Tired of Being Tired?

Feeling Drained? A Functional Medicine Approach to Beating Fatigue

Do you wake up exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep? Struggle to get through the day without caffeine? Feel like your body and mind are constantly running on empty? If so, you're not alone. Chronic fatigue, exhaustion, and burnout are some of the most common health complaints today—but they’re not just a normal part of life. Your body is trying to tell you something.

Instead of masking low energy with coffee or energy drinks, functional medicine takes a deep dive into why you feel so depleted. By identifying and addressing the root causes, we can help you restore your vitality and get back to feeling like yourself again.

Why Am I Always Tired? The Many Faces of Fatigue

Fatigue isn’t just about feeling sleepy—it can show up in many ways, including:

• Constant exhaustion, no matter how much rest you get

• Brain fog, trouble concentrating, and memory lapses

• Muscle weakness and sluggishness

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

• Frequent colds and a weakened immune system

These symptoms are often signs that something deeper is going on in your body. So, what’s really causing your low energy?

Functional Medicine’s Approach to Diagnosing Fatigue

Fatigue has many possible causes, so a functional medicine doctor will start with a comprehensive assessment to uncover what’s draining your energy.

1. Digging Into Your Health History

Understanding your lifestyle, diet, stress levels, sleep quality, and past medical history is key. Some important questions include:

• When did your energy levels start to drop?

• Do you have high stress, poor sleep, or an imbalanced diet?

• Have you had infections, autoimmunity, or chronic inflammation?

2. Advanced Lab Testing to Find the Root Cause

Functional medicine uses in-depth testing to go beyond standard bloodwork. Here are some key tests:

Hormone and Adrenal Health

• Cortisol & DHEA (Saliva or DUTCH Test): Checks how your body responds to stress

• Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Antibodies): Detects low thyroid function, a common cause of exhaustion

• Sex Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone): Identifies imbalances affecting energy levels

Nutrient Deficiencies

• Vitamin B12 & Folate: Essential for energy and brain function

• Iron & Ferritin: Low levels can cause anemia-related tiredness

• Magnesium & CoQ10: Needed for cellular energy production

Gut Health & Digestion

• Comprehensive Stool Test: Reveals gut imbalances, leaky gut, or malabsorption

• SIBO Breath Test: Identifies bacterial overgrowth that can cause sluggishness

Mitochondrial & Detox Function

• Organic Acids Test (OAT): Evaluates mitochondrial health and metabolism

• Heavy Metal & Toxin Screening: Identifies chemical exposures that drain energy

The Expertise of Dr. Shannon O’Keefe in Functional Medicine

Dr. Shannon O’Keefe is a leader in functional medicine and internal diagnosis, specializing in uncovering the underlying causes of fatigue and chronic conditions. With a deep understanding of biochemistry, nutrition, and integrative health, she goes beyond symptom management to find the root issues affecting your energy levels. Her passion and persistence in solving complex cases have helped countless patients regain vitality, balance their hormones, and restore gut health. Dr. O’Keefe believes in a whole-body approach, ensuring that each patient receives a customized plan tailored to their unique health needs.

How Functional Medicine Fixes Fatigue

Once we know what’s behind your lack of energy, we create a personalized plan to recharge your body naturally.

1. Balance Your Hormones & Stress Response

• Support adrenal health with adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola)

• Optimize thyroid function with targeted nutrients

• Improve sleep with melatonin, magnesium, and sleep hygiene

2. Replenish Nutrient Deficiencies

• B12, iron, magnesium, and CoQ10 to boost cellular energy

• Anti-inflammatory omega-3s and antioxidants for recovery

3. Heal Your Gut for Better Absorption

• Remove food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, sugar)

• Take probiotics & digestive enzymes for gut repair

4. Detox Your Body

• Support liver detox with leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, and hydration

• Reduce toxin exposure from processed foods, plastics, and chemicals

5. Improve Daily Habits for Long-Term Energy

• Eat balanced meals with healthy fats, proteins, and fiber

• Move your body with gentle exercise like yoga or walking

• Manage stress with meditation, deep breathing, or journaling

Take Back Your Energy!

Fatigue doesn’t have to be your new normal. Whether you’re dealing with burnout, adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues, or nutrient deficiencies, there is a way to regain your energy naturally. Functional medicine helps you uncover the hidden causes of exhaustion and gives you the tools to heal from the inside out.

If you’re ready to stop feeling tired all the time and start feeling vibrant again, Dr. Shannon O’Keefe’s expertise in functional medicine and internal diagnosis can help you uncover the root cause and restore your energy naturally. Reach out today to begin your journey to better health!