9. Fatigue and Weakness – The Subtle Drains of Energy
Feeling tired or weak is something we all experience from time to time. It’s usually a sign that we need to slow down and rest. However, when fatigue becomes constant and isn’t relieved by rest, it can signal a more serious underlying health issue, such as FTC.
In the context of FTC, fatigue and weakness are not direct symptoms of the cancer itself. Instead, they’re indirect symptoms caused by the body’s reaction to the growing cancer. As the body channels its resources to fight the disease, it can lead to a state of constant exhaustion or an overall feeling of weakness.
Moreover, fatigue and weakness in FTC might also be tied to the imbalance of thyroid hormones resulting from the cancer’s impact on the thyroid gland’s normal functioning. As discussed earlier, these hormones regulate the body’s metabolism. An imbalance in these hormones can significantly affect energy levels, leading to feelings of fatigue or weakness.
While these symptoms are pretty nonspecific and are common to numerous medical conditions, persistent, unexplained fatigue or weakness should not be ignored, especially when coupled with other FTC symptoms.
Just like the other symptoms we’ve discussed, fatigue and weakness due to FTC are progressive, often worsening over time as the disease advances. These symptoms underscore the need for a medical evaluation if you’ve been feeling constantly tired or weak without a clear reason. (9)
