why Am I So Tired on My Period? Experts Explain Period Fatigue
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Even if you’re not relying on a trusty cycle tracker, everyone has their sure-fire signs that their period is about to begin. Maybe you get a breakout or start to feel more sensitive.Me? I start to feel fatigue.
I’m not alone; 71 percent of women report feeling tired during their period, according to a study in teh american Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology-and that onyl makes up one part of fatigue.
Feeling fatigue during your period actually isn’t all that surprising if you think about it; your body is doing a lot of work. “The energy required for menstruation-uterine contractions and shedding of the uterine lining-can contribute to fatigue,” says Kelly Culwell, MD, an ob-gyn and nationally renowned women’s health expert. Plus, the very hormones that are changing in your body might cause increased exhaustion, as might those other symptoms you’re feeling like cramping, headaches, or difficulty sleeping.
Understanding the causes of your period fatigue and related symptoms can be helpful-especially if your low energy is interfering with your everyday life. And if your fatigue persists month after month, it might very well be worth a visit to your provider. Ahead, medical experts define the causes and symptoms of period fatigue, what to do about it, and when to see a doctor.
Meet the experts: Kristin markell,MD is an ob-gyn based in Springdale,Arkansas. Kelly Culwell, MD is an ob-gyn and former medical officer for the World Health Organization (WHO).
Causes Of Period Fatigue
Period Symptoms
Don’t underestimate how tiring simply getting a period can be. All those symptoms you have to deal with month to month like cramps,headaches,or even just bleeding can all contribute to overall fatigue,says Dr. Culwell.
What to do about it: Start by treating your period symptoms. That means using over-the-counter meds for pain management for cramps. Plus, although you may not feel super motivated to work out, staying active may actually help boost energy levels (and help you find relief) during your period, says Dr.Culwell. Regular exercise has been associated with a reduction in physical and psychological symptoms of PMS, per a review done by researchers at Ohio State University. “even though it may sound counterintuitive, trying to get exercise and some time outside each day can definitely help improve mood and sleep, both of which can help improve symptoms of fatigue,” she says.
Hormonal Changes
Fatigue during your period coudl also simply be due to the normal hormone changes that occur throughout a cycle, Dr. Culwell says. “The drop in the hormones estrogen and progesterone just before menstruation can led to decreased energy and depressed mood,” she says.
So, for some people, fatigue is a period symptom.
What to do about it: do what you can to support your hormone health, including getting a good night’s rest, eating a healthy, varied diet, and staying active-even though it can be hard to do so when you’re getting your period. “It’s almost like a loop where you’re less active and so you are actually more fatigued, but then you don’t want to be more active as you’re fatigued,” Dr. Culwell says. But you don’t have to do a full 60-minute HIIT workout. Going for a leisurely walk should do the trick. If you notice that any efforts you may take aren’t improving your fatigue, it may be time to seek additional support from a doctor who can advise on next steps.
Heavy Blood Loss
It’s completely normal to have a light period on some days and a heavy one on others. Having mentioned that, people who consistently have a heavy flow may experiance low energy and fatigue more frequently enough, says Kristin Markell, MD, an ob-gyn.That’s because heavy bleeding means losing more iron. Fatigue and iron deficiency are more common for women who experience heavy bleeding, per a study published in Haemophilia.
though it’s not necessarily always a cause for concern, heavy bleeding might be a sign of something more serious, Dr. Markell says. If you notice common symptoms of anemia like lethargy, weakness, chest pain,changes in your skin complexion,trouble regulating your temperature, or an irregular heartbeat, you might want to speak with your doctor, Dr. Markell says.
What to do about it: If low iron is behind your period fatigue, the first step is talking to your doctor, who can order blood work to get to the bottom of your levels. While some level of iron loss is normal during menstruation, if you are losing a lot of blood-and experiencing symptoms like fatigue-you should get it checked out. After that point, you might be recommended dietary tweaks, an iron supplement, or an iron infusion to get you back to a good place.
Sleep Disturbances
“Lack of sleep-either due to other menstrual symptoms or hormonal changes-can also cause fatigue,” says Dr. Culwell.And, you guessed it: your period can totally mess with your sleep. The menstrual cycle can cause changes in your circadian rhythm, interrupt your sleep cycle and even give you bad dreams, according to a study in Sleep Medicine Research.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
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