Always Tired? 7 Root Causes of Fatigue

Do you wake up feeling tired, no matter how much sleep you get? Struggle with energy crashes in the afternoon? Feel like you’re running on empty—despite doing “all the right things”?

You’re not alone. Chronic fatigue is one of the most common complaints I see in my functional medicine practice—and it’s not just because of stress.

Let’s explore the 7 hidden root causes of fatigue that might be draining your energy—and how you can start reclaiming your vitality, naturally.

🌿 1. Blood Sugar Imbalance

Do you feel hangry, shaky, or lightheaded between meals? Struggle with cravings for sugar or carbs?

Blood sugar crashes (also called reactive hypoglycemia) can leave you feeling wiped out. When your blood sugar dips, so does your energy.

✅ The fix: Prioritize protein, healthy fats, and fiber with every meal to stabilize your blood sugar and avoid energy rollercoasters.

🌿 2. Thyroid Dysfunction

Your thyroid is your body’s energy thermostat. When it’s underactive (hypothyroid), you might feel:

• Exhausted

• Cold all the time

• Struggling with weight gain

• Brain fog

Many women have undiagnosed thyroid issues—even if their labs look "normal."

✅ The fix: Ask for comprehensive thyroid testing (not just TSH!), including free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies.

🌿 3. Adrenal Fatigue (HPA Axis Dysfunction)

Chronic stress can dysregulate your adrenal glands—the little glands that help you cope with stress.

Symptoms of adrenal imbalance include:

• Waking up exhausted

• Afternoon crashes

• Craving salt or sugar

• Feeling "tired but wired" at night

✅ The fix: Support your adrenals with stress management, nourishing sleep, and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola.

🌿 4. Nutrient Deficiencies

Even if you eat a healthy diet, you might be missing key nutrients that fuel energy production, like:

• Iron

• B vitamins (especially B12)

• Magnesium

• Vitamin D

✅ The fix: Get functional lab testing to identify deficiencies and supplement as needed.

🌿 5. Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Your mitochondria are the power plants of your cells. If they’re not working well, you’ll feel fatigued—plain and simple.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is common in people with chronic fatigue, mold exposure, Lyme disease, or toxin overload.

✅ The fix: Support mitochondria with CoQ10, carnitine, magnesium, and B vitamins—and address underlying toxins.

🌿 6. Gut Health Imbalances

Your gut is the center of energy production—and when it’s out of balance, fatigue often follows.

Signs your gut might be the problem:

• Bloating, gas, or constipation

• Food sensitivities

• Brain fog

Leaky gut, dysbiosis, and hidden infections (like SIBO) can all contribute to low energy.

✅ The fix: Consider gut testing and a targeted protocol to heal your gut lining and restore microbiome balance.

🌿 7. Hidden Infections and Inflammation

Chronic, low-grade infections (like Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme, mold, or parasites) can drain your energy for years.

These stealth infections often go undetected in standard labs.

✅ The fix: Work with a functional medicine practitioner to investigate root causes and create a personalized treatment plan.

🌿 You Don’t Have to Live with Fatigue

Fatigue is not a normal part of life—and it’s not just about getting more sleep.

By identifying and addressing the root causes of your fatigue, you can:
✅ Wake up feeling refreshed
✅ Restore mental clarity
✅ Reclaim your energy and joy

🌿 Ready to Get to the Root Cause of Your Fatigue?

At Ultimate Functional Medicine, we use advanced lab testing and personalized care to help you restore your energy naturally.

✨ Book a Discovery Call today and start your journey toward vibrant, sustainable energy.