Why Am I So Tired?

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.

Here are 10 lesser-known causes of fatigue we look for as a functional medicine practitioner:

Medication Side Effects

Blood pressure medications, statins, antidepressants, antihistamines, and proton pump inhibitors can all cause fatigue.

Micronutrient Deficiencies

Nutrients needed for energy production include vitamin B12 and other B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D.

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.

“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.

Stealth Infections

Lyme disease, EBV, fungal infections, or mold disrupt the immune system and contribute to fatigue.

Gut Problems

SIBO, IBS, and other digestive issues interfere with the absorption of nutrients needed for energy.

Hormones

Cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormone all affect energy.

Over-Exercising

Both too much and too little exercise can leave the body feeling drained and exhausted.

Over-Drinking

Caffeine, sugary drinks, and alcohol put a strain on the nervous system and hormones.

Emotional Stress

Everything from anxiety to depression to just plain boredom can cause fatigue.

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?