clinic in Salford

• Location : Eric Healthcare, Bowsall House, 3 King Street, Salford, M3 7DG

• Telephone: 0121 838 1869

A typical appointment includes:

• A detailed discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history.

• A focused examination where relevant.

• Review of previous blood tests, scans or letters.

• Arrangement of appropriate new tests if needed.

• A clear written summary for you and your GP.

2. Online consultations — UK-wide

Suitable for reviewing chronic fatigue, second opinions, post-viral symptoms and planning further investigations.

3. Direct access to tests — UK-wide

• Private blood tests for anaemia, vitamin levels, thyroid function, inflammation and metabolic markers.

• Holter heart rhythm monitoring if palpitations or dizziness accompany fatigue.

You can book tests alone or combine them with a consultation for interpretation and planning.

If this sounds like your situation and it is not an emergency, you can find out more at DrParaiso.co.uk.

Frequently asked questions

1.    Do I need tests straight away?

Not always. Tests are recommended when they will genuinely change decisions or improve safety.

2.    Can chronic fatigue be assessed online?

Often yes. A detailed history provides essential clues.

3.    Is this the same as chronic fatigue syndrome?

Not necessarily. Fatigue has many causes; specialist review helps differentiate them.

4.    Will you contact my GP?

Yes — you will receive a clear summary to share.

5.    How long should I wait before seeking help?

If fatigue persists for more than a few weeks, or is affecting daily life, a review is sensible.

Key takeaways

1.    Severe or sudden illness with fatigue → 999 immediately.

2.    Fatigue is a symptom with many possible causes — not a diagnosis.

3.    Self-care, sleep routines and pacing can help while you seek assessment.

4.    A consultant physician can help when symptoms are persistent or unexplained.

5.    The clinic offers in-person consultations in Birmingham and UK-wide online consultations, blood tests and Holter monitoring.

Final safety reminder

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, worsening quickly or potentially life-threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E immediately.