10 Surprising Causes Of Fatigue

🥱 Is it normal to be tired all the time?

Here are some things I often hear from new clients coming to me for help with functional medicine:

➡️ Some battle the snooze button every morning, only to drag themselves out of bed with their mind set on one thing—coffee.

➡️ Others crash in the afternoon with brain fog and trouble concentrating, pushing through until they can go home to their couch.

➡️ Most know they’d feel better with more exercise and healthier foods but can’t find the motivation to do it.

Fatigue is so common that it can seem to be the norm.

❌ But it’s not normal ❌

Let’s assume a good doctor has already ruled out the most common medical causes of fatigue—like anemia, hypothyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes.

Now let’s assume the fatigue is still there.

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

1️⃣Medication Side Effects

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

2️⃣Micronutrient Deficiencies

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

3️⃣Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they can become damaged by things like pollutants, environmental toxins, infections, medications, or nutrient deficiencies.

4️⃣“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.

5️⃣Stealth Infections

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

6️⃣Gut Problems

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

7️⃣Hormones

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

8️⃣Over-Exercising

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

9️⃣Over-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.

If you’re experiencing fatigue, brain fog, or other symptoms that are impacting your quality of life, don’t wait any longer to get the help you need. It’s time to stop guessing and start taking action. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ryan and take the first step towards feeling your best. With comprehensive testing and targeted solutions, I can help you pinpoint the underlying factors contributing to your fatigue and create a roadmap to recovery. So why wait? Contact me now and  regain your energy 🙌