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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:56
Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue
Published on: May 17, 2018
Fatigue, endocrinopathies, and metabolic disorders
Gregory Kaltsas1, Alexandros Vgontzas, George Chrousos
1Department of Pathophysiology, National University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Summary
Fatigue often stems from endocrine dysfunction, particularly thyroid issues. Laboratory hormone tests are crucial for diagnosing these conditions and differentiating them from psychological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Fatigue is a common symptom prompting medical visits.
- Endocrine disorders, including thyroid dysfunction, are frequent causes of fatigue.
- Nonspecific symptoms of endocrinopathies necessitate differentiation from psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of endocrine dysfunction in fatigue.
- To emphasize the diagnostic importance of hormone level measurements.
- To underscore the need for distinguishing endocrinopathies from other fatigue etiologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic approaches in endocrinology.
- Emphasis on laboratory values for diagnosis.
- Discussion of self-reports in identifying at-risk patients.
Main Results:
- Hormone level measurements (thyroid, pituitary, parathyroid, adrenal) are key diagnostic tools.
- Metabolic abnormalities like hypoglycemia and dyslipidemia can contribute to fatigue.
- Algorithmic diagnosis using hormone levels is standard in endocrinology.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of fatigue requires differentiating endocrine causes using biological measures.
- Further understanding of hormone interactions and inflammation regulation can improve early detection.
- Early identification of endocrine abnormalities can prevent end-organ damage and enhance treatment.
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