Dr. Tracy Tranchitella —

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. When exhaustion becomes a daily reality—unrelieved by sleep, compounded by physical or mental exertion, and made worse by a host of other confusing symptoms—it’s time to dig deeper.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a multifaceted and often misunderstood condition. Its core symptom—severe fatigue lasting six months or more—can disrupt every aspect of life. But CFS doesn’t stop at tiredness. Many patients also experience:

• “Brain fog” (difficulty with memory and concentration)
• Sleep disturbances (often unrefreshing, poor-quality sleep)
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headaches and sore throat
• Sensitivity to light, noise, odors, or foods
• Digestive issues (bloating, nausea, IBS)
• Dizziness, especially when standing
• Post-exertional malaise, where even small amounts of activity trigger a major symptom flare

Because there’s no single test that can confirm CFS, patients often go through years of trial and error before getting a diagnosis. That’s why the functional medicine model is uniquely suited to this condition: it explores how a patient’s environment, genetics, lifestyle, and past health events intersect to contribute to chronic symptoms.

What Causes Chronic Fatigue?

The short answer is: it depends. In Dr. Tranchitella’s practice, each patient is assessed individually to identify potential triggers. Some of the most common contributors include:

• Viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr or herpesviruses
• Micronutrient deficiencies, especially in magnesium, iron, and B vitamins
• Immune dysregulation, including chronic inflammation
• Leaky gut and microbiome imbalances
• Hormonal shifts, particularly involving adrenal or thyroid function
• Toxin exposures (mold, heavy metals, chemicals)
• Stress and emotional trauma

Many CFS patients report a period of high stress or illness before their symptoms began. Others may not recall a specific trigger, but uncovering patterns through advanced testing can reveal hidden root causes.

Functional Medicine Testing: Getting to the Bottom of It

At Sunrise Functional Medicine, Dr. Tranchitella uses specialized lab panels to look beyond the basics and gain insight into subtle imbalances. These may include:

• GI-MAP: Gut health and pathogen detection
• Heavy Metals Testing: Evaluates toxic load
• Adrenocortex Stress Profile: Measures adrenal hormone output and stress patterns
• DUTCH Complete: A comprehensive hormone panel
• hs-CRP: A marker of systemic inflammation
• Infectious Panels: Check for lingering viral or bacterial infections

This data helps inform a customized treatment plan that’s grounded in the individual’s biochemistry and health history.

A Personalized Roadmap to Recovery

While there’s no quick fix for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a functional medicine approach focuses on restoring function, not just managing symptoms. Here’s how that plays out at Sunrise Functional Medicine:

Lifestyle Modifications

Gentle movement—like walking, restorative yoga, or stretching—is introduced carefully and tailored to the patient’s energy levels. Strict rest-push cycles are avoided in favor of sustainable progress.

Stress management is essential. Patients are encouraged to explore mindfulness, breathing techniques, and even creative outlets like journaling or art to regulate the nervous system and reduce the overall burden on the body.

Improving sleep hygiene is also critical. Small changes like avoiding screens before bed, creating a consistent bedtime routine, and supporting the body’s natural circadian rhythm can make a big difference.

Nutrition as Medicine

Dr. Tranchitella emphasizes anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich foods that support immune and mitochondrial function. Depending on the patient’s needs, an elimination diet might be used to identify food sensitivities that are driving fatigue or inflammation.

Gut support is another priority. Probiotic and prebiotic foods, along with targeted supplements, help rebalance the microbiome and repair a leaky gut—two areas that are often linked to CFS symptoms.

Targeted Supplements & Herbs

Supplements are never one-size-fits-all. Based on lab results and symptoms, Dr. Tranchitella may recommend:

• Magnesium & B12 – for energy production and nervous system support
• CoQ10 + Selenium – to reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function
• Adaptogens like Rhodiola or Ashwagandha – to buffer the impact of stress
• D-Ribose – a naturally occurring sugar that may improve energy and reduce muscle pain

These tools help the body rebuild resilience and restore energy at the cellular level.

Support and Partnership on the Healing Journey

At Sunrise Functional Medicine, Dr. Tranchitella meets patients exactly where they are—whether they’re newly diagnosed with CFS or have been searching for answers for years. Her approach is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a firm belief that the body can heal when given the right support.

If you or someone you love is living with unexplained fatigue, brain fog, or lingering symptoms that never seem to resolve, know that you’re not alone—and there are options beyond conventional care. A personalized functional medicine plan might be the turning point.

Dr. Tranchitella provides expertise in hormonal imbalances, mid-life issues, digestive health, and autoimmune disorders. Whether working independently or in collaboration with your primary provider, we help you move forward with confidence on your health journey. Get started on your journey to better health! Schedule a consultation today >> LEARN MORE