Episode 84: The Real Reasons Behind Women's Fatigue

You're exhausted. You've been told your labs are normal. And you still feel terrible.Dr. Michelle and Dr. Steph are breaking down the real reasons behind chronic fatigue in women — and why it is almost never just one thing.In this episode, they cover:Nutrient deficiencies — B12, iron, vitamin D, and why being "in range" isn't the same as being optimal. Plus: why ferritin can actually be falsely elevated during inflammation and mask an iron deficiencyInsulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation — the energy crashes, brain fog, and cravings that come from riding the blood sugar rollercoaster all day. And why fixing the gut is half the equation (40–60% of insulin signaling is determined by gut bacteria)Sleep dysfunction and cortisol — why blood sugar drops at 3 AM trigger a cortisol surge that wakes you up, and what's really happening hormonally in perimenopause and menopauseThyroid dysfunction — why a TSH alone isn't enough, what Hashimoto's has to do with fatigue, and why the autoimmune piece goes underinvestigatedImmunological fatigue — what happens when your immune system is constantly fighting something (infections, autoimmune activity, endometriosis) and why that by itself creates deep, unrelenting exhaustionChronic infections — recurrent UTIs, strep, cold sores, mono, shingles. When infections keep coming back, the immune system needs investigation — not just antibioticsOxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction — the cellular rusting that happens when the body can't keep up with its own cleanup, and why this is especially common post-viral illness📍 Resources & Links🌐 Book with Dr. Michelle, Dr. Steph, or any AWH practitioner: advancedwomenshealth.ca📲 Follow Dr. Sarah on Instagram: @drsarah_nd🏥 Advanced Women's Health: @advancedwomenshealth