4 potential reasons behind fatigue

Do you feel tired ALL the time? Do you find it hard to wake up in the morning? Do you experience a dip in energy in the early afternoon? Do you feel like hanging out on the couch all day long? Do you feel tired at certain points in your menstrual cycle? Do you “crash” right when you get home from work? Do you get that “second wind” of energy at night? Do you have less energy than the people around you?

Here are the 3 potential reasons behind fatigue:

1. Vitamin-Mineral Deficiencies

Vitamin & mineral deficiencies may result in a reduction in energy. Vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies are 2 common deficiencies that may result in low energy. It isn't safe for everyone to take B12 or iron...underlying conditions may worsen with Vitamin B12 or iron supplementation. It is important to consult your naturopathic or medical doctor prior to beginning any supplements. Clinical nutrition recommendations may help to manage vitamin and mineral deficiencies as well.

2. Hormones

Cortisol & Insulin. Cortisol is a stress hormone produced daily. Chronic stress may in turn, overtime, increase or decrease cortisol production. Fatigue is a symptom that may be present in booth high and low cortisol cases. This might also be accompanied by central abdominal adiposity (fat deposition) and insulin resistance. Insulin is important in managing blood sugar. With insulin resistance, high amounts of insulin is produced in pancreas with the intention of lowering blood sugar. Insulin is a fat storage hormone. High stress may lead to increased cravings, increased refined sugar consumption and therefore increased insulin output. Overtime this may result in weight gain. Cortisol dysregulation may also impact our circadian rhythm overtime, which may impact sleep. Stress can impact sleep - and this is a known fact. Getting that “second wind” of energy at night and/or not waking up rested in the morning or having that afternoon energy dip, are some common symptoms of potential non-optimal cortisol levels.

Thyroid. Ensuring that ALL markers of thyroid are tested, may be helpful to assess. thyroid function comprehensively. Thyroid stimulating hormone also known as TSH (from the brain) is not enough information alone to help determine how the thyroid is functioning. T3 and T4 are also very important as these are the actual thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland itself. High TSH & Low thyroid hormone production = hypothyroidism. Our thyroid gland is considered the metabolic powerhouse of our body and low thyroid function may cause fatigue.

Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone. The reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone), our thyroid hormones and our adrenal hormones (DHEA and cortisol) ALL affect one another. Our body tries to maintain equilibrium through feedback mechanisms. We often need to look at the whole picture to get a good idea of what is going on. Therefore, fatigue might be a result of some or all of our hormones. Testing may provide additional information.

3. Non-Optimal Sleep

Sleep is considered a foundation of health along with nutrition & exercise. Lack of sleep may lead to a wide variety of issues - physical & mental-emotional.

4. Lack of Exercise

Research continues to show us that a lack of regular exercise may decrease energy levels. Exercise also has been shown to improve mood, which in turn, may improve energy levels.

There are more reasons behind fatigue. This blog post outlines only a few. Meeting with a naturopathic doctor may help to decipher the reason behind fatigue and proivdes an opportunity to discuss assessments that may provide more information.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND Calgary Naturopathic Doctor

**Any information provided in these posts are intended for information purposes only and not to be considered naturopathic medical advice. See your naturopathic doctor for individualized support & guidance