Persistent fatigue — which specialty
Continuous tiredness over weeks that rest does not relieve.
Usually seen by
General internal medicine
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Haematology — with pallor and dizziness
- Endocrinology — with cold intolerance and weight gain, or thirst and frequent urination
- Psychiatry — with prolonged loss of interest or difficulty concentrating
- Respiratory medicine — with loud snoring and daytime sleepiness
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Fatigue with chest pain or breathlessness
- Fatigue with rapid weight loss
- Fatigue so severe you cannot manage daily tasks
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- How long
- How many hours of sleep, whether you sleep well, and whether waking helps
- Whether you are sleepy in the day or simply exhausted
- How your mood has been
- Whether work or circumstances have changed significantly
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- A two-week sleep and energy diary
- Recent blood results
- A list of medicines
What a first visit usually involves
- A comprehensive history
- Basic blood tests, thyroid, glucose
- Screening for sleep and mood