Differential diagnosis of fatigue in women.

The incidence of fatigue among women has been reported to be higher than among men. Life events such as childbirth, menopause, and socially imposed roles may confer unique vulnerability. Effective treatment of fatigue is dependent on accurate diagnosis. The mechanisms of fatigue are not well understood, but physiologically based fatigue can be differentiated from psychogenic fatigue. Such differentiation helps to direct and enhance the effectiveness of interventions.