Always Tired? Could Anemia—or Something Else—Be the Cause

Feeling Tired All the Time?

If you feel constantly tired — even after a full night’s sleep — it may not just be stress, aging, or a busy schedule. Ongoing fatigue can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition, and one of the most common is anemia.

Anemia affects your blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which can leave you feeling weak, drained, or short of breath during everyday activities.

What Is Anemia?

Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin — the protein that delivers oxygen to your tissues.

When oxygen delivery is reduced, your muscles and organs have to work harder, which often leads to persistent fatigue. Some people live with anemia for months or years without realizing it because symptoms can be subtle at first.

Common Symptoms of Anemia

Fatigue is the most common symptom, but others may include:

• Shortness of breath, even with light activity
• Pale skin or gums
• Headaches or dizziness
• Cold hands and feet
• Weakness or difficulty concentrating
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Chest discomfort in more severe cases

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of anemia.

What Causes Anemia?

There are several reasons your body may not have enough red blood cells.

1. Blood Loss

Chronic blood loss — such as from heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding, or ulcers — can lead to iron deficiency anemia over time.

2. Reduced Red Blood Cell Production

Your body needs nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folate to produce red blood cells. Deficiencies, digestive conditions, or chronic illness can slow production.

3. Autoimmune or Chronic Conditions

In less common cases, the immune system may destroy red blood cells (such as in autoimmune hemolytic anemia), or chronic diseases may interfere with red blood cell production.

Other Common Causes of Ongoing Fatigue

While anemia is a frequent cause of persistent tiredness, it’s not the only one. Fatigue can also be associated with:

Diabetes

Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can cause fatigue due to fluctuations in glucose, dehydration, or metabolic stress. Fatigue may occur even before diabetes is diagnosed.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Low vitamin D levels have been associated with fatigue, muscle weakness, and low energy in some individuals. Symptoms often overlap with anemia, which is why testing may be helpful.

Because fatigue has many possible causes, lab testing is often needed to determine what’s contributing to symptoms.

How Is Anemia Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Iron-rich foods (leafy greens, beans, fortified cereals, eggs, lean meats)
• Iron or vitamin supplementation, if recommended by a provider
• Treating underlying conditions affecting absorption or blood loss

If symptoms persist or labs suggest another cause, further evaluation may be needed.

When to See a Doctor About Fatigue

You should consider medical evaluation if:

• You feel tired most days despite adequate sleep
• Fatigue is affecting work, focus, or daily activities
• You have symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or paleness
• You have risk factors for anemia, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies

Early testing can help identify treatable causes and prevent complications.

How BASS Medical Group Can Help

Primary Care Providers at BASS Medical Group can evaluate ongoing fatigue, order blood tests (such as a CBC, iron studies, vitamin levels, or glucose testing), and help determine next steps based on your individual health profile.

If needed, we’ll coordinate referrals to specialists for further care.

To schedule an appointment, visit bassmedicalgroup.com or contact your local BASS office.