An immune system activated to fight a virus like HCV might also begin developing antibodies against other tissues in the body, including the thyroid. The resulting autoimmune illness, such as autoimmune thyroiditis, can result in still more symptoms of fatigue. A. Fatigue in HCV-infected individuals is most likely due to the virus' presence. However, a number of conditions that are readily diagnosed and treated may add to the level of fatigue. Iron deficiency anemia and hypothyroidism are both common among women and can certainly contribute to loss of energy.
Depression is also common and often manifests itself as excessive sleepiness and fatigue.
In fact, being diagnosed with a chronic condition can actually worsen an individual's depression. In general, these conditions may be treated independently of the hepatitis. All medications ingested by a patient with HCV should be reviewed by his or her physician because many drugs are metabolized by the liver, which may already be compromised by the virus. Some medications, particularly some antidepressants, can lead to fatigue if serum levels are too high. Therefore, in some cases, drug dosages may need to be reduced.