Patients come to us because of weight gain, hormonal changes, or digestive problems, but the vast majority also struggle with FATIGUE.
Let’s assume a good doctor has already ruled out the most common medical causes of fatigue - like anemia, hypothyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes but the fatigue is still there.
Causes of Fatigue
Here are 10 lesser-known causes of fatigue we look for as a functional medicine practitioner:
1. Medication Side Effects
Blood pressure medications, statins, antidepressants, antihistamines, and proton pump inhibitors can all cause fatigue.
Sometimes fatigue begins after starting a new medication or changing a dosage, making this an important part of your health history to review. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own, but talk with your healthcare provider if you suspect it may be contributing to your symptoms.
2. Micronutrient Deficiencies
Nutrients needed for energy production include vitamin B12 and other B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D.
Even when you're eating a healthy diet, factors like digestive problems, dietary restrictions, medications, or poor absorption can affect your nutrient levels. Testing may help identify deficiencies that could be contributing to low energy.
3. Mitochondrial Function
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they can become damaged by things like pollutants, environmental toxins, infections, medications, or nutrient deficiencies.
Nutrition, sleep, movement, and reducing unnecessary exposures can all play a role in supporting healthy cellular energy production.
4. Burnout
What some call “adrenal fatigue” is more specifically a dysregulation of the HPA axis. It happens when chronic stress exhausts both the adrenal glands and the nervous system.
You may feel exhausted during the day but have difficulty winding down at night, or find that everyday stressors suddenly feel much harder to handle. Looking at stress, sleep, nutrition, and daily recovery habits can help us understand the bigger picture.
5. Stealth Infections
Lyme disease, EBV, fungal infections, or mold disrupt the immune system and contribute to fatigue.
When the immune system is continually activated, the body may devote more resources to managing that stress, leaving you feeling depleted.
6. Gut Problems
SIBO, IBS, and other digestive issues interfere with the absorption of nutrients needed for energy.
7. Hormones
Cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormone all affect energy.
Changes in these hormones can influence sleep, mood, metabolism, muscle health, and how energized you feel throughout the day. This is especially important to consider when fatigue appears alongside menstrual changes, perimenopause or menopause symptoms, weight changes, or increased stress.
8. Over-Exercising
Both too much and too little exercise can leave the body feeling drained and exhausted.
Movement should generally support your energy rather than continually leave you depleted. If you're pushing through intense workouts despite feeling exhausted, your body may need more recovery, while someone who is mostly sedentary may benefit from gradually adding more movement.
9. Over-Drinking
Caffeine, sugary drinks, and alcohol put a strain on the nervous system and hormones.
It's easy to reach for another cup of coffee or an energy drink when you're tired, but relying on stimulants can sometimes contribute to a cycle of energy spikes, crashes, and disrupted sleep. Alcohol can interfere with restorative sleep as well, even if it initially makes you feel sleepy.
10. Emotional Stress
Everything from anxiety to depression to just plain boredom can cause fatigue.
Fatigue Is a Symptom - Let's Find Out Why
If you're constantly tired despite getting enough sleep, don't assume you simply need more coffee, more exercise, or an earlier bedtime. Persistent fatigue can be your body's way of telling you that something needs more attention.
The point is that “fatigue” does not have one clear cause. We need to do the detective work to find the source in each beautifully unique individual.
Do you wish you had more energy?
Which one of these is your culprit?
If you're tired of feeling tired and want to understand what may be behind your fatigue, schedule a Discovery Call with Hope Natural Health. Let's start looking for answers so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.
