Fatigue & Chronic Illness:
A Root-Cause Approach
Chronic fatigue is one of the most common reasons patients seek integrative medicine. Conventional medicine often addresses fatigue symptomatically; integrative medicine looks for the underlying causes — nutritional, hormonal, metabolic, immunological, and psychological — and develops a personalised plan that addresses them. Dr Kloppenburg offers 60-minute remote consultations for patients with chronic fatigue and complex chronic illness.
Why Chronic Fatigue Needs a Comprehensive Assessment
Fatigue is a symptom, not a diagnosis. In many patients with chronic fatigue, the underlying cause — or more often, the combination of causes — has not been fully identified or addressed. A standard GP appointment of 10 minutes is rarely sufficient to untangle the multiple contributing factors. Integrative medicine offers a different model: a 60-minute assessment that explores the full picture.
Dr Kloppenburg is a General Internal Medicine physician as well as an integrative medicine specialist. This means she can assess and manage the conventional medical aspects of fatigue — thyroid function, anaemia, diabetes, autoimmune conditions — alongside the nutritional, lifestyle, and mind-body dimensions that are often overlooked.
Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue
Nutritional Deficiencies
- —Iron deficiency anaemia
- —Vitamin B12 deficiency
- —Vitamin D deficiency
- —Magnesium deficiency
Hormonal & Metabolic
- —Hypothyroidism
- —Adrenal insufficiency
- —Blood sugar dysregulation
- —Perimenopause / menopause
Chronic Conditions
- —ME/CFS
- —Fibromyalgia
- —Autoimmune conditions
- —Post-viral syndromes incl. Long COVID
Lifestyle & Psychological
- —Sleep disorders
- —Chronic stress
- —Depression and anxiety
- —Gut dysbiosis
Frequently Asked Questions
Can integrative medicine help with chronic fatigue?
Integrative medicine offers a comprehensive assessment of the underlying contributors to chronic fatigue — nutritional deficiencies, thyroid function, adrenal health, sleep quality, gut microbiome health, and psychological factors — and develops a personalised treatment plan. Dr Kloppenburg offers 60-minute remote consultations for patients with chronic fatigue.
What causes chronic fatigue?
Chronic fatigue has multiple potential causes: nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, vitamin D, magnesium); thyroid dysfunction; adrenal insufficiency; chronic infection; autoimmune conditions; sleep disorders; gut dysbiosis; psychological factors; and post-viral syndromes including Long COVID.
Is integrative medicine appropriate for ME/CFS?
Integrative medicine can offer a supportive role in ME/CFS management, focusing on symptom management, nutritional support, pacing strategies, and mind-body approaches. Dr Kloppenburg's approach is consistent with the current NICE guidelines on ME/CFS (2021), which recommend against graded exercise therapy.
What does a fatigue assessment with Dr Kloppenburg include?
A 60-minute fatigue assessment includes: a comprehensive medical history; review of previous investigations; assessment of nutritional status, sleep, stress, and lifestyle factors; discussion of relevant laboratory investigations; and development of a personalised integrative treatment plan.
A Comprehensive Approach to Chronic Fatigue
Book a 60-minute remote consultation with Dr Kloppenburg for a thorough assessment of the underlying causes of your fatigue and a personalised integrative treatment plan.
Remote consultations · UK-wide · 60 minutes · Book via call or online request