Five Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue: Discovering Our Unique Path to Wellness with Dr Jenny Tufenkian
Navigating menopause can feel daunting, but when the complexities of chronic fatique are factored in, managing symptoms effectively become increasingly more challenging. However, using the right approach that addresses root causes of illness can be a transformative healing experience.
In a recent conversation on the All Things Menopausal podcast, Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a naturopathic physician based in Portland Oregan, shares insights into holistic health, chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID, and the menopausal transition. This informative episode with Dr. Jenny uncovers how personalized medicine and community connection are essential aspects of this journey.
Dr. Jenny open up the conversation sharing her personal journey with chronic fatigue and long COVID highlighting the complex interplay of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Throughout our conversation, she emphasizes the importance of tuning into our bodies’ signals and addressing root causes rather than merely treating symptoms. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with the five pillars of health that Dr. Jenny shared: sleep, digestion, detoxification, movement, and connection.
Understanding Root Causes
Dr. Jenny outlined five critical root causes that can contribute to chronic fatigue, long COVID, and menopause-related symptoms. Recognizing these factors is the first step in managing symptoms effectively and holistically. This approach empowers women to decode what their bodies are telling them, take control, and address these root causes to improve their overall health.
The Hormonal Triangle: Classified by Dr. Jenny as the number one root cause and the gateway to other root causes is the disharmony between the adrenal glands, thyroid, and ovaries (testes for men). Harmony, or homeostasis, in this delecate triange is essential. Menopause is a stressor that takes the body out of homeostatis because of estrogen egress and hormonal fluctutations. When dysregulation occurs in one area, such as ovarian failure with menopause, it will affect the others often leading to further complications, particularly under high stress conditions.
Chronic Infections: Dormant viruses, such as Epstein-Barr for example, can awaken during times of stress or hormonal shifts, contributing to persistent fatigue and other symptoms. In fact, a viral illness as a child for a week or two that went dormant can be living inside of the cells. The stressors we are exposed to as we age, including menopause, can reactivate the virus leading to further illness and symptom complications.
Toxic Load: Accumulation of environmental toxins, heavy metals such as mercury fillings, and mycotoxins can significantly impact health. Dr. Jenny emphasized the importance of detoxification to reduce this burden.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The mitochondria in our cells play a crucial role in energy production. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells and are essential for energy production. Chronic illnesses or infections can hijack the energy production, leading to severe fatigue and other systemic issues. Toxins and infections can further disrupt mitochondrial functions, creating an energy deficit in the body.
Limbic Brain Emotional Health: The limbic brain controls emotions and is always scanning for safety through the vagus nerve. Persistent stress, unresolved trauma, inflammation, and ongoing emotional strain can signal the body to conserve energy and stay in a protective state, worsening symptoms of fatigue and other health issues.
The Power of Personalized Medicine
Dr. Jenny passionately advocates for personalized medicine, emphasizing the thoughtful integration of pharmaceuticals and natural remedies tailored to each individual's unique needs. She stressed the necessity of understanding each person’s specific health landscape to create effective treatment plans. Medincine cannot be treated as a one-size fits all solution.
“...We need to figure out which health foundation to address, and which root cause to address first. The second step is figuring out which remedies actually work well with your body, because not everything is going to; there isn’t a protocol to treat it.”
The Role of Hormone Therapy
Dr. Jenny advises a personalized approach when it comes to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). She acknowledges that while HRT can be beneficial in modulating the immune system and acting as an anti-inflammatory, it should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution. The most important approach is to understand each individual's unique health needs so that a hormone therapy plan as part of a women’s symptom managment strategy be tailored to her and based on their specific circumstances.
On the contrary to HRT, taking a holisticapproach to treating menopausal symptoms and fatigue can often be a critical first step in addressing lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, stress management, and gut health. Dr. Jenny cautions against using HRT merely to fill a gap created by modern lifestyle and environmental stressors, noting that for some, improving foundational health habits might be more suitable.
Ultimately, informed decision-making , alongside a healthcare provider, on whether HRT is the right choice for at a specific period should be based on their body's needs and the root causes of their symptoms. Dr. Jenny stresses that this approach can ensure the use of HRT is judicious, effective, and integrates well with the overall health strategy for the person.
The Power of Community and Connection
A standout point in Dr. Jenny's approach is the importance of community and connection in the healing process. Strong connections with oneself, family, and broader communities can provide the support system needed during challenging times. She believes strongly and from experience in her healing journey that community and connection are essential for our overall health. The pandemic highlighted for many of us that the critical importance of social connection, showing how devastating the lack of it can be. By fostering these connections, we can feel more whole and supported, which is vital for mental, emotional, and physical health. Dr. Jenny is a strong proponent to this principle that she incorporates it into her health foundations, adding connection to the list of crucial elements like sleep, nutrition, and stress management for holistic healing and resilience.
Conclusion
Menopause marks a significant transition and is often referred to as "the age of wisdom." Through understanding, community, and personalized care, women can navigate this journey with strength and grace. As Dr. Jenny beautifully stated, we must recognize the courage it takes to rest and listen to our bodies. By doing so, we not only honor our health but also embrace the full power of our midlife transition. For those interested in diving deeper into these topics, you can explore Dr. Jenny’s resources further on her website, where she offers insights into identifying your root causes through an engaging quiz.
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