Menopause fatigue is a common symptom that many women experience as they go through the transition into menopause. For some women, the fatigue is mild and manages to eventually dissipate. But for others, it can be moderate to severe and quite disruptive to daily life. There are several potential causes of menopause fatigue, but the good news is there are also treatments available that can help.
The most likely culprit behind menopause fatigue is shifting hormone levels. As ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation ends, the body goes through adjustments that can leave women feeling drained of energy. Other factors like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and stress can also converge to worsen fatigue.
Causes and Contributors to Menopause Fatigue
Some primary drivers of exhaustion during menopause include:
- Fluctuating hormone levels - Reduced estrogen is thought to directly trigger fatigue by affecting energy production in cells.
- Poor sleep - Insomnia and night sweats/hot flashes during menopause disrupt sleep. Lack of quality sleep exacerbates daytime tiredness.
- Stress - The pressures of career, family obligations, relationships and more ramp up stress. High stress exacerbates menopause symptoms like fatigue.
- Anemia - Heavy periods leading up to menopause can cause anemia (low iron), resulting in fatigue.
- Thyroid issues - Thyroid problems become more common in perimenopause/menopause. The thyroid controls energy levels.
- Nutrient deficiencies - Deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium can worsen menopause fatigue.
- Medications - Some drugs prescribed for menopause symptoms like anxiety/depression may cause fatigue.
The problem with
menopause fatigue is that it can persist for long periods of time. Women may struggle with low energy, severe tiredness, difficulties concentrating, lack of motivation, and reduced performance at work or home for
months to years unless the underlying cause is addressed.
Treatments That Can Help Menopause Fatigue
The good news is that there are solutions that can relieve menopause exhaustion. Some options to consider include:
- Hormone therapy - Supplementing with bioidentical estrogen and progesterone through gels, patches, tablets or other delivery methods can help restore hormone balance and energy levels. Renewed Balance Clinic specializes in customized bioidentical hormone therapy to effectively treat fatigue and other menopause symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes - Getting enough high quality sleep, staying active, practicing stress management, and eating a balanced diet helps manage fatigue.
- Vitamins/supplements - Take supplements to correct any nutritional deficiencies that could worsen exhaustion. Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D, magnesium, iron, and CoQ10 provide energy benefits.
- Alternative remedies - Acupuncture, massage therapy, meditation/yoga help balance hormones and the nervous system to reduce fatigue.
- Prescription medications - In some cases, doctors may prescribe off-label drugs for menopause exhaustion if underlying issues cause severe disability. Examples include testosterone, antidepressants, and stimulants.
While frustration from prolonged exhaustion is understandable, keep in mind that solutions exist. Work closely with your healthcare provider to pinpoint the reasons behind your fatigue. Getting personalized
treatment tailored to your needs gives you the best chance of finally regaining consistent energy. Be patient during the process of fine tuning therapy, as it can take 3-6 months to find full relief from exhaustion. But for most women who take action,
menopause fatigue does eventually fade away so you can get back to fully enjoying life again!
