The first day of your period makes you tired due to plummeting hormones (estrogen/progesterone), blood and iron loss, inflammation from shedding the uterine lining, disrupted sleep from cramps/bloating, and increased stress, all of which drain energy, causing fatigue, weakness, and sluggishness as your body works hard.
This is normal due to the decrease in oestrogen levels, which occurs around this point in your menstrual cycle. Your energy levels will usually return to normal within a few days as your hormone levels begin to increase again. However, for some women, period fatigue and mood swings may last longer and be more extreme.
Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep, but if you're dealing with PMS symptoms, discomfort, or hormonal fluctuations, your body may require 1–2 extra hours. Don't feel guilty for going to bed earlier or hitting a longer bedtime routine. It's your biology, not a lack of willpower.
During your menstrual cycle, you will likely feel the most tired during the luteal phase (post-ovulation) when estrogen levels drop. The corresponding rise in progesterone levels also has a depressant effect, leaving you tired and sluggish.
Progesterone's sedative effect can make you feel more tired, while lower estrogen may leave you feeling less energized. Practical ways to manage pre-period fatigue include prioritizing sleep, eating nutrient-rich foods, staying hydrated, and engaging in exercise like yoga or walking.
Calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and vitamin B-6 have all been reported to soothe symptoms, but evidence is limited or lacking. Herbal remedies. Some women report relief of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms with the use of herbs, such as ginkgo, ginger, chasteberry (Vitex agnus), evening primrose oil and St.
Yes. PMS symptoms may get worse as you reach your late 30s or 40s and approach menopause and are in the transition to menopause, called perimenopause. This is especially true for women whose moods are sensitive to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.
There's absolutely no scientific evidence that washing your hair during your period has any effect on fertility. None. Zilch. It's a myth that somehow still finds its way into conversations, usually passed down from well-meaning elders who genuinely believed it to be true.
The general (social media) consensus is that people are at their 'most attractive' during the first half of the cycle, the follicular phase, which begins on the first day of the period and ends after ovulation, and at our aesthetic low point during the latter half, the luteal phase, which starts after ovulation and ...
Here are 9 signs your hormones may be out of whack:
Train or rest during your period
Day 1–7: Menstrual phase (low energy). Rest, practice yoga and gentle exercises. Day 8–13: Follicular phase (rising energy). You can increase intensity and try different types of exercises.
If your fatigue feels overwhelming, disrupts daily life, lasts throughout your entire cycle, or is accompanied by other symptoms like severe pain or mood changes, it's a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes, extreme fatigue can be a sign of more serious underlying conditions.
Anaemia, a condition caused by low iron levels, can also cause pink period blood.
The luteal phase represents the second half of a woman's cycle. During this phase progesterone levels peak, resulting in an increase in resting heart rate, and decreases in aerobic capacity and ability to tolerate heat. Exercise may feel like an uphill struggle and you will tire more quickly.
People with endometriosis-related fatigue describe it as feeling 'exhausted', 'drained', 'tired', 'lethargic', 'worn out', and/or 'weak'.
Hormonal imbalances show up as symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, irregular periods, skin issues (acne), hair changes, sleep problems, brain fog, low libido, digestive issues, and temperature sensitivity, affecting energy, body functions, and mental well-being, often linked to stress, thyroid, or reproductive hormones.
Menstrual periods typically last four to seven days and occur roughly every 28 days. Examples of irregular periods include periods that occur fewer than 21 days or more than 35 days apart, missing three or more periods in row, and menstrual flow that's much heavier or lighter than usual.
According to this unscientific survey, most women peak between 19.9 years and 24.0 years (sample size 22).
Excessive cramping and vomiting could be a sign of an abnormal period. Heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged menstrual cycles could also signify that you're dealing with this condition. Other examples of abnormal periods include: Periods that are less than three weeks apart or more than five weeks apart.
During menstruation, you should avoid heavy/intense exercise, excessive caffeine, alcohol, salty/sugary foods, and tight clothing, as these can worsen cramps, bloating, and mood swings; also, practice good hygiene by changing menstrual products frequently (every 3-4 hours for tampons) to prevent infection and avoid strenuous activities if you feel fatigued or in pain.
Should I shower more frequently during my period? It depends on your comfort and activity level. Daily showers are a solid baseline, and on heavy-flow days or after workouts, an extra quick rinse can help you feel refreshed and reduce odor caused by sweat and bacteria (not the blood itself).
Even for women who haven't had children, periods might be heavier or more painful in these years because gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts have had time to develop. That's why cramping is most common in the late 30s to early 40s.
Several vitamins and minerals including vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium are essential for neurotransmitter synthesis and hormonal balance, both of which are potentially involved in the underlying pathogenesis of PMS.
Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, typically starts in a woman's mid-to-late 40s, but can begin as early as the mid-30s or even earlier, and usually lasts for about four to eight years before menopause (the final period) occurs around age 51. Average onset varies, with some sources pointing to age 46, but it's a highly individual process, influenced by genetics and lifestyle.