Through the Healthcare Looking Glass: Redefining What Health REALLY Means
In today’s modern society, there's a concerning normalization of feeling fatigued and unwell as an inevitable consequence of the fast-paced, high-stress lifestyle that many people lead. The relentless pursuit of productivity often takes precedence over prioritizing health and well-being, leading individuals to dismiss their fatigue as a natural part of daily life. However, this acceptance of exhaustion as the new normal overlooks the profound impact that chronic fatigue can have on physical, mental, and emotional health. We need to redefine what health means by recognizing that true well-being encompasses more than just the absence of illness; it involves vitality, resilience, and a sense of balance in all aspects of life.
In this article, we dive into the various factors that can contribute to fatigue, shedding light on often overlooked causes leaving your symptoms to be brushed off as normal.
Hormonal Imbalance:
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can greatly affect energy levels. Imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and adrenal hormones (cortisol) can lead to fatigue, mood swings or low mood, weight gain and more. It is very important to have levels assessed through bloodwork. This establishes a baseline for you with where you are at currently.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Inadequate intake or absorption of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, folate, and magnesium can result in fatigue. Iron deficiency anemia, common among menstruating women, can leave them feeling constantly tired and weak. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, along with supplementation if necessary, can replenish nutrient stores and boost energy levels. It’s also incredibly important to do a full gut health assessment to screen for Leaky Gut Syndrome which can contribute to overall reduced nutrient absorption.
Sleep Disorders:
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome, can disrupt the restorative sleep we need to feel refreshed. Factors like hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle habits can contribute to sleep disorders. Implementing sleep hygiene practices and seeking professional evaluation and treatment can improve sleep quality and alleviate fatigue dramatically. I always recommend if possible, obtaining sleep data to assess one’s sleep cycles including deep sleep which is when our body heals.
Chronic Stress:
The relentless demands of modern life can take a toll on physical and mental well-being, as well as stress on the adrenal glands. Chronic stress triggers a cascade of physiological responses, including elevated cortisol levels, which can deplete energy reserves over time. Incorporating stress management techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and boundary-setting can help mitigate the impact of stress on energy levels. In my practice, I screen for adrenal fatigue often as we live in a fight-or-flight based society.
Chronic Illnesses:
Underlying medical conditions like autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hypothyroidism often present with fatigue as a primary symptom. The symptoms often times are non-specific and can affect multiple symptoms in the body. For this reason, individuals may struggle for years to receive a proper diagnosis and effective treatment for these complex conditions. Working with healthcare providers who take a comprehensive approach to wellness can lead to better management of chronic illnesses and improved energy levels.
Fatigue is a multifaceted issue with diverse causes, ranging from hormonal imbalances to lifestyle factors and underlying health conditions. By challenging the notion that your symptoms and the way you feel are “normal” and by approaching healthcare from a functional medicine perspective, we can cultivate a society where feeling VIBRANT and ENERGIZED is the standard, not the exception.
Dr. Hailey Traut ND
Health Rediscovered. Healthcare Redefined.
