“Why do I get so tired all the time?” This is a common refrain heard from moms everywhere. This question isn’t just a passing complaint; it’s a cry for understanding and relief from the constant state of exhaustion that so many mothers face. As a licensed acupuncturist and functional medicine practitioner with over 12 years of experience specializing in the treatment of fatigue in moms, I’ve seen firsthand how this issue permeates every aspect of life. This article aims to shed light on the underlying causes of this widespread fatigue, particularly focusing on the role of stress hormones and how they contribute to the depletion that moms experience. We’ll explore the symptoms, the affected bodily systems, and, importantly, how functional medicine can offer solutions.

The Role of Stress Hormones in Mom Fatigue

One of the key players in this narrative is cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone.” While cortisol is crucial for helping us respond to stressful situations, chronic stress can lead to cortisol imbalance, a condition sometimes known as “cortisol steal.” This imbalance can wreak havoc on a mother’s body, leading to a cascade of symptoms and health issues.

One of the paradoxical effects of fatigue is a diminished capacity to handle stress. Moms who are exhausted find that even minor stressors can feel overwhelming, leading to a heightened stress response and exacerbating fatigue. This reduced tolerance for stress can make it challenging to cope with the daily demands of motherhood and professional life.

Moms are disproportionately affected by this imbalance. The demands of juggling a career, household responsibilities, and parenting can perpetuate a cycle of stress that keeps cortisol levels unnaturally high. This continuous demand on the body’s stress response system can lead to adrenal axis dysfunction, where the body struggles to maintain adequate cortisol levels. 

Symptoms and Affected Systems

The symptoms of cortisol imbalance and adrenal axis dysfunction are vast and can affect multiple bodily systems:

• Digestive System: Fatigue can severely impact the digestive system, leading to issues like bloating, constipation, and food sensitivities. These problems arise because cortisol directly influences gut health, altering gut flora balance and intestinal barrier function.
• Nervous System: Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can also affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. These issues not only exacerbate the feeling of fatigue but can also hinder a mom’s ability to cope with daily stressors.
• Reproductive System: For women, prolonged stress can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting menstrual cycles and fertility. This hormonal imbalance can lead to symptoms like PMS, irregular periods, and even exacerbated menopausal symptoms.
• Mental Health: Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of chronic stress and fatigue is on mental health. Moms may experience mood swings, decreased motivation, and a pervasive sense of burnout. These mental health challenges can make it even harder to manage stress, creating a vicious cycle of fatigue.

Functional Medicine solutions

The good news is that there are solutions. Functional medicine offers a holistic approach to treating fatigue, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of imbalance rather than merely treating symptoms. By looking at the entire picture of a mom’s health, lifestyle, and stressors, functional medicine can tailor interventions that may include dietary changes, supplements, stress management techniques, and acupuncture.

As a licensed acupuncturist and functional medicine practitioner, I specialize in helping moms overcome fatigue by balancing their hormones, improving their digestive health, and enhancing their overall well-being. Through personalized treatment plans, we can address the unique challenges that each mom faces, helping them to reclaim their energy and vitality.

What to do?

If you’re a mom who’s tired of feeling tired all the time, it’s time to take the first step towards feeling like yourself again. I invite you to book a fatigue evaluation call with me, Montserrat Corsino. Together, we can explore the underlying causes of your fatigue and develop a comprehensive plan to restore your energy and health. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are solutions that can help you live a vibrant, fulfilling life. Let’s work together to uncover the root of your fatigue and embark on a path to renewed energy and wellness.

Book your appointment with Mana Integrative health to learn more about how functional medicine can help you achieve your health goals.

By Montserrat Corsino, L.Ac., MSOM
Instagram: Montsehealth

Montserrat is the owner and lead practitioner of Mana Integrative Health. She specializes in helping exhausted moms with hormonal, digestive, and mental/emotional imbalances.