Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
When men aren’t feeling well they sometimes simply choose to tough it out. A Cleveland Clinic survey suggests adult males would do almost anything to avoid going to the doctor. Another survey reveals that only 32% of Millennials and Gen Z men see a doctor annually.
However, when it comes to symptoms such as fatigue, SouthCoast Health’s experts say it’s important to listen to the body as it could be signaling a serious issue. While we normally find relief from tiredness by catching up on sleep, fatigue that continues, is debilitating, or worsens can be a cause for concern.
The following are four of the main reasons fatigue in men could be a red flag:
The male hormone testosterone has an array of functions, including sexual and reproductive health, metabolism and energy, and mood and cognition. In general, testosterone levels decrease as men age. The Urology Care Foundation reminds us fatigue can be a symptom of low testosterone. Other symptoms include low libido, the loss of lean muscle mass, and irritability. If left untreated, low testosterone can be the precursor to serious health issues such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.
Harvard Medical School cites fatigue as an oft-overlooked warning sign of heart trouble. Consistent fatigue may be signally heart failure or coronary artery disease. If you’re feeling unusually tired, the American Heart Association says it could be one of several signs of a heart attack.
Are you still exhausted after a solid eight hours of sleep? If so, you may be experiencing sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to stop and restart breathing multiple times during sleep. This can be serious and increase the risk of stroke and hypertension. Mayo Clinic lists additional symptoms of sleep apnea, including loud snoring, a dry mouth upon awakening, morning headaches, gasping for air during sleep, and more.
Fatigue can have a direct connection to one’s mental wellbeing. Mental health struggles often materialize in the form of notable physical exhaustion. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, those experiencing depression frequently have issues involving sleep and fatigue. Feeling overly tired and lethargic can also be symptoms of general anxiety or bipolar disorders.
If you’re experiencing excessive fatigue, don’t wait to reach out to a provider. SouthCoast Health is here to assess and evaluate any fatigue you’re facing, rule out serious issues, diagnose any problems, and navigate proper treatment.
To discuss any concerns you may have, schedule an appointment online.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 16 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
