Why You’re Always Tired: Root Causes of Fatigue & Holistic Fixes

May 16

Running on Empty? Here’s Why You’re Always Tired (and What to Do About It)

Do you feel like you’re running on empty? Waking up exhausted even after a full night’s rest? You’re so not alone. This is one of the most common symptoms I see in my clinic.

The most frustrating part? Most women have been told this is just “normal.”

We’ve been conditioned to believe that feeling drained is part of being a mom—this is just “how it is” as we get older. But here’s the truth: your body is designed to have steady, stable energy throughout the day. If you’re constantly fatigued, something deeper is going on.

Unfortunately, finding that something deeper can be tricky. There’s no single cause for chronic fatigue. It varies from person to person, which is why individualization is key. For many women, the trial-and-error approach to curing chronic fatigue simply won’t work. The good news is that I see many of the same culprits over and over again, and these issues are an excellent starting point for giving your health the tune-up you deserve.

Let’s break down the most common causes for chronic fatigue.

1. Hormonal Imbalances

I see this a lot in my perimenopause and menopause clients—fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol levels can wreak havoc on your energy. But younger women aren’t off the hook either. Many are told they’re “too young” for chronic fatigue, yet hormonal imbalances leave them running on empty, too.

Cortisol is a big one. We live in a go-go-go world, and our bodies struggle to keep up. As we age, we become even more sensitive to cortisol spikes, making stress management and blood sugar regulation essential.

What helps?

Reduce sugar (the biggest hitters tend to be soda, fast food, and prepackaged baked goods, but it never hurts to check labels on your go-to meals and snacks)
Incorporate healthy fats and phytoestrogens (flaxseeds are great options that are easy to add to any diet)
Eat breakfast! I know you’re busy, but skipping breakfast messes with cortisol levels and will drain your energy fast.

2. Micronutrient Deficiencies and Imbalances

Even if you eat well, you might not be getting (or absorbing) the nutrients needed for optimal energy. Vitamins and minerals work together, so if one is out of balance, it can throw off the whole system.

Common deficiencies I see:

Iron
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Potassium
B Vitamins

What helps?

A diverse diet that incorporates a variety of nutrients (think fruits and vegetables in several colors of the rainbow)
Testing to pinpoint specific deficiencies
Strategic supplementation (based on your unique needs)

3. “Adrenal Fatigue”

While not a medically recognized term, adrenal fatigue is commonly used to describe the effects of chronic stress on the adrenal glands. These tiny but mighty glands help regulate stress and metabolism, but when they’re overworked—thanks to juggling work, family, and life in general—they can burn out.

Signs of adrenal fatigue:

Brain fog
Trouble waking up in the morning
Sugar cravings
Feeling worse after exercise instead of energized

What helps?

Stress management (this is HUGE!)
Adaptogenic herbs
Adrenal/mineral cocktails (follow me on social media for recipes!)

4. Poor Sleep

I know, I know—you don’t need another person telling you to sleep more. But sleep is when your body detoxes, repairs muscles, regulates hormones, and restores energy. If you’re not sleeping well, you’re going to feel it.

What helps?

Blue light blocking glasses at night
Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule
Magnesium glycinate (or magnesium-rich foods) to promote relaxation

5. Dehydration

Dehydration is one of the most overlooked causes of fatigue. Your body needs water for everything—cell function, digestion, nutrient absorption, brain power. Not drinking enough can leave you sluggish and headachy.

What helps?

Drink half your body weight (in ounces) of water per day
Start your morning with a full glass of water to flush out overnight toxins

6. Underlying Health Issues

If none of the above seem to fit, an underlying health condition could be at play. Thyroid disorders, digestive issues (that prevent nutrient absorption), and autoimmune diseases are common culprits.

What helps?

Comprehensive lab testing
Identifying and addressing gut imbalances
A personalized approach to healing

The Bottom Line

Chronic fatigue is complex. There’s rarely just one cause—it’s usually a combination of things. But the good news? There’s hope. I’ve helped so many women break free from that constant tiredness and finally feel alive again.

If you’re tired of feeling tired, know that you don’t have to accept it as your “normal.” Your body was designed for energy, vibrancy, and well-being. Let’s get you there!