Chronic fatigue isn’t just feeling tired after a long day—it’s a profound sense of exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. It’s a complex condition that affects your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. If you’re struggling with constant fatigue, you may have been told it’s “just stress” or that it’s all in your head. But in functional medicine, we know that chronic fatigue is real—and it often has multiple underlying causes that can be addressed with the right approach.
What Is Chronic Fatigue?
Chronic fatigue is a condition characterized by:
- Persistent exhaustion that lasts for 6 months or more
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
- Muscle and joint pain or headaches
- Increased sensitivity to stress
- Low energy levels that don’t improve with rest
Chronic fatigue is often diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) when the symptoms last for six months or more, but it can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, infections, or hormonal imbalances.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue?
In functional medicine, we understand that fatigue isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. It’s often a symptom of deeper imbalances in the body. Some common underlying causes of chronic fatigue include:
- Chronic Stress & Adrenal Dysfunction
Long-term stress leads to adrenal fatigue, where the body’s ability to handle stress diminishes. This disrupts cortisol and other key hormones, leading to exhaustion and difficulty recovering.
- Infections & Immune Dysfunction
Chronic infections, such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Lyme disease, or Candida overgrowth, can drain energy and trigger immune system imbalances, leading to persistent fatigue.
- Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal issues, such as hypothyroidism, low estrogen, testosterone imbalances, or insulin resistance, can lead to fatigue, low energy, and difficulty staying alert throughout the day.
- Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals—such as B12, magnesium, vitamin D, and iron—can impair energy production and leave you feeling drained.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Your mitochondria are responsible for producing the energy your body needs. When they aren’t functioning properly (due to toxins, poor nutrition, or chronic illness), you can experience fatigue and low energy levels.
- Blood Sugar Imbalances
Fluctuations in blood sugar or insulin resistance can leave you feeling fatigued, especially after meals, or when your body isn’t effectively utilizing glucose for energy.
- Mental Health Factors
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can contribute to feelings of chronic fatigue. Addressing emotional and psychological well-being is crucial in the recovery process.
- Gut Health Issues
A compromised gut (like leaky gut or dysbiosis) can lead to inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, and chronic fatigue. Your gut health is critical to your energy levels.
How Functional Medicine Helps Chronic Fatigue
Functional medicine is all about identifying and addressing the root causes of your chronic fatigue. We work with you to restore balance and optimize energy production, so you can feel like yourself again. Our approach includes:
Your Personalized Plan May Include:
- Comprehensive lab testing (hormones, thyroid function, nutrient levels, gut health, inflammatory markers)
- Customized nutrition plans to support energy production and balance blood sugar
- Supplements (like B-vitamins, magnesium, adaptogens, probiotics) to support mitochondrial health and reduce inflammation
- Stress management techniques (meditation, yoga, deep breathing) to restore adrenal function and balance cortisol
- Gut health protocols to restore healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and reduce inflammation
- Sleep optimization strategies to improve sleep quality and recovery
- Exercise programs tailored to your current energy levels to gradually build strength without overburdening the system
