Fatigue Causes

There is relief from fatigue. Women entering menopause suffer from aggravating and incapacitating symptoms of the inevitable change of life. With simple and treatable solutions, women can enjoy their mid-years with renewed energy. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause hit women between the ages of 35 and 50. Understanding the low energy and fatigue causes, symptoms and treatments surrounding waxing and waning hormones, empower women to take charge of their bodies, once again.

Hormones

During the history of women’s menstrual cycles, hormones controlled everything from fertility to skin elasticity. Once beyond their forties, however, women notice changes in their physical and emotional lives. The hypothalamus, a small organ in the brain, sends signals to the pituitary and endocrine glands, to release hormones. Estrogen and progesterone, influence menstrual cycles. These and other hormones control sleep, body temperature, joint, muscle and organ lubrication, and mood.

Estrogen and progesterone are important in regulating sleep. Estrogen encourages deep, dreaming sleep, associated with rapid eye movement, or REM. Without REM sleep, the mind and body feel weak, foggy, and fatigued. Dreaming and deep sleep refreshes the body and energizes the mind. Estrogen production is decreased during menopause.

Progesterone increases the body’s ability to fall asleep. As this hormone decreases during the onset of menopause, women have difficulty falling asleep. Insomnia leads to fatigue, irritability, lack of concentration and poor attention span. This hormone is also responsible for the intensity of menstrual flow. As progesterone decreases, periods become irregular, fluctuating between several small periods or increased menstrual flow. Additional stress from menopausal fatigue can exacerbate irregular periods.

Thyroid and adrenal chemical hormones, such as melatonin also regulate sleep. Throughout the body, waning hormone levels disrupt body functions, decrease energy, and weaken the immune system, decreasing women’s ability to manage daily stress.

Persistent fatigue, a deep, bone tired weariness and weakness result from decreases in estrogen. Mood swings, anxiety, abrupt weight gain, or losses are all common symptoms of menopause, as well. REM sleep suffers. Inability to fall and stay asleep due to decreased progesterone production causes insomnia.

Habit and Lifestyle Risks

Certain habits and lifestyle features exacerbate fatigue. Jet lag, untreated allergies, poor nutrition, excess body fat, smoking, dehydration, increased stress, lack of exercise, or physical and emotional stimulation can reduce sleep and increase fatigue. Dehydration occurs when the mouth feels dry. The body is 97 percent water; however, this fluid is required to lubricate the organs. Additional water intake increases digestion, weight loss, skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles and cellulite. Excess use of alcohol, caffeine, and recreational and prescription drug abuse diminish the body’s ability to get to sleep and stay asleep. Additionally, use of these substances can increase irritability and poor concentration throughout the day. Using alcohol, caffeine, and drugs may reduce symptoms temporarily but actually worsen fatigue symptoms.

Women, who experience fatigue in combination with other symptoms, should consult a medical health professional for additional diagnosis and treatment. Chronic fatigue that accompanies symptoms of depression can result from thyroid disorders. Other causes of fatigue include heart disease, anemia, generalized anxiety disorder, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and adrenal dysfunctions.

Treatment

A diet rich in vegetables, legumes, and fruit increases energy and decreases fatigue. Increasing exercise and reducing body fat also can jumpstart the metabolism, increasing energy levels. Maintaining a regular bedtime routine also helps women to fall and remain asleep. Herbal supplements and alternative therapies such massage, acupuncture and meditation balance the immune system and reduce stress hormones. To treat hormone imbalances at the source non-estrogen herbal supplements nourish the pituitary and thyroid gland, increasing hormone production, naturally. Treat rather than ignore the debilitating symptoms of fatigue to enhance the quality of a life deserved. Read more about treatments for menopausal fatigue and low energy.