Fatigue is something we all experience occasionally—but when tiredness becomes a daily barrier to work, focus, or even joy, it’s no longer “normal.” Persistent fatigue refers to ongoing, unexplained exhaustion that doesn’t resolve with rest and may signal an underlying health imbalance. It’s one of the most common complaints in functional and hormone-based medicine—and one of the most often misunderstood.
There’s no single cause of fatigue, but many overlapping systems in the body can contribute when they’re not functioning well. Common root causes include:
Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism)
Adrenal imbalance or cortisol dysregulation
Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, vitamin D, magnesium)
Sex hormone imbalance (low testosterone, estrogen shifts, perimenopause)
Chronic inflammation or autoimmunity
Poor sleep quality or circadian rhythm disruption
Blood sugar dysregulation
Gut health issues or food sensitivities
Emotional stress, anxiety, or undiagnosed depression
Identifying the true cause requires looking beyond surface-level symptoms and exploring how your systems interact.
Many people confuse fatigue with feeling stressed, overworked, or just “busy.” While lifestyle plays a role, persistent fatigue often reflects a physiological breakdown in energy regulation. You may sleep 8 hours and still wake up tired, crash mid-afternoon, or feel too wiped out for basic activities—signs that something deeper may be going on.
We don’t treat fatigue as a diagnosis—we treat it as a signal. Our approach starts with advanced diagnostic testing that can uncover root imbalances in thyroid, adrenal, and metabolic function. We also examine nutrient status, inflammatory markers, hormone levels, and gut health—all of which play key roles in energy production.
From there, your care plan may include:
Targeted nutritional and lifestyle changes
Supplement or herbal protocols
Hormone support (if indicated)
Stress recovery strategies and sleep optimization
Our goal is to bring your energy back in a sustainable, long-term way—not just offer a quick fix.
Persistent fatigue may occur alongside other symptoms, including:
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Cold hands and feet
Hair thinning or dry skin
Mood changes or irritability
Poor exercise recovery
Cravings for caffeine, sugar, or salt
Lightheadedness or low blood pressure
These can help point to whether your fatigue is hormonal, nutritional, or adrenal in nature.
Fatigue can look different at every stage of life—but persistent, unexplained tiredness is never something to ignore. Here’s what’s typical by age group—and when it may signal a deeper issue:
Teens (13–19):
A certain level of tiredness is common due to growth, hormonal changes, and irregular sleep patterns. However, if a teen:
Struggles to wake up despite 8–10 hours of sleep
Naps daily but still feels exhausted
Has declining academic or athletic performance
Experiences mood swings or low motivation
…it could point to nutrient deficiencies, underactive thyroid, sleep disorders, or even early signs of burnout.
Young Adults (20s–30s):
Busy schedules, stress, and inconsistent routines are common in this age group—but persistent fatigue is not. Red flags include:
Needing caffeine to function daily
Feeling “wired but tired” at night
Poor workout recovery
Brain fog or declining focus at work
Hormonal acne or irregular periods alongside fatigue
These could be signs of adrenal fatigue, poor blood sugar regulation, or post-viral syndromes.
Adults (40s–60s):
If you’re getting consistent sleep but still feel run down, something deeper may be happening. Common contributors include:
Perimenopause or testosterone decline
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol
Low thyroid function (even if labs look “normal”)
Gut health dysfunction and poor nutrient absorption
Fatigue may present alongside weight gain, mood shifts, or lower resilience to stress.
Older Adults (65+):
Slowing down is expected—but persistent fatigue should never be dismissed as simply “getting older.” Causes may include:
Undiagnosed hypothyroidism or anemia
Nutrient malabsorption
Chronic inflammation
Medication side effects
Sleep disruption or undetected apneas
If fatigue interferes with daily tasks, social engagement, or cognitive clarity, it’s worth investigating.
If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but still feel run down every day, it’s time for a deeper look. Persistent fatigue is not just in your head—it’s your body asking for help. With the right insight and a personalized approach, real recovery is possible.
Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. For immediate assistance, please call 773-598-4387.
