Functional Health Doctor for Deeply Exhausted Mom
I’m in my early 40s with two young kids, and though I have always felt “deeply exhausted,” more recently I have felt such deep deep levels of exhaustion that it has caught me a bit off guard. No amount of sleep makes me feel better, and I’m beginning to feel pain in my body.
I don’t eat well nor do I exercise - I’m just trying to juggle life is an active mother, lawyer, cook, cleaner, etc.
What I’m looking for is a functional medicine doctor that can help me through what I’m hoping to be a journey to good health. Maybe even a message therapist too? I want to fix this, but I don’t know where to start really.
Oct 23, 2024
Parent Replies
Strong believer in functional medicine. It helped me get my life back a few years ago. I really liked Dr. Teresa Tsingus. She's super knowledgeable, empathetic, and practical. You can find her here:
https://www.lamorindanutrition.com/
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this!
My advice would be to start with a health coach that can help you safely and gently make susutainable changes around nutrition and exercise. Functional medicine should hopefully emphasize those things as well but may also recommend expensive supplements or tests that won't help if nutrition and exercise aren't part of your routine. It might also be worth putting that money towards more support for cleaning, cooking, etc. I would also recommend a mental health therapist if possible - even if this isn't depression they can also help you with the mental component of exhaustion! (from another overworked tired mom of 2)
Been there! Check out InWella (inwella.com) - they helped me tremendously with my exhaustion related to perimenopause, amongst issues with my weight, stress, brain fog, and general inflammation. They're amazing, and work virtually. They run all of the right tests and provide a clear, easy to follow plan with tons of support. :) Good luck!
This could be a simple issue to solve, such as a b12 deficiency, so you could start with bloowork with your regular doctor while you wait to get in to a new one!
Might also be a good idea to get your thyroid levels checked, especially if there is a history of hypothyroidism in your family.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re struggling with the deep exhaustion. I’ve been in a similar situation, though I of course can’t say if my root causes are the same as yours. Mine were sleep apnea, adrenal fatigue, and being in “fight or flight” mode for way too long as a result of untreated anxiety.
Definitely check w your Western Dr for bloodwork (I second the suggestion to ask for a complete thyroid panel!) and also check out Christine Dao LAc (licensed acupuncturist) and Dr Todd Maderis. I worked with both of them for years for my health when no Western Dr could find out what was wrong with me and essentially sent me the silent messages of “it’s all in my head”. Needless to say, that wasn’t helpful. But Christine and Todd WERE helpful. Wishing you answers and better health.
My local Naturopath, Dr. Katherine Monahan, specializes in women beyond 25 and helping them feel better. She has helped me on numerous occasions over the past four years related to many issues. When i was at my wit's end, she was able to sort out options and solutions. She is kind, empathetic, caring and a very good, clear-headed problem solver. I highly encourage you to reach out to her.
Katherine Monahan (she/her)
Naturopathic Doctor
Remedy Natural Medicine
katherine [at] remedynaturalmedicine.com (katherine[at]remedynaturalmedicine[dot]com)
510.543.1728
Hi there - I’ve been working with Dr. Amy Nett since April and she’s been hugely helpful in making manageable adjustments to lifestyle that have led to significant improvements in my energy levels (also an exhausted lawyer Mom of 3 and 1). One simple thing she’s recommended has been incorporating a protein rich breakfast (overnight oats or chia pudding with both a scoop of protein and a scoop of collagen( and eating to be more mindful of blood sugar balance (eg 3 solid meals with protein and fiber, rather than the quick snacks that don’t sustain me).
We’re still refining my plan but I already feel much better.
Good luck!