There are many reasons why men may experience persistent fatigue associated with lack of motivation, nervousness and difficulty concentrating. From chaotic eating and excessive alcohol consumption, to heart disease, liver disease or diabetes. And sleep disorders, low testosterone levels or depression can contribute significantly to the persistent feeling of fatigue.
A low testosterone level or depression can significantly contribute to the feeling of fatigue Photo: © Alen Dobric | Dreamstime.com
A healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and treating any medical conditions are essential to maintaining optimal energy levels.
We detail what can be the causes of lack of energy in men and how they can be improved:
1. Diet and exercise
Many men with demanding jobs have a habit of skipping breakfast and compensating with excess caffeine or snacks, and then end the day with a high-carb meal. Although caffeine may provide a momentary energy boost, fatigue will begin to set in after the caffeine wears off. And a diet low in essential nutrients or one that doesn’t provide enough calories can lead to low energy levels.
Also, the lack of physical activity specific to those who spend a lot of time at the office can lead, in the long term, to muscle weakness, so any small effort can cause excessive fatigue.
Instead, a balanced diet rich in nutrients, such as protein and carbohydrates from whole grains and vegetables, and exercise can help maintain optimal energy levels throughout the day.
2. Excessive alcohol consumption
right National Institute of Public Health, excessive alcohol consumption is a major problem, especially among men in Romania. On average, over a third of adults in Romania declared that they episodically consume alcohol in excess at least once a month, which represents one of the highest rates in the EU.
Drinking wine, beer or spirits during the day can cause drowsiness and sluggishness. And for those who didn’t get enough rest the night before, even a single drink can accentuate fatigue, especially if consumed in the afternoon when energy levels are naturally lower.
So, alcoholic beverages should be consumed in moderation, i.e.:
2 units/day, 4 units/occasion and 14 units/week, for men; 1 unit/day, 2 units/occasion and 7 units/week, for women and people over 65 years old.
A unit means: either a small beer (330 milliliters), or a glass of wine (125 ml), or a small strong one (40 ml).
It is also often recommended that alcohol be consumed with meals, as food can help reduce the absorption of alcohol in the body.
3. Low testosterone levels
Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone. It plays an essential role in terms of mental and physical energy levels. Men typically produce less and less testosterone as they age (about one percent less per year after age 30), but when a significant drop in testosterone levels occurs, it can be a red flag.
“Hypogonadism is quite common, i.e. decreased testosterone secretion and/or sperm production, for central reasons, i.e. related to the hypothalamus-pituitary, or peripheral, i.e. related to the testicles or peripheral receptors,” he stated Dr. Antonela Burlacu, primary endocrinologist.
Symptoms of low testosterone include decreased sex drive, depressed moods, decreased energy, and especially increased fatigue. Testosterone levels can be determined through specific blood tests, and if a low value is found, the doctor can recommend therapy.
Low testosterone levels can be managed through various modalities such as intramuscular injections, use of topical patches, solutions and gels.
“First of all, the cause of a low testosterone level must be identified and addressed. If it is not possible, injections are made with testosterone supplements, usually an injection every three or four weeks,” explained Dr. Antonela Burlacu.
4. Sleep disorders
Insomnia and sleep apnea are the most common sleep disorders that can seriously affect the quality of life.
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or maintaining uninterrupted sleep, even when the affected person is tired. The causes can be varied, from stress and anxiety to certain medications or underlying conditions. Insomnia manifests as fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating, and treatment may include changes in sleep habits or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing stops repeatedly during sleep and is more common in men than women. This is due in part to anatomical and hormonal differences between the sexes. In general, men have a neck anatomy that can cause the airway to collapse during sleep. Also, higher testosterone levels can influence the occurrence of sleep apnea. One of the symptoms of apnea is loud snoring.
“It is not normal to snore loudly every night, so if we notice that a child or an adult has been snoring for more than a few weeks or months, it means that they are not breathing well during sleep. Sometimes, we don’t hear snoring but just louder breathing, or the sleep is restless. When waking up in the morning, the person may have dry mouth (asks for water in the morning), headache when waking up, sleepiness (falling asleep during the day) or, on the contrary, restlessness, nervousness and irritability, weight problems,” he explained dr. Mihaela Orosprimary pediatrician with skills in somnology.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease. To manage this problem, a medical evaluation is first necessary to establish the correct diagnosis, followed by appropriate recommendations. These recommendations may involve the use of a ventilator or lifestyle adjustments such as weight loss and smoking cessation.
5. Diabetes
If a person has diabetes, the body’s ability to use and regulate sugar levels is compromised. Normally, the food we eat is broken down into simple sugars, known as glucose, to be absorbed by the body’s cells. However, in diabetic patients, insulin, the hormone responsible for absorbing glucose from the blood, is either not produced enough or is not used effectively.
This deficiency usually leads to excessive accumulation of sugar in the blood, without the cells being able to properly benefit from this source of energy. Although the link between glucose build-up and diabetes-related fatigue is well known, research to confirm this relationship is still relatively limited.
Studies suggest that glucose may play a significant role in the onset of fatigue in patients with diabetes. For example, in a 2003 study, researchers monitored 36 adults with type 2 diabetes by measuring blood glucose levels for three to four weeks and found that fatigue was significantly correlated with glucose levels from blood.
Both types of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, can benefit from specialized treatment to ensure adequate blood sugar levels, and in the case of type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes can also be an effective way management of this condition. Unfortunately, diabetes can evolve for a long time before being diagnosed, being asymptomatic until complications appear. According to worldwide statistics, 1 in 2 adults with diabetes are not diagnosed.
6. Heart diseases
Heart diseases are the main cause of death all over the world, and Romania is no exception. These include conditions such as coronary heart disease, blood vessel disease, heart defects and heart attack. A common symptom of heart disease is chronic fatigue. This is evident in conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, heart attack. People with heart problems may experience a general feeling of weakness or exhaustion that may persist even after they have had enough sleep.
Men generally have a higher risk of developing heart disease after age 45-55. However, after menopause, women’s risk of developing heart disease increases and becomes similar to that of men.
To maintain heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the following measures can be taken: quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and performing regular preventive medical check-ups.
7. Liver diseases
One of the most common and debilitating symptoms of liver disease is fatigue. This symptom occurs in all forms of liver disease, from hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease) to liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis C. In some patients, fatigue sets in several years after the diagnosis of liver disease is established. For others, it is the main reason why they went to the doctor.
In the case of a diseased liver, fatigue can occur at any time of the day, but is most common in the morning, about an hour after waking up. At 9 o’clock in the morning, some may already feel exhausted as if after a full day’s work. Others describe weakness and lack of energy throughout the day. Even ordinary tasks become more tiring, and around 4:00 p.m., the patient simply has to lie down in bed.
Treatment of fatigue can be challenging in the case of liver disease. First, an evaluation of all other potential causes should be made, as some of them can be easily treated. Thyroid disorders and anemia are often associated with liver disease and can worsen existing fatigue. Nutritional deficiencies and fluid imbalances also contribute to exhaustion. Primary depression from causes other than liver disease leads to fatigue and may require pharmacological control. Finally, all medications the patient is taking should be reviewed and unnecessary ones removed.
8. Depression
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Although it is a mental health disorder, symptoms can also manifest physically, and severe fatigue is a common symptom of depression.
IN A study conducted on 81 people, up to 90% of subjects reported severe fatigue, although 80% of these subjects were on antidepressants.
Research showed that fatigue is a consistently present symptom in depression. A European study that included six countries and 1,884 participants revealed that 73% of them experienced fatigue as a common feature of depression.
Fatigue combined with other symptoms such as apathy, lack of concentration and anxiety can negatively affect productivity and daily well-being.
Depression is, however, a treatable condition, and psychotherapy and medication are available to everyone.
Other possible causes of fatigue:
Allergies: can cause fatigue due to the body’s immune response to allergens. This reaction can demand the body’s resources and lead to a feeling of fatigue; Cancer: Fatigue is a common symptom associated with cancer. Pathological processes associated with cancer, aggressive treatments and emotional stress can contribute to the state of fatigue; Thyroid problems: abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland can disrupt metabolism, affecting energy levels, and even though thyroid diseases are less common in men than in women, the symptoms are more intense in their case; Anemia: anemia is characterized by low levels of hemoglobin, reducing the ability to carry oxygen. This can lead to tiredness and lack of energy. Some medications: Certain medications, including statins used to lower cholesterol, can cause fatigue as a side effect.
Photo source: Dreamstime.com
2023-10-27 11:00:00
#persistent #fatigue #men #recommendations #specialists