Patients who feel their concerns about extreme tiredness are being dismissed by general practitioners have been given crucial communication advice by a leading medical expert. Dr Nighat Arif, a prominent women's health specialist regularly featured on BBC Breakfast and ITV's This Morning, has identified six specific phrases that can help individuals convey the seriousness of their fatigue symptoms during medical consultations.
The Communication Challenge in Medical Settings
While occasional tiredness is normal, persistent fatigue that disrupts daily life can indicate underlying health issues ranging from thyroid problems and anemia to chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or depression. Many patients report feeling their concerns about constant exhaustion are not taken seriously enough during brief GP appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Six Essential Phrases for Medical Consultations
Dr Arif recommends patients prepare these specific statements before their next doctor's visit:
- "I feel shattered, and I'm tired" - Using emotional language that conveys the severity of the experience
- "I'm more than just tired. It's affecting my life" - Explicitly stating the functional impact
- "My family and/or colleagues have repeatedly told me I look tired - and I feel fatigued" - Providing external validation of visible symptoms
- "I've had to rearrange activities because I lack the energy to participate" - Giving concrete examples of life disruption
- "I've had persistent fatigue for [specific number] months, affecting my daily life" - Quantifying duration and impact
- "I would like this investigated further. Could we consider some tests?" - Directly requesting medical investigation
The Importance of Symptom Documentation
Beyond verbal communication, Dr Arif emphasizes the value of thorough symptom tracking. Maintaining detailed records between appointments provides concrete evidence that can overcome memory limitations during brief consultations. She recommends documenting specific areas including sleep patterns, mood fluctuations, pain levels, headaches, menstrual cycles (where applicable), weight changes, current medications, stress levels, and recent illnesses - particularly viral infections like influenza or COVID-19.
Tracking Broader Life Impacts
The medical expert further advises patients to record how fatigue affects their work performance, social relationships, and libido. This comprehensive approach helps create a clearer clinical picture and potentially avoids unnecessary broad-spectrum testing. "Having detailed records helps narrow diagnostic possibilities from the beginning," Dr Arif explains, "rather than requesting a scattergun approach to blood panels that may not be necessary."
Recognizing When Fatigue Requires Urgent Attention
While most fatigue cases benefit from routine investigation, Dr Arif highlights specific "red flag" symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention rather than waiting for scheduled appointments. These include worsening breathlessness, chest pains, night sweats, unintentional weight loss, new and severe headaches, significant back pain, or mood changes suggesting life isn't worth living. "If your fatigue is worsening and accompanied by these symptoms," she cautions, "please seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for routine testing."
The NHS website provides extensive resources about potential causes of persistent tiredness, available treatments, and guidance about when to consult healthcare professionals. Patients are encouraged to utilize these materials alongside Dr Arif's communication strategies to ensure their health concerns receive appropriate medical attention and investigation.
