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Period Fatigue: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

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Period Fatigue: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Have you ever wondered, ‘why does my period makes me feel sick and tired?’ Or do you experience extreme fatigue before your period? Well, you’re not alone, and no, it’s not just an excuse. Period fatigue is a very real condition and there are scientific reasons behind it.

Period fatigue is part of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), which is a group of symptoms that some women experience either before and during their period. These symptoms too, are the result of hormonal changes that occur around the time of menstruation. Period fatigue is said to last as long as your period, so expect to experience it anywhere between four to seven days. However, it depends from person-to-person and the intensity too can vary largely.


What Causes Period Fatigue?


You may experience PMS fatigue, which is fatigue before period, or fatigue during your period, both are similar and show the same symptoms. Read on to know the reasons why you feel so tired before your period.

1. Hormonal changes


One of the most common causes of period fatigue, according to medical experts, is hormonal changes. Over the course of your menstrual cycle, ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. During the first half of your menstrual cycle, you will notice an increase in estrogen production, while during the second half, it decreases. What is noted is that, along with a decrease in estrogen, the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin often decline as well. Serotonin are chemical nerve cells that impact every part of your body from your emotions to your motor skills. It is considered as a natural mood stabiliser and when your serotonin levels are normal, you feel happier, calmer, focused, less anxious and more emotionally stable. Reduced levels of this neurotransmitter can often lead to low mood and thereby decreased energy levels.

2. Low iron


Blood loss during periods can lead to low levels of iron in some women and result in an iron deficiency known as anemia. Due to the insufficient amount of iron your body would be unable to produce the required levels of hemoglobin that red blood cells require to transfer oxygen to the body’s cells. When this happens, you may experience weakness and fatigue during period.


3. Food cravings


One of the common PMS symptoms is food cravings. This condition often leads to a person eating too much food, much more than is required by your body. This binge eating could lead to a sudden increase and decrease of blood glucose levels. This dip could leave you feeling tired and fatigued.

Disturbed sleep

4. Disturbed sleep


There are many reasons why you could not be getting enough sleep or why your sleep may get disturbed at night. Period cramps, worrying about leakage, mood changes, and many more such symptoms can potentially make it difficult for you to get some much-needed sleep. Not getting enough rest could make you feel tired and groggy the next day.

When it comes to managing your period at night, use good quality products such as Always pads so that you have a chance at uninterrupted sleep. The Always Night Dreamzzz Pads are a great night pad. They are designed with Deep Channels that minimise the risk of leakage and have a Clean and Dry Topsheet for all night protection. Its flexible wings hold the pad in place through all your midnight twists and turns. Skip the worry of midnight leakage with Wider Back that offers better coverage. Get ultimate protection even on nights of heavy flow with All Round Protection.

Symptoms of Period Fatigue

Symptoms of Period Fatigue


One of the many symptoms related to PMS, fatigue before period is common among most women. Some of the other PMS symptoms that you may experience along with period fatigue include:
  • headaches
  • period cramps
  • appetite changes
  • irritability
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • mood swings
  • Bloating

When you experience any of the above symptoms, you know that your periods are round the corner or you’ve already got them. No matter what the case, make sure that you have good quality period management products for protection. If you’re a tampon user, you can use Always tampons for superior period protection. Try the ALWAYS Tampax Compak tampons which come with a smooth, compact applicator for discretion, and a built-in protective skirt to help prevent leakage for up to 8 hours. Get superior protection to feel clean and the freedom to do whatever you like. Additionally, they are available in the various absorbency variants to best suit your flow needs during your period

Ways To Fight Fatigue before Period


Period fatigue can really make you feel low, and the tiredness can hamper your daily activities. Here are some things you can do at home to combat fatigue before or during periods.

1. Adjust your room temperature


Right before your period, a woman’s baseline body temperature increases by about 0.5°C. This could be the reason why you have poor or disturbed sleep. Try lowering your room temperature a little. This could help improve comfort and sleep quality, making you feel less tired the following day.



2. Practicing relaxation techniques


If the reason for your exhaustion is because you have trouble getting to sleep while on your period, it could lead to period fatigue the next day. These difficulties faced while sleeping may arise because of body aches and pains or increased levels of stress or anxiety. Consider following relaxation techniques that could help alleviate tension in the body and mind. Some of these techniques are:
  • mindfulness meditation
  • breathing exercises
  • gentle exercise
  • massage
  • taking a warm bath before bed
Practicing any aerobic exercises

3. Practicing any aerobic exercises


Aerobic exercises are known to have a positive effect on women with PMS symptoms. Those who exercise regularly showed improvement in period fatigue, along with other benefits in blood health, including increased hemoglobin levels.

How to prevent period fatigue?


While you can’t fully prevent period fatigue, you can, however, follow certain practices to regulate your energy levels all through the month. Some of these practices are:

  1. Maintaining regular sleep cycle and healthy sleep habits. Make sure that you go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at roughly the same time each day. This can help regulate the hormones that induce sleep.
  2. Maintaining healthy eating habits. Have regular, small, balanced meals throughout the day. This helps regularise blood glucose levels, thus possibly preventing energy crashes and fatigue.
  3. Drinking plenty water and staying hydrated. Dehydration can worsen fatigue. So, drinking fluids at regular intervals will help prevent dehydration.
  4. Regular exercising can also improve mood and sleep quality.

When to see a doctor?


If your symptoms of period fatigue don’t seem to improve under the following situations, then you must consider seeing a doctor.

  • When symptoms don’t improve even after practicing home remedies and lifestyle changes
  • If period fatigue is intense enough to hamper or interfere with your daily activities
  • If period fatigue or PMS symptoms are severe or unmanageable



Takeaway

Period fatigue is something that most women experience, on some level. While it may be bearable and manageable for some, it may pose as a major hindrance to others. We suggest you incorporate healthy lifestyle changes and if that doesn’t work, consulting a doctor is a good idea.

FAQS

1. What does period fatigue feel like?


Fatigue before your period, or even during, often feels like you’re super tired and listless. It can also make your daily routine challenging. In some cases, fatigue can be so extreme that it keeps you from doing your daily activities.

2. Why am I so fatigued on my period?


The most common cause of period fatigue is hormonal changes. Other reasons include low levels of iron, food cravings and interrupted sleep.

3. How long does fatigue last during period?


Period fatigue is said to last as long as your period, so anywhere between four to seven days. However, it depends from person-to-person and the intensity too can vary largely.

Disclaimer:

Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.