Fatigue
Fatigue and fatigue disorders
Addressing Fatigue and Fatigue Disorders at Our Functional Medicine Clinic
Fatigue is a common but complex symptom that can significantly impact quality of life. For many, it is a temporary state, but for others suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia, long COVID, or ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome), fatigue becomes chronic and debilitating. At our functional medicine clinic, we specialise in treating these chronic fatigue disorders by identifying and addressing the root causes, using a personalised approach to promote long-term health and quality of life.
Understanding Fatigue Disorders
Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and long COVID share some common symptoms, including chronic fatigue, pain, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. However, these conditions are not the same, and each requires a tailored treatment plan:
Fibromyalgia: Characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.
ME/CFS: A debilitating condition marked by profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after physical or mental activity), and unrefreshing sleep, among other symptoms.
Long COVID: A post-viral syndrome where patients experience persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and muscle pain long after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19.
Traditional treatments often focus on symptom management, but functional medicine goes deeper to address imbalances in the body’s systems that contribute to these conditions.
The Functional Medicine Approach to Fatigue
In functional medicine, we recognise that fatigue disorders are multifactorial. Our goal is to assess the entire person and address the underlying causes of fatigue, which may include:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction: Cells’ energy production can be compromised, leading to chronic fatigue.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Inadequate levels of essential nutrients like B-vitamins, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D can contribute to fatigue.
- Chronic inflammation: Ongoing inflammation can deplete energy and contribute to pain and cognitive difficulties.
- Gut health imbalances: Poor gut health, including dysbiosis and leaky gut, can trigger systemic inflammation and reduce nutrient absorption.
- Hormonal imbalances: due to adrenal hormones, thyroid issues, and disruptions in cortisol levels can lead to chronic energy depletion.
Toxin overload: Accumulation of environmental toxins or heavy metals can put a strain on the body’s detoxification systems, contributing to fatigue.
Our Treatment Approach
At our clinic, we use a comprehensive, personalised approach to address fatigue disorders, focusing on restoring balance and improving energy production at the cellular level. Key components of our approach include:
- Comprehensive Testing: We use advanced diagnostic tools to assess mitochondrial function, inflammation, hormone levels, gut health, and potential toxin exposure.
- Nutritional Therapy: Nutrition plays a foundational role in our treatment plans. We design personalised dietary programs to reduce inflammation, correct nutrient deficiencies, and improve gut health. Specific supplements may be recommended to support energy production and reduce inflammation.
- Hormonal Support: If imbalances in thyroid or adrenal function are identified, we use lifestyle, diet and sometimes supplements, herbs and medications to improve hormonal function.
- Mitochondrial Support: By providing targeted nutrients that support mitochondrial function and address functional nutrient deficiencies, we aim to improve energy production at the cellular level.
- Gut Health Optimisation: Improving gut health is often key to managing fatigue. We may implement a gut-healing protocol that includes eliminating potential food sensitivities, introducing probiotics and prebiotics, and repairing gut lining integrity.
- Mind-Body Integration and Nervous System regulation: Fatigue disorders often involve stress and emotional components. We incorporate stress management techniques such as mindfulness, breathwork and relaxation practices, which are crucial for promoting healing and improving sleep quality.
At our functional medicine clinic, we believe in treating fatigue and chronic fatigue disorders like fibromyalgia, long COVID, and ME/CFS by addressing the whole person—mind, body, and environment. Through our integrative, individualised approach, we aim to not only relieve symptoms but also restore vitality and quality of life. Whether you’re facing unexplained fatigue or have a diagnosed condition, we are committed to helping you uncover the root causes and guiding you toward lasting recovery.
Case Study: Balancing Hormones for a Healthier Life
Background:
Emily, a 42-year-old woman, came to us struggling with severe fatigue, weight gain, and irregular periods. She had been diagnosed with both hypothyroidism and PCOS, but conventional treatments weren’t providing relief.
Functional Medicine Approach:
We performed a comprehensive assessment and discovered that Emily had multiple hormonal imbalances, significant nutrient deficiencies, and high stress levels impacting her adrenal glands. Her personalised treatment plan included dietary changes to reduce inflammation, targeted supplements to support thyroid and adrenal function, and stress management practices like yoga and mindfulness.
Outcome:
Within three months, Emily experienced a dramatic improvement in her energy levels, mood, and menstrual regularity. By six months, she had lost weight, felt more vibrant, and reported a significant reduction in PCOS symptoms.
