Fatigue and endocrine disorders. Causes and comorbidities.

BACKGROUND

Most causes of fatigue are ill defined, self limiting or elude diagnosis. Many endocrine disorders present with nonspecific features including fatigue, so are difficult to differentiate on clinical grounds. However, avoiding diagnostic delay is vital to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, a high index of suspicion and knowledge of appropriate investigations is important. Endocrine disorders predispose the individual to developing related disorders; fatigue may be one sign of associated comorbidity.

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses the endocrine disorders that commonly present with or develop fatigue as a prominent feature, with emphasis on particular challenges for diagnosis, investigation or management. Screening recommendations for comorbid disease was generated by an extensive review of current evidence.

DISCUSSION

The identification of endocrine disorders can be both challenging--due to patterns of presentation--and rewarding for doctors and patients alike, due to importance and effectiveness of treatment.