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Fatigue Isn’t One Thing
Why You Can Feel Exhausted Even When You’re Doing the Right Things
April 15, 2025| By Kelley R Kirchner, DC, DABCI
One of the most common reasons people come in to see me is fatigue. Everyone has a sense of what fatigue feels like—being tired, worn down, or running on empty—but what most people don’t realize is how complicated fatigue can be from a doctor’s point of view.
When someone says, “I’m just exhausted all the time,” my mind doesn’t jump to one quick answer. Fatigue isn’t a diagnosis. It’s a signal. And there are many different reasons the body can send that signal. Sometimes it’s obvious. Often, it’s not.
That’s why simply pushing through, drinking more caffeine, or being told “everything looks normal” can feel so frustrating. In this article, I want to walk you through how I think about fatigue—what needs to be looked at, what often gets missed, and how the body can be supported naturally when energy just isn’t what it used to be.
Fatigue Isn’t Simple — And That’s Why Quick Fixes Don’t Work
When fatigue shows up, it rarely has just one cause. That’s what makes it tricky—and also why quick fixes so often fall short. Energy is influenced by many systems in the body, and when even one of them is off, you can feel it. When several are involved at the same time, fatigue can start to feel overwhelming.
From my perspective, the first step is never to assume anything. Fatigue can be physical, hormonal, nutritional, or stress-related. Often, it’s a mix. Two people can describe the same level of exhaustion and have very different reasons behind it. That’s why there isn’t one “right” answer or one supplement that works for everyone.
This is also why fatigue deserves a thoughtful approach. Instead of chasing symptoms, it helps to slow down and look at the whole picture—how the body is functioning, how daily habits support or drain energy, and where the body may simply need more support than it’s getting right now.
Sleep Matters More Than You Realize
One of the very first things I think about when someone tells me they’re exhausted is sleep. Not just how many hours they’re in bed, but whether their body is actually getting the kind of rest that restores energy.
Many women will tell me, “I sleep, but I still wake up tired.” And that distinction matters. Being asleep and getting quality sleep are not the same thing. If the brain and nervous system don’t fully settle, the body never really has a chance to recharge.
This is why sleep is often the foundation. If sleep is disrupted, everything else has to work harder—hormones, blood sugar, stress response, and energy production. Even the best nutrition and supplements can only do so much if the body isn’t resting well at night.
Sometimes the issue is obvious. Other times, it comes down to habits that seem harmless but keep the mind too alert late into the evening. Phones, social media, watching shows, or even reading in bed can keep the brain in “on” mode when it’s meant to slow down. Over time, this can chip away at both sleep quality and daytime energy.
I’ve written more in depth about this in an article called Why You’re Not Sleeping — and What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You. Here, it’s enough to know that if fatigue is part of your story, sleep always deserves a closer look.
Could Your Body Be Missing Something Important?
If sleep looks reasonably solid and fatigue is still lingering, the next step is to look a little deeper. There are some very common physical factors that can quietly drain energy, even when someone is doing “all the right things.”
One of the first things to consider is anemia. When the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells, oxygen delivery drops—and energy drops with it. This is especially important for women, and it’s something that can be screened for with a simple blood count. Along with that, iron and ferritin levels help show whether the body has the building blocks it needs to keep energy steady.
Nutrient levels matter as well. Vitamin D plays a role in energy, mood, and overall resilience, and low levels are extremely common. Vitamin B12 is another key nutrient for energy production. In more significant deficiencies, it can show up on basic blood work, which is one reason those simple tests are often so useful.
Thyroid function is another piece that deserves attention. The thyroid helps regulate metabolism, and when it’s underactive—or simply not working efficiently—fatigue is often one of the earliest signs
Blood sugar balance also plays a role. Swings in blood sugar can leave you feeling drained, shaky, or foggy, especially in the afternoon. Along with that, electrolyte balance matters more than most people realize. These minerals help the body and nervous system function smoothly, and when they’re off, energy can suffer.
None of this requires extreme or complicated testing. These are basic, reasonable things to look at when fatigue won’t resolve. And while they don’t explain every case, they often provide important clues about where the body needs support.
When Tests Look Fine but You’re Still Exhausted
For many, this is the most frustrating part of the process. The tests come back and you’re told that everything looks “normal,” yet you still feel exhausted. At that point, it’s easy to start questioning yourself or wondering if this is just something you have to live with.
“Normal” lab results don’t always mean optimal function. They also don’t tell the whole story about how your body is handling stress, recovery, and daily demands. Fatigue can exist even when values fall within a reference range, especially if multiple systems are under strain at the same time.
This is often where natural and supportive approaches become important. Instead of asking, “What disease do you have?” the question shifts to, “What does your body need more support with right now?” That might be better recovery, steadier energy rhythms, or help calming a nervous system that’s been running on high alert for too long.
When fatigue has been present for a while, the body can get stuck in a pattern of doing just enough to get through the day—but not enough to truly restore energy. Understanding that pattern opens the door to gentle, targeted strategies that help the body rebuild rather than just push through.
How Daily Habits and Stress Shape Your Energy
When fatigue lingers, daily habits start to matter more than most people realize. This isn’t about willpower or doing more—it’s about how the body responds over time to stress, stimulation, and recovery.
Many women are carrying a steady level of stress all day long. Even if life feels “manageable,” the body may still be operating in a constant state of alert. Over time, that can change how energy is produced and how the body moves through the day. Instead of natural highs and lows, energy starts to feel flat, inconsistent, or completely drained.
This is where patterns like stress response and cortisol rhythms come into play. Cortisol helps the body wake up, stay focused, and respond to challenges. When that rhythm is off—too high at the wrong times or too low when energy is needed—fatigue often follows. I’ll be exploring this in more depth in upcoming articles, because it’s a piece that’s frequently overlooked.
Daily habits can either support or strain these systems. Sleep timing, mental load, movement, and nutrition all send signals to the body. When those signals are mismatched—rest when the body needs activity, stimulation when it needs calm—the body adapts as best it can. Fatigue is often the result of that adaptation.
Rather than trying to fix everything at once, this is usually where gentle nutritional support and guided changes make the biggest difference. Sometimes that means giving the body what it’s missing. Other times, it means helping it recover from being pushed for too long. And for many women, having someone help connect these dots makes the process feel far less overwhelming.
Your Body Knows How to Rebuild Energy—With the Right Support
When fatigue has been present for a while, there are usually several systems that need support, not just one. The approach isn’t about chasing symptoms or following a strict protocol. It’s about understanding where the body is struggling and offering the right kind of support at the right time.
There are many ways to support energy naturally, and not all of them are appropriate for everyone. That’s why this process works best when it’s guided rather than guessed. With the right support, the body often knows how to move back toward better energy on its own.
Gentle Support Through Nutrition
Sometimes, even when sleep, daily habits, and stress are addressed, the body still needs a little extra support to restore energy. That’s where targeted nutritional support can help. These are not quick fixes, but they give the body some of the nutrients it may be missing or need more of to function at its best.
Below are several supplements that are commonly used to support energy and overall vitality. Many women find that combining these with the habits we’ve already discussed—better sleep, balanced stress, and gentle movement—makes a noticeable difference.
Supplements (to support energy, not “force” it)
When you’re dealing with fatigue, it’s tempting to look for something that works like a switch—something that flips you from tired to energized overnight.
But most true, lasting energy comes from supporting the body at the cellular level: how you make energy, how you recover, how you handle stress, and how well your systems are communicating.
The supplements below are chosen for one main reason: they support the energy pathways your body relies on every day—without relying on stimulants.
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) (Mitochondrial Energy + Heart Support)
CoQ10 is one of the most reliable supplements for fatigue, especially when energy feels low in a deep, physical way—like your body is moving through mud.
CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function, which matters because mitochondria are essentially your cells’ energy generators. When they’re under stress, energy production can drop, and fatigue becomes more noticeable.
What to look for:
Ubiquinol is the active, more easily absorbed form of CoQ10, and it’s often preferred for adults over 40, or anyone with long-term fatigue. Quality matters here—choose a reputable brand with good absorption.
Who it’s most helpful for:
People with low stamina, fatigue that feels physical (not just mental), those over 40, and anyone on a statin medication.
Cautions:
If you’re taking blood thinners, check with your provider, since CoQ10 can sometimes affect how they work.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (Brain + Muscle Energy)
Acetyl-L-carnitine is a great option when fatigue comes with mental fog, low motivation, or that feeling of “I want to do things, but my brain won’t cooperate.”
It supports the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria so the body can use them for energy. In plain terms: it helps your cells access fuel more efficiently.
What to look for:
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is often preferred over regular L-carnitine because it crosses into the brain more easily, making it a strong choice when fatigue includes cognitive symptoms.
Who it’s most helpful for:
People with fatigue plus brain fog, low drive, and reduced exercise tolerance.
Cautions:
Some people feel a little too “up” on it, especially if they’re sensitive to supplements. If that’s you, start with a lower dose earlier in the day.
NADH (Cellular Energy + Alertness Support)
NADH is a supplement I think of as “cellular energy support,” especially when fatigue feels like your brain is running on low battery.
It plays a role in the body’s energy production pathways, and for some people it can support better mental clarity and daytime alertness—without the jittery effect of caffeine.
What to look for:
NADH is one of those supplements where form and quality really matter. Look for a stabilized product from a trusted company.
Who it’s most helpful for:
People who wake up tired, struggle with mental fatigue, or feel like their brain is slow even when they’ve slept.
Cautions:
If you’re prone to anxiety or insomnia, take it in the morning and avoid stacking it with too much caffeine.
Magnesium + Potassium (Electrolytes for Energy + Muscle Function)
This is one of the most overlooked categories for fatigue.
If your electrolytes are low—especially magnesium and potassium—your body has to work harder just to do basic things: muscle contraction, nerve signaling, hydration balance, and blood pressure regulation. That can show up as fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, muscle cramps, or that “dragging” feeling.
What to look for:
Magnesium aspartate is a well-absorbed form. Potassium is usually best taken in moderate doses unless your provider recommends otherwise. Many people notice the biggest difference when minerals are taken consistently, not just occasionally.
Who it’s most helpful for:
People who sweat a lot, drink a lot of coffee, don’t eat many fruits/vegetables, get muscle cramps, feel weak, have restless leg symptoms, or feel worse after exercise.
Cautions:
If you have kidney disease, are on blood pressure medication, or take potassium-sparing diuretics, check with your provider before using potassium supplements.
ATP + D-Ribose (Physical Stamina + Recovery)
When fatigue shows up as low physical endurance—getting tired too easily, needing longer recovery, or feeling wiped out after basic tasks—this category can be a strong fit.
ATP is the direct energy currency your cells use. D-ribose supports pathways involved in cellular energy recycling. This combination is often chosen for people who feel like their energy “runs out” quickly.
What to look for:
D-ribose is typically a powder, and it’s often easiest to take mixed in water. Some people do better starting with a small amount to see how their digestion responds.
Who it’s most helpful for:
People with low stamina, post-exertional fatigue, or those who feel like they recover more slowly than they used to.
Cautions:
D-ribose can lower blood sugar in some individuals. If you have blood sugar issues or feel shaky when you don’t eat, this is one to use thoughtfully and ideally with guidance.
Antioxidant Support (Oxidative Stress + Cellular Protection)
Fatigue isn’t always just about “not enough energy.” Sometimes it’s about the body spending too much energy managing inflammation, oxidative stress, or recovery demands.
An antioxidant complex can help support the body’s ability to handle that load. This can be especially helpful when fatigue comes with frequent stress, poor sleep, high inflammation, environmental exposure, or a long season of being run down.
What to look for:
A well rounded formula combines antioxidant vitamins and minerals with a variety of plant-based compounds (like turmeric, grape seed, bilberry, and citrus bioflavonoids), along with supportive nutrients like CoQ10, glutathione, and NAC to help the body manage oxidative stress and support healthy cellular function.
Who it’s most helpful for:
People who feel chronically “run down,” slow to recover, or who feel worse after stress.
Cautions:
If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, using high-dose antioxidants should be discussed with your medical team, since timing and dosing can matter.
A quick reminder before you start
The goal with fatigue isn’t to push your body harder. It’s to help your body produce energy more efficiently, recover more fully, and feel more stable day to day.
When you choose supplements that match your pattern—and you give them time to work—energy often comes back in a way that feels steady and real, not forced.
If you’d prefer a simple place to start, we’ve curated a small collection of supplements chosen for quality and effectiveness. This is completely optional and designed for those who want to move forward without additional research.
Putting the Pieces Together for Lasting Energy
Fatigue is rarely caused by just one thing. More often, it’s a combination of sleep patterns, daily habits, nutrient gaps, stress response, and how the body’s systems are working together. Understanding that pattern is the first step toward real change.
The most effective approach is gentle and personalized. It’s not about forcing energy or “pushing through” exhaustion. It’s about giving the body what it needs, supporting it where it’s struggling, and letting it gradually rebuild natural energy rhythms. Even small, targeted changes—like the supplements we mentioned—can make a meaningful difference when combined with better sleep, balanced stress, and mindful movement.
Fatigue Is a Signal, Not a Sentence
If fatigue has been a constant companion, it can feel discouraging—but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Understanding why your energy is low is the first step toward reclaiming vitality.
Sometimes the body needs a little help to get back on track. That’s where guidance can make a big difference—someone to help connect the dots, suggest safe support, and create a plan that fits your life. For those who want extra support, there’s a path to personalized guidance so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Even starting with awareness and small, thoughtful steps can begin to shift energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. Fatigue is a signal, not a sentence—and your body can respond when it’s supported in the right ways.
When Exhaustion Persists
Despite Your Best Efforts
If this article resonates — whether you feel exhausted despite doing all the “right” things, manage multiple health concerns, or take medications that complicate recovery — individualized support can help. Fatigue is often multi-factorial, and understanding your unique pattern is the key to restoring sustainable energy.
We offer coaching to help you:
• Identify the underlying causes of persistent fatigue
• Explore nutrition, lifestyle, and behavioral strategies that support energy
• Develop a personalized plan that fits your health needs and daily life
Use the form below to reach out, and we’ll respond personally to help you determine the best next steps for your situation.
Choosing Support That Makes Sense for You
Q: ‘’How do I know the supplements I’m choosing are good quality?''
Not all supplements are made the same, even if the labels look similar. Quality depends on where the ingredients come from, how much is actually included, and how well your body can absorb them. Some products are made to be inexpensive, not effective. Choosing well-made supplements can make a real difference in how your body responds.
Q: ‘’Why do some supplements work for one person but not another?''
You are unique. Your digestion, stress levels, sleep, and overall health all affect how supplements work in your body. A product that helps someone else may not be the right fit for you. Supplements support your body’s natural processes, so results depend on what your body needs and what’s already going on.
Q: ‘’Can I just buy the same supplements I see recommended everywhere?''
You can, but popular doesn’t always mean appropriate. Many recommendations are very general and don’t consider individual needs. Some products also contain low doses or extra ingredients that don’t add much value. Choosing supplements based on your goals, rather than trends, usually leads to better results.
Q: ‘’How long does it take to notice a difference from supplements?"
Supplements aren’t quick fixes. They work by supporting your body over time. Some people notice changes quickly, while others need longer. Consistency matters, and results are often gradual. Small improvements can add up when you stay steady.
Q: ‘’Do I need to take supplements forever?"
Not always. Some supplements are helpful for a specific phase of life or when targeting specific health challenges. Others may be useful longer term. The goal isn’t to take more supplements, but to give your body what it needs when it needs it.
Q: ‘’How do I avoid taking supplements that don’t actually help me?"
Taking random supplements can get expensive and frustrating. It helps to start with a clear reason for what you’re taking and to choose products that match that goal. When supplements are chosen with intention, there’s less guesswork and better use of your time and money.
Q: "Why do you offer supplements through your own store instead of just listing recommendations?"
Sorting through thousands of supplement options can feel overwhelming. We choose products based on quality, ingredients, and how well they’re used in the body. Offering them in one place makes it easier to find options that meet those standards without having to research everything on your own.
Q: "When would someone benefit from working with a health guide instead of going it alone?"
Some people enjoy figuring things out on their own. Others want help creating a clear plan and understanding where to focus first. Working with a health guide can be helpful when you want personalized support, a bigger-picture view, or help connecting the dots.
Q: "What if I just want to start small?"
Starting small is perfectly okay. One or two well-chosen steps can be enough to get going. Learning more about your options is a great place to begin, and you can always build from there at your own pace.
Taking the Next Step When You’re Ready
Sometimes your health journey benefits from a bit of guidance. We offer personalized coaching to help you make sense of your options, connect the pieces, and create a plan that fits your unique needs.
If one-on-one support feels like the right next step, you’re welcome to reach out using the form below. We’ll respond personally and help you decide what makes sense.
Prefer to begin on your own?
You can explore our thoughtfully curated supplement options at any time.
Quick Summary
Fatigue Causes & Solutions
Fatigue Isn’t One Thing
This article explains that fatigue is not a single problem or diagnosis—it's a signal the body sends when something is out of balance, and it often has more than one underlying factor. Rather than a quick fix, fatigue deserves investigation and a thoughtful approach.
Sleep Matters More Than You Realize
Sleep quality—not just quantity—is one of the first things to evaluate when fatigue is present. Poor restorative sleep means the body never gets a true chance to recharge, which affects hormones, energy production, and recovery.
Dig Deeper When Fatigue Persists
If sleep seems adequate but fatigue remains, the article highlights common physical factors that often contribute, such as anemia, nutrient deficiencies (like vitamin D or B12), thyroid function, and blood sugar balance.
Normal Tests Don’t Always Tell the Whole Story
Even when standard lab results are “normal,” energy can still be low if multiple systems are under strain. The article emphasizes looking beyond basic numbers to understand how the body handles stress and recovery.
Daily Habits and Stress Shape Your Energy
How energy flows through the day is influenced by habits, stress response, and the nervous system’s ongoing activity. Small mismatches between stimulation and recovery can chip away at energy levels over time.
Fatigue Is a Signal, Not a Sentence
The article reassures that fatigue can improve with the right support and that small, thoughtful steps—addressing sleep, stress, nutrition, and lifestyle patterns—can help the body rebuild natural energy rhythms.
If you’d prefer a simple place to start, we’ve curated a small collection of supplements chosen for quality and effectiveness. This is completely optional and designed for those who want to move forward without additional research.
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BeYourOwnDoc is a division of Natural Solutions Group, LLC, Ballwin, MO