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Why does menopause make you so tired?

Written by Dr. Christopher Brown - February 08, 2023

Menopause is a normal, natural occurrence in a woman's life that signals the end of her menstrual cycles. However, this period of transition can often be accompanied by various symptoms, one of which is fatigue or tiredness. Keep reading to find out why menopause makes you tired and what you can do about it.

Hormonal Changes

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can lead to fatigue. The level of estrogen, a hormone that affects many body systems, decreases during menopause. This decline in estrogen can affect sleep, as women may experience more difficulty falling and staying asleep. The decrease in estrogen can also lead to a reduction in progesterone, another hormone that plays a role in sleep regulation.

Sleep Disturbances

As mentioned above, menopause can impact sleep. One of the most common sleep disturbances during menopause is hot flashes. These can wake women up at night and make it difficult to fall back asleep. Other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, may become more frequent during menopause as well.

Mood Disorders

The hormonal changes of menopause can lead to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, which can contribute to fatigue. Depression and anxiety are linked to poor sleep and decreased energy levels.

Other Conditions

Menopause also overlaps with the age when medical conditions that can cause tiredness become more common. For example, women in their 50s and 60s are more likely to develop anemia or hypothyroidism, both of which can lead to tiredness.

Coping Strategies

To manage fatigue during menopause, suggest the following strategies:

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Stress management, such as yoga, deep breathing, or meditation, can help provide more restful sleep and boost energy levels.
  • Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as keeping a comfortable sleep environment and sticking to a regular sleep schedule.
  • Eating a healthy diet with lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
  • Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which can worsen symptoms of menopause.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also be an option for women suffering from fatigue during menopause. HRT can be prescribed to raise estrogen levels, which may help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances. A hormone replacement clinic such as Hormone Treatment Center can work with women to figure out if HRT is the right choice for them.

Conclusion

Fatigue can be one of the many symptoms women experience during menopause. While it can be frustrating, there are strategies to help manage it. Exercise, stress management, good sleep hygiene, and a healthy diet can all contribute to overall energy and well-being. Moreover, women experiencing serious and persistent fatigue may want to seek professional medical advice from physicians or hormone replacement clinics such as Hormone Treatment Center to evaluate their condition and determine possible courses of treatment.

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