When to See a Doctor for Fatigue: 5 Signs It’s More Than Just Stress

When to See a Doctor for Fatigue: 5 Signs It’s More Than Just Stress

Everyone feels tired sometimes. Between work, family, and the daily rush of life, it’s easy to assume exhaustion is just part of being an adult. But when fatigue doesn’t go away — or starts to interfere with your ability to function — it could be your body’s way of telling you something deeper is going on.

At Oregon Telemed, our providers see fatigue as one of the most common concerns patients bring to telehealth appointments. While stress and lack of sleep can certainly drain your energy, persistent fatigue can also signal an underlying medical issue that deserves attention.

Here are five signs your fatigue may be more than just stress — and why it’s worth checking in with a provider.

You’re Sleeping, But Still Exhausted

If you’re getting seven to nine hours of sleep and still waking up tired, something else could be at play.
Common culprits include:

Thyroid imbalances (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)

Sleep apnea — when your breathing stops and starts during sleep, preventing full rest

Iron deficiency or anemia

Hormone fluctuations (especially in women during perimenopause or men with low testosterone)

A simple telehealth visit with Oregon Telemed can start with lab work — checking thyroid, iron, or hormone levels — to identify what might be draining your energy.

You’ve Lost Motivation or Focus

When fatigue starts showing up as mental fog, lack of motivation, or emotional flatness, it can point to depression, anxiety, or burnout.
Chronic stress changes cortisol levels, which in turn can affect sleep, mood, and even blood sugar.

Our providers often work with patients experiencing both mental and physical fatigue, offering a mix of:

Behavioral strategies

Stress management techniques

Lab-based assessments to rule out physical causes

The key is understanding the overlap — your mind and body are deeply connected, and both need care.

You Feel Weak, Dizzy, or Lightheaded

When fatigue comes with dizziness, weakness, or heart palpitations, it’s time to take a closer look. These symptoms can indicate:

Low blood pressure or dehydration

Electrolyte imbalances

Heart rhythm issues

Low blood sugar (especially in diabetics or those on certain medications)

Through Oregon Telemed, you can have your provider order quick lab panels or heart function tests at a local lab or imaging site — all without leaving your home. If something urgent comes up, we coordinate in-person referrals fast.

You’ve Gained or Lost Weight Without Trying

Unexpected changes in weight are one of the biggest red flags that your fatigue has a medical cause.
Rapid gain can result from thyroid problems or fluid retention, while sudden loss can indicate metabolic issues, autoimmune disease, or even chronic infection.

Our telehealth team can evaluate your symptoms, review your medications, and identify patterns that may not be obvious on your own. Many patients are surprised to learn that small hormone shifts or nutrient deficiencies can cause big swings in weight and energy.

It’s Been Going On for More Than a Month

A bad week or two can be stress-related. But if you’ve been dragging for more than a month — especially if your fatigue is worsening — it’s time to get checked.
Conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, anemia, sleep disorders, or hormonal imbalances often start subtly but respond well to early intervention.

The good news? Most causes of persistent fatigue are treatable once identified. And telehealth makes that process easier than ever.

How Oregon Telemed Can Help

With Oregon Telemed, you can meet with a licensed provider from home, seven days a week. We take a whole-person approach, combining medical evaluation, lab testing, and lifestyle support to uncover the “why” behind your symptoms — not just manage them.

Here’s what your care may include:

Comprehensive Telehealth Evaluation – Discuss your fatigue patterns, sleep, stress, and diet.

Lab Work Orders – Blood panels to check thyroid, hormones, iron, vitamin D, and blood sugar.

Customized Care Plan – Treatment options, supplements, or referrals based on results.

Follow-Up Support – Continued monitoring to make sure your energy levels return to normal.

Whether your fatigue is due to a simple deficiency, hormone change, or a more complex health issue, you don’t have to guess. A 20–30 minute virtual visit can give you real answers and a clear plan.

When to Reach Out

If you’ve noticed that you’re too tired to enjoy the things you love — and rest isn’t helping — Oregon Telemed is here for you.
We’re local, licensed, and open 7 days a week to make healthcare fit your schedule.

Book your telehealth appointment today at www.oregontelemed.com

Your health, your space, our expertise.