Fatigue

Introduction: Why Fatigue Needs a New Approach

Chronic fatigue is one of the most common complaints among patients, affecting millions globally. While many people attribute fatigue to stress or a lack of sleep, the root causes are often more complex, involving hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and even autoimmune conditions. At Patients Medical in New York City, we take an integrative approach to address the root causes of fatigue, rather than just masking symptoms. By combining conventional medicine with functional and holistic therapies, we help patients restore their energy levels and overall health.

We treat the whole person—not just the symptoms.

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness or lack of energy that doesn’t go away with rest. It can be either acute (temporary) or chronic (lasting for six months or more) and can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Chronic fatigue can result from a variety of factors, including underlying medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and emotional stress.

Common causes of fatigue include:

  • Sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea or insomnia)
  • Hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid dysfunction or adrenal fatigue)
  • Nutritional deficiencies (especially in iron, vitamin D, or B12)
  • Chronic stress (leading to adrenal exhaustion)
  • Chronic infections (like Lyme disease or Epstein-Barr virus)
  • Autoimmune conditions (such as fibromyalgia or lupus)
  • Mental health conditions (depression or anxiety)

Understanding the specific cause of your fatigue is crucial for finding an effective treatment plan.

Common Symptoms of Fatigue

Fatigue often goes beyond just feeling tired. Here are some common symptoms that may accompany fatigue:

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek a comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying causes and find the right solutions.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Fatigue?

Functional medicine aims to uncover the “why” behind chronic fatigue. Common root causes include:

  • Hormonal imbalances: Low thyroid function, adrenal insufficiency, or imbalanced sex hormones can cause extreme tiredness.
  • Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of key nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, or vitamin D can significantly impact energy levels.
  • Chronic stress: Prolonged stress raises cortisol levels, leading to adrenal exhaustion and fatigue.
  • Sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can prevent restorative sleep, leading to chronic tiredness.
  • Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can sap your energy and trigger chronic fatigue.
  • Toxin overload: Exposure to environmental toxins or heavy metals can impair your body’s ability to produce energy.
  • Gut health issues: Leaky gut syndrome or gut dysbiosis can trigger inflammation and impact nutrient absorption, leading to fatigue.
  • Mental health: Depression and anxiety are often linked to low energy and can contribute to feelings of exhaustion.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we use advanced diagnostic tests to understand the root causes of your fatigue. These tests help us create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique health profile:

Comprehensive hormone panels (thyroid, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone)

Iron and vitamin B12 levels

Adrenal function testing

Sleep studies (to evaluate for conditions like sleep apnea or insomnia)

Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, homocysteine)

Comprehensive metabolic panels

Gut health panels (stool microbiome, leaky gut testing)

Heavy metal testing

Viral and bacterial infection testing (for chronic infections)

These tests allow us to get to the root cause of your fatigue and craft a targeted treatment plan.

Integrative Treatments for Fatigue

Our integrative approach to treating fatigue focuses on addressing the root causes of your exhaustion, including nutrition, stress, hormones, and sleep quality.

Nutritional Therapy

We offer personalized meal plans to support energy production and improve overall health:

  • Anti-inflammatory diets to reduce systemic inflammation
  • Nutrient-dense foods to combat deficiencies (rich in iron, vitamin B12, magnesium, and omega-3s)
  • Low-glycemic index diets to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes
  • Elimination diets to identify food sensitivities or allergens

 

IV Vitamin Therapy

Custom IV treatments with essential nutrients to restore energy:

  • B vitamins (boost energy production)
  • Magnesium (relaxes muscles and improves sleep quality)
  • Vitamin C (supports the immune system)
  • Glutathione (powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress)
  • Alpha-lipoic acid (reduces inflammation and supports cellular energy)

 

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

Evidence-based supplements to support energy levels and overall health:

  • Ashwagandha (adaptogen for stress and energy)
  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (supports mitochondrial function and energy production)
  • Magnesium (relieves muscle tension and enhances sleep)
  • Rhodiola rosea (helps with fatigue and mental clarity)
  • Vitamin D (supports immune function and mood)

All supplements are monitored and dosed by a physician.

 

Stress Reduction & Lifestyle Management

Managing stress is essential for restoring energy. We offer various therapies to help you manage stress and improve your overall well-being:

  • Meditation and mindfulness techniques
  • Acupuncture (improves circulation and reduces stress)
  • Yoga and deep breathing exercises (promotes relaxation and mental clarity)
  • Biofeedback therapy (to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress)

Sleep Support

We help restore your energy by addressing sleep issues:

  • Sleep hygiene education (to improve the quality of your rest)
  • Herbal remedies like valerian root or chamomile
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
  • Melatonin and other sleep aids (when appropriate)

Real Case Study: Sarah’s Journey to Restoring Her Energy

Sarah, 41, came to us with persistent fatigue that had been affecting her ability to work and enjoy life. She was waking up tired, despite sleeping 8 hours each night. After testing, we found a combination of low thyroid function, vitamin D deficiency, and elevated cortisol levels from stress.

We created a 3-month integrative plan that included:

  • Nutrient-dense meal plan
  • B vitamin and magnesium IV therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
  • Adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola
  • Stress-reduction techniques, including yoga and acupuncture

Three months later, Sarah reported a significant increase in her energy levels, better sleep quality, and the ability to manage stress more effectively.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Chronic fatigue can result from a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, sleep disorders, chronic stress, and infections. Identifying the root cause is key to effective treatment.

Many patients begin to feel more energized within 4-6 weeks. However, the timeline varies based on the individual’s health status and the root causes of fatigue.

Some patients may require medication to manage underlying conditions contributing to fatigue, such as thyroid disorders or sleep apnea. However, many find significant relief through integrative treatments without relying solely on medication.

Yes, a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet can improve energy levels and help restore overall health. We focus on optimizing nutrition to support mitochondrial function and hormonal balance.

While we are an out-of-network provider, we provide superbills that may be used for reimbursement. Some lab tests may also be partially covered by insurance.

Yes, chronic stress can significantly contribute to fatigue by disrupting sleep patterns, increasing cortisol levels, and impairing the body’s ability to recover. Stress management through therapies like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture is essential in restoring energy.

No, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder characterized by extreme, persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest. It often involves other symptoms, such as cognitive difficulties, joint pain, and sleep disturbances. A thorough evaluation is necessary to diagnose and treat CFS.

Yes, hormonal imbalances—especially involving thyroid hormones, cortisol, and sex hormones—can contribute to feelings of extreme fatigue. Balancing these hormones through functional medicine can help restore energy levels.

Yes, supplements like B vitamins, magnesium, CoQ10, vitamin D, and Rhodiola rosea have been shown to support energy production and reduce fatigue. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to find the right supplementation for your needs.

Yes, gut health plays a crucial role in overall energy levels. An imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) or conditions like leaky gut can cause inflammation, which can lead to fatigue. Supporting gut health through diet, probiotics, and gut-healing protocols can improve energy and overall health.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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