Autumn asthenia symptoms and seasonal fatigue management

Autumn asthenia is characterized as a temporary adaptation to seasonal changes rather than a formal medical diagnosis. According to the Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (semFYC), it involves fatigue that occurs with minimal effort and does not improve with rest, distinguishing it from normal exhaustion.

Common symptoms include daytime drowsiness due to earlier melatonin secretion, apathy, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, headaches, irritability, and changes in appetite. The condition typically affects women between 20 and 50 years old and generally lasts between a few days and three weeks as the body adjusts to new light cycles.

Medical experts warn that if fatigue persists beyond three to four weeks, it may indicate underlying conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, or chronic fatigue. Warning signs that require medical consultation include weight loss, fever, night sweats, pallor, shortness of breath, or joint pain. Supplements like tryptophan, magnesium, or vitamin D cannot correct underlying issues like anemia or hypothyroidism, and self-medication may delay necessary diagnoses.