What Is Functional Medicine forFatigue?

What Is Functional Medicine for Fatigue?

If you’ve been feeling tired all thetime—dragging yourself through the day, relying on caffeine to function, andcrashing before dinner—only to be told your labs are “normal,” you’re notalone.

Fatigue is one of the most commonsymptoms people report, yet it's often dismissed in conventional care. Many patients are left without answers, feeling like their exhaustion is just something they have to live with.

But at Caring for the Body, PLLC, we view fatigue differently.

In functional medicine, fatigue is not adiagnosis—it’s a clue. A message from your body that something deeper is out ofbalance.

Rather than masking your symptoms with aquick fix, Dr. Cynthia Libert takesthe time to ask why. Why is your bodystruggling to generate energy? What systems are overloaded, undernourished, orout of sync? And what can we do to restore optimal function so you can feeltruly well again?

If you’re ready for a compassionate,root-cause approach that looks at the wholeyou—body, mind, and spirit—you’re in the right place. Healing is possible,and we’re here to help you get your energy and your life back.

What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a modern,science-based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressingthe root causes of illness—not justmanaging symptoms. It’s deeply personalized, systems-oriented, and designed totreat the whole person, not just adiagnosis.

Instead of asking, “What drug matchesthis disease?” functional medicine asks, “Whyis this symptom happening?” and “How can we help the body heal?”

Through in-depth testing, carefullistening, and ongoing partnership, Dr. Cynthia Libert helps patients uncoverhow inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, toxins, infections, sleep disruptions,or stress may be silently draining their energy.

Functional medicine is not an alternative to conventional medicine—it’san evolution of it. It works beautifully alongside traditional care and canoften help reduce reliance on medications by restoring balance naturally.

Why Functional Medicine Works forFatigue

If you’ve ever left a doctor’s officewith a prescription for an antidepressant or a sleep aid—but still no clearanswer for your fatigue—you’ve experienced the limits of symptom-basedmedicine.

Conventional care often aims to managefatigue by masking the symptoms. But in functional medicine, we ask deeperquestions:
What’sdisrupting your body’s energy production?
Which systems are under strain—and why?

We take a comprehensive, systems-basedapproach to assess and restore energy by evaluating key areas such as:

Mitochondrial Function
Yourmitochondria are your body’s cellular “power plants.” When they’re inflamed orundernourished, energy crashes—and so do you.

Thyroidand Adrenal Balance
Fatigue isoften linked to underactive thyroid function or cortisol imbalances caused bychronic stress.

Nutrient Absorption
Even a healthydiet won’t help if your gut isn’t absorbing key nutrients like B12, iron,magnesium, or CoQ10—all essential for energy production.

Sleep Quality and Circadian Rhythm
Functionalmedicine explores sleep architecture,not just hours of sleep—looking at melatonin, cortisol patterns, anddisruptions that rob you of true rest.

Stress,Trauma, and Mindset
Unresolvedtrauma, burnout, or negative thought patterns can contribute to deep,persistent fatigue—especially when the nervous system is in survival mode.

Root Causes of Fatigue WeInvestigate

Thyroid Dysfunction
Even“borderline” or subclinical hypothyroidism can cause profound fatigue,especially if thyroid hormone conversion or receptor sensitivity is impaired.

Adrenal Fatigue / Cortisol Imbalance
Chronic stresscan dysregulate your cortisol rhythm, leading to crashes, wired-but-tiredenergy, and burnout.

Chronic Infections
Underlyinginfections like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV),Lyme disease, or mold/mycotoxin exposure can keep yourimmune system stuck in overdrive and drain your energy reserves.

Gut Issues & Nutrient Malabsorption
Your gut iscentral to energy production. Inflammation, SIBO, leaky gut, or microbiomeimbalances can block the absorption of energy-boosting nutrients like iron,B12, magnesium, and CoQ10.

Hormone Imbalance
Low estrogen,progesterone, testosterone, or DHEA (especially during perimenopause orandropause) can contribute to physical and mental fatigue.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction
When yourmitochondria—your body’s cellular powerhouses—are damaged by toxins,infections, or oxidative stress, energy production slows to a crawl.

Sleep Apnea or Poor Sleep Hygiene
Even if youthink you're getting enough sleep, hidden sleep disruptions may be robbing yourbody of true rest and repair.

Food Sensitivities & Blood Sugar Instability
Unstable bloodsugar levels, gluten sensitivity, or inflammation triggered by food can lead toenergy crashes and brain fog.

Toxic Burden & Liver Stress
Exposure toenvironmental toxins (like pesticides, plastics, or heavy metals) can burdenyour detox pathways and lead to chronic fatigue.

Trauma,Grief, or Burnout
Emotionalwounds, spiritual exhaustion, and unresolved stress can deeply impact yournervous system, immunity, and energy levels.

How We Treat Fatigue at Caringfor the Body, PLLC

Advanced Functional Testing

We use comprehensive lab work to go farbeyond standard blood tests. This helps us identify what’s happening beneaththe surface:

●      DUTCH hormone testing – to assess cortisolpatterns, sex hormones, and adrenal function

●      GI-MAP – to evaluate gut health, inflammation,infections, and microbiome balance

●      Micronutrient and toxin panels – to detectdeficiencies and heavy metal or chemical burdens

●      Thyroid and cortisol testing – to uncoversubtle imbalances often missed in traditional care

Nutrition + Supplement Protocols

Your food is medicine—but only when it’stailored to your needs. We create customized protocols that may include:

●      Anti-inflammatory andenergy-restoring nutrition plans

●      Targeted supplements to supportmitochondria, hormones, and detox pathways

●      Herbal support for adrenal,thyroid, or gut repair

●      Strategies to balance blood sugarand stabilize energy throughout the day

Lifestyle Medicine & Coaching

Your daily habits are powerful levers forhealing. Our coaching team helps you implement changes that stick:

●      Sleep optimization and circadianrhythm support

●      Movement and exercise plans tobuild strength without burnout

●      Mindset coaching and breathworkfor stress regulation

●      Tools to create balance and rhythmin your home and work life

Faith-Informed, Whole-PersonSupport

We honor your emotional, mental, andspiritual health as vital parts of your healing journey. If desired, we offer:

●      Gentle exploration of burnout,grief, or unresolved stress

●      Support for faith-based reflectionand spiritual renewal

●      A safe space to heal fromwithin—with grace, compassion, and guidance

Ongoing Partnership &Membership Care

Healing doesn’t happen in one visit.That’s why we offer:

●      Ongoing clinical support from ourfunctional medicine provider team

●      Access to health coaching, groupmentorship, and online resources

●      Membership options for continuity,accountability, and deeper transformation

Who This Approach Helps

Adults with Unexplained Fatigue and “Normal” Labs
You’ve done thebloodwork, maybe even seen multiple specialists, but you still feel worn out.We help you uncover the real reasons behind your symptoms with deeper testingand listening.

Womenin Perimenopause or Postmenopause with Energy Crashes
Hormonal shiftscan significantly impact energy, focus, and motivation. We help rebalance yoursystem naturally, supporting vibrant energy through every life stage.

Professionalsand Caregivers Struggling with Burnout
If you’realways taking care of others—at home or at work—and feeling like there’snothing left in your tank, our whole-person care helps you recover, recharge,and renew your sense of purpose.

People Recovering from Chronic Illness or Post-Viral Fatigue
Whether you'rehealing from COVID, Lyme disease, EBV, or another chronic condition, we help you rebuild from the inside out with a strategic, compassionate plan.

Those Seeking Natural Solutions and Lasting Energy
If you'relooking for more than quick fixes or temporary relief, our root-cause approach gives you real tools to reclaim your energy—without relying on stimulants or prescriptions alone.

Start Your Journey Back to Energy– Naturally

You don’t have to keep pushing throughthe exhaustion, wondering if this is just the way life has to feel. There is a path to healing—and it starts withgetting the right answers and the right support.

At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we take your fatigue seriously. We listen, we test, andwe create a personalized plan to help you reclaim your energy, clarity, andsense of self—naturally and sustainably.

Schedule Your Free Energy Strategy Session
Spend 15minutes with a member of our care team to explore your symptoms, ask questions,and learn how we can help.
👉 Book Now

Call Our Asheville Office at (828) 490-1545 Prefer to speakdirectly? We’re here for you. Let’s talk through your next step and get yourquestions answered.

GetAdvanced Testing + A Personalized Fatigue Recovery Plan
Through functional diagnostics and holistic support, we’ll help uncover what’s reallydraining your energy—and create a customized roadmap to help you thrive again

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