Low energy is one common effect that many women experience before, during, and after this transition time. Fatigue around menopause occurs because of changing hormone levels, night sweats and other sleep disruptions, or other issues. You might feel physically and mentally drained or just plain tired.
As we get older, low energy tends to become more common – one recent study suggested that nearly a third of people over the age of 51 experience fatigue. Lack of energy in over 50s can be linked to a number of causes and reasons, including: Menopause. Low testosterone levels.
However, most people start experiencing a decline in their energy levels by the time they reach their mid-thirties. And this decline in energy levels can be attributed to various factors, including changes in metabolism, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress.
As levels fall during the menopause you may feel lower in mood and find it difficult to concentrate or remember things. Vasomotor symptoms: Hot flushes and Night sweats can have an effect on sleep patterns and occasional lead to insomnia and fatigue.
How long does menopausal fatigue last? According to medical experts, you can expect to experience menopausal fatigue and other symptoms over the duration of your menopausal transition. This can last eight years or more.
Try hiking, kayaking, biking, swimming or taking an exercise class. Find a form of activity you enjoy and will want to pursue regularly. Weightlifting can help preserve bone and muscle density. Consume nutritious food and hydrate yourself.
In most cases, there's a reason for the fatigue. It might be allergic rhinitis, anemia, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (COPD), a bacterial or viral infection, or some other health condition.
Most of the time fatigue can be traced to one or more lifestyle issues, such as poor sleep habits or lack of exercise. Fatigue can be caused by a medicine or linked to depression. Sometimes fatigue is a symptom of an illness that needs treatment.
It is caused by factors that can include stress from significant life events, or changes to your sleep schedule. Or it could be secondary insomnia, which is linked to health conditions like mental health issues, other sleep disorders, illness, or pain — and it can be acute or chronic.
There are three types of fatigue: transient, cumulative, and circadian: Transient fatigue is acute fatigue brought on by extreme sleep restriction or extended hours awake within 1 or 2 days.
Interestingly, older adults need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults — seven or more hours of sleep per night.
Extreme fatigue in women can be caused by high sleep debt, being out of sync with your circadian rhythm, your menstrual cycle and period, pregnancy, menopause, hormonal contraceptives, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress and anxiety, medication side effects, and medical conditions like thyroid issues or anemia.
Progesterone and your monthly cycle
Your progesterone levels are usually highest in week three of your cycle. This can make you feel more tired.
Mental laziness and lack of motivation can also be caused by one simple problem: not having enough exercise and nutrients in the body. One should consider eating healthy food high in protein, such as green, leafy vegetables, and fatty fish. Research also suggests eating berries and walnuts and drinking coffee or tea.
Hypersomnia means excessive sleepiness. There are many different causes, the most common in our society being inadequate sleep. This may be due to shiftwork, family demands (such as a new baby), study or social life. Other causes include sleep disorders, medication, and medical and psychiatric illnesses.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Tiredness is a common symptom that can arise when thyroid hormones are low. If there's not enough B3 in your diet, you may start to feel tired.
What's happening. With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density, weakening them and making them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength, endurance and flexibility — factors that can affect your coordination, stability and balance.
Menopause is divided into three basic stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. During this time, the ovaries begin to atrophy which causes a decline in the production of the hormones that stimulate the menstrual cycle; estrogen and progesterone.
The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity.