Period FAQs

does being on your period make you tired

by Cade Douglas Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Heavy menstrual bleeding often causes women to feel tired, commonly known as period fatigue. This is normal due to the decrease in oestrogen levels, which occurs around this point in your menstrual cycle. Your energy levels will usually return to normal within a few days as your hormone levels begin to increase again.Jul 9, 2019

Why you should not ignore tiredness during your period?

  • Stress. Believe it or not, being under stress (especially when its chronic) can throw a wrench in your menstrual activity.
  • Extreme fluctuations in weight and physical activity. ...
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome, aka PCOS. ...
  • Hormonal birth control. ...
  • Perimenopause. ...

Do you really get Moody during your period?

Then during the period itself there can be serious mood alterations as well as after the period is over. These feelings that a woman experiences before, during and after her period can range from depression to anger to rage. Not every woman suffers with these moods but a large majority does.

Do you get really tired right before your period?

You may experience some degree of discomfort shortly before your period each month. Moodiness, bloating, and headaches are common premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, and so is fatigue. Feeling tired and listless can sometimes make your daily routine challenging.

Can you get your period from being stressed?

Yup, stress can actually cause your period to be late or delayed when your body is so freaked out by keeping you calm and what’s happening around you, that makes you anxious, that your body’s hormones hold off on critical parts of your menstrual cycle, like ovulation. Think about it from a cavewoman perspective.

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Do you need to sleep more on your period?

PMS can cause some women to sleep much more than normal. Fatigue and tiredness around their period, as well as mood changes like depression, may lead to sleeping too much (hypersomnia).

How can I stop fatigue during my period?

Tips for fighting fatigueCreate a healthy bedtime routine. This is especially important in the days leading up to your period. ... Focus on foods with less sugar. ... Prioritize your workout. ... Try Chinese medicine. ... Keep your bedroom cool. ... Stay hydrated. ... Try relaxation techniques.

How long does period fatigue last?

This lasts for up to seven days, but the duration can vary from person to person. However, one common symptom that develops in most women who are menstruating is fatigue, as they complain of persistent tiredness and lack of energy.

What day is usually the heaviest of your period?

Your period can last between 3 and 8 days, but it will usually last for about 5 days. The bleeding tends to be heaviest in the first 2 days. When your period is at its heaviest, the blood will be red.

What should you eat when you feel fatigued?

Foods That Beat FatigueUnprocessed foods.Fruits and vegetables.Non-caffeinated beverages.Lean proteins.Whole grains and complex carbs.Nuts.Water.Vitamins and supplements.More items...

Why do I feel weak and shaky during my period?

Your hormones It is possible to produce too many prostaglandins during your period, which can make you feel dizzy, light-headed, or even faint. This is because these hormones can cause your blood vessels to dilate significantly. Excess prostaglandins can also cause other symptoms too, including: headaches.

Why do I get so exhausted before my period?

As estrogen levels decrease in the second half of the menstrual cycle, the production of a brain chemical called serotonin is thought to lower too. Researchers believe it is the reduced levels of both estrogen and serotonin that can cause low energy and fatigue during PMS.

What should you not do while on your period?

Image SourceDon't use scented toilet paper, tampons or pads. ... Don't wait to take medications until your cramps are bad. ... Don't avoid tracking your period. ... Don't wash your vagina and vulva too thoroughly. ... Don't forgo condoms during your period. ... Don't change your tampon infrequently. ... Don't let cravings win.

How long after ovulation do you feel less tired?

There’s not much you can do about your body’s natural cycle, but the good news is that your energy levels tend to peak during ovulation, which is generally about two weeks after the start of your period.

How to get tired when you're tired?

There are natural ways of helping your body out when its feeling tired though; drinking water, getting at least eight hours sleep and exercising is all useful, general advice. But according to Nicole Telfer, Science Content Producer at period tracking app Clue, there are different ways to overcome your tiredness depending on what's causing it.

What happens when your uterus isn't invaded by a fertilised egg?

Then, when your uterine lining isn’t invaded by a fertilised egg, the hormones sustaining the environment aren’t needed anymore and the hormone levels plummet. When this happens, your body goes from high alert to nothing hormonally and that shift causes other changes, which are exhausting.

What foods can help with energy during menstruation?

Instead of reaching for a slab of Dairy Milk, a few foods likely to boost your energy levels while menstruating include oats (for slow release energy), red meat, ...

Can light therapy help with premenstrual mood disorder?

If you have a premenstrual mood disorder, the expert suggests you're "more likely to experience sleep disturbances like insomnia, hypersomnia, fatigue, and even disturbing dreams during the luteal phase (the second part of the menstrual cycle) which could be due to disruption in circadian rhythms." In order to overcome this, Nicole explains that some researchers suggest using light therapy may help people with severe cases, but more research in the area is needed.

Can menstrual cycle cause depression?

As well as feeling irritable and depressed, people who menstruate can also become very drained and weary, he adds (lucky us!). "It is thought that PMS could be triggered by a drop in oestrogen and serotonin, resulting in a double whammy for mood swings and energy levels."

How to get rid of tiredness during period?

Some ways to combat the feeling of tiredness during your period include drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration, eating healthy, getting at least 8 hours of sleep, and doing some physical activity or exercise – as it is the best fighter of fatigue.

When Is a Period Heavy?

Though the degree of menstrual bleeding differs from woman to woman, a period can be considered ‘heavy” when the following symptoms occur:

How to tell if you have thyroid problems?

Your GP can determine if you have a thyroid problem by carrying out a thyroid function test, taking a blood sample to measure hormone levels. If diagnosed, hormone replacement tablets are prescribed and should be taken daily, with blood tests being carried out regularly to monitor hormone levels.

What is it called when you have a heavy period?

Many women suffer from menorrhagia, which is more commonly known as heavy periods. Around 1 in 3 women will seek treatment for the issue.

How long does it take for energy levels to return to normal?

Your energy levels will usually return to normal within a few days as your hormone levels begin to increase again. However, for some women, fatigue may last longer and be more extreme. Some women may find themselves completely sluggish and unable to properly carry out routine activities, signifying something more severe.

How to help with period fatigue?

It is a symptom of PMS. Some people may be able to alleviate period fatigue and other PMS symptoms using home remedies, such as exercise, relaxation, and alternative therapies. Others may require medical treatment. Anyone who is concerned about period fatigue should see a doctor.

What are the symptoms of a period?

Symptoms can include weakness and fatigue. Food cravings: During a period, a person may experience food cravings. Eating too much food could lead to a spike and subsequent dip in blood glucose levels. This dip could leave a person feeling tired and fatigued.

What is PMS fatigue?

According to the Office on Women’s Health, as many as 5% of females of childbearing age experience a more severe form of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Why is it so hard to sleep during the night?

Disturbed sleep: Period pains and mood changes may make it difficult for a person to get to sleep or stay asleep throughout the night. The person may then experience tiredness and fatigue the following day.

What happens if you have low iron during your period?

Low iron: Heavy bleeding during a period could lead to iron deficiency anemia. Without sufficient iron, the body is unable to produce the hemoglobin that red blood cells require to transport oxygen to the body’s cells. Symptoms can include weakness and fatigue.

How to prevent fatigue from dehydration?

Staying hydrated: Dehydration can worsen fatigue. Drinking fluids at regular intervals will help prevent dehydration.

How to improve sleep quality during period?

A person’s baseline body temperature increases by about 0.5°C before their period, which may contribute to poor or interrupted sleep. Lowering the room temperature slightly may help improve comfort and sleep quality, resulting in less fatigue the following day.

How to get rid of tiredness during period?

Keep An Eye On Your Diet. Along with water, it seems that you need to watch your diet during the more fatiguing parts of your period, to try and counteract the exhaustion. Good sources of iron are particularly useful, to counteract any tiredness-triggering iron loss; get yourself some red meat, spinach or sardines.

What to eat during your period to get rid of fatigue?

Good sources of iron are particularly useful, to counteract any tiredness-triggering iron loss; get yourself some red meat, spinach or sardines. You may also want to stay away from carbohydrates and load up on healthy fats and vitamins, to help you process nutrients and give you maximum energy.

What happens to estrogen before the period?

when the womb sheds its lining, creating a period), levels of estrogen and progesterone lower, which means that energy may be at a low ebb.

What does it mean when you have a heavy period?

The technical term for a heavy period is menorrhagia, and it can show up in several ways: going through many menstrual products in a short time, bleeding for longer than a week, or having blood clots appear in your flow beyond a 24-hour period.

What is the meaning of "menstrual cycle"?

Menstrual cycles involve a complex interplay of hormones and bodily processes, plus various underlying conditions that may be causing variation, so you can't draw any conclusions just because your friend Lizzie's cousin's boss got tired during her period, and shortly thereafter her womb exploded. (Or something to that effect.)

Is everyone's period different?

The main lesson to take away from this article is that everybody's period is different. Menstrual cycles involve a complex interplay of hormones and bodily processes, plus various underlying conditions that may be causing variation, so you can't draw any conclusions just because your friend Lizzie's cousin's boss got tired during her period, and shortly thereafter her womb exploded. (Or something to that effect.) Exhaustion during menstruation is annoying, but it can be dealt with, and medical professionals won't find it puzzling or shocking.

Can you nap during your period?

And yes, you can have that nap. 1. Don't Panic. It seems as if hormonal levels may be at least partially to blame for increased fatigue at the start of your period, because of the impact that estrogen and progesterone have on your body's energy levels.

Why does menstruation make you feel so tired?

Lacking in energy around the time of your menstrual period is common, many women experience this and they are left feeling quite lethargic. Our expert Emma Thornton explains why this happens and how home and herbal remedies can help.

How does energy expenditure affect your period?

Around day 14 of your cycle you ovulate. During this time your body temperature increases and you burn more calories. From then in you are in the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle, and research suggests that during this phase (which lasts up until the first day of your period) your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) can increase by up to 9%! That means by the time your period arrives you have expended 9% more energy for several days and it can take its toll, leaving you feeling more tired than normal

What is the best medicine for PMS?

Agnus castus – Having anaemia contributing to your lack of energy often comes hand in hand with heavy periods and very heavy periods are often a sign you have an oestrogen imbalance! Agnus castus is a licensed herbal remedy which is used to help relieve symptoms of PMS.

What hormones fluctuate in a similar way each month?

This makes sense as these hormones fluctuate in a similar way each month and if there is some imbalance then you could suffer recurring symptoms each time you menstruate. In terms of sex hormones, the two main ones are oestrogen and progesterone.

Why does oestrogen make me feel zapped?

Your stimulating hormone oestrogen being down can leave you feeling zapped of all energy. This is can be made worse if progesterone is particularly high relative to the levels of oestrogen. This is common in the menopause but can occur in many women, especially if you are prone to very light, irregular periods.

What happens if you have a heavy period?

Anaemia – If you have particularly heavy periods you are at risk of anaemia. Anaemia means you become deficient in red blood cells, which means you are low in iron which is crucial for carrying oxygen around your body. As a result of this, tissues around your body can fail to recover and get the oxygen they need to function ...

How to get energy during period?

Diet and lifestyle factors. There are some simple home remedies you can implement to give you the boost of energy you need around the time of your period. Diet is crucial – It’s really important to include lots of nutrient-packed fresh ingredients in your diet.

Is the first day of a period a doozy?

For some women who are anemic and have a very heavy period, the first day can be a doozy. However, this group is in the minority. If you know you’re treating your body right and are still walking around like a zombie during that time of the month, see your doctor to find out what’s up.

Is mac and cheese good for your period?

On top of all this, reaching for a heaping bowl of mac ‘n cheese isn’t the best way to sustain your energy. Making poor food choices, which many of us tend to do when we’re craving a little extra comfort, can just make you feel even more sluggish. (Here are some tips on what to eat during your period instead!)

Is it normal to feel tired during menstruation?

It’s totally normal to feel mood swings or crave sweets or salt, but nothing about menstruation itself should be making you feel tired. Instead, a few of your habits, which are a reaction to how crummy you feel when you’re menstruating, could be contributing to your low energy levels.

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