Period FAQs

is it normal to be tired on your period

by Ms. Eugenia Armstrong DDS Published 2 years 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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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."

Apply Heat To Relax & Wind Down

When you’re on your period and exhausted, a great way to prepare yourself for deep sleep is by adding some warmth to your evening. Dr. Dweck suggests you take a warm bath and grab a hot water bottle. It will help your menstrual cramps and overall discomfort.

Physical And Emotional Changes Before Your Period

Around 90% of women report that they notice at least some physical or emotional changes in the lead-up to their period. Examples of changes that can occur include:

Eat The Right Foods At The Right Times

Cravings for fast food and sweet treats are hard to resist. There are better options that wont leave you with the mid-afternoon sugar comedown encouraging you to nap. Pack in protein-based foods like pulses and vegetables. Go for iron-rich foods like spinach too blood loss means being low in iron, which is also a cause for fatigue.

Try Acupuncture For Period Fatigue

People who experience serious PMS are sometimes recommended regular sessions of acupuncture. Dr. Dweck says she would “absolutely consider to be complementary,” and that she’s seen it help many of her patients before. Studies have shown that acupuncture can successfully treat insomnia, and it’s a therapy known to make you feel more energetic.

You Need A New Pillow Or Mattress

A new mattress should be purchased every 7-10 years. If your one is starting to reach the end of its life cycle, it could be impacting your sleep.

Too Hot Or Too Cold In Bed

If youre too hot or too cold to get to sleep, this is going to affect the quality of sleep you manage to get overnight.

Can Exercise Help Menstrual Cramps

Maybe. Researchers have found that some women have fewer painful cramps during menstruation if they exercise regularly. 6 There are over-the-counter medicines for menstrual cramps or pain that work well with very few risks.

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 long does it take for your period to feel more energetic?

After your period begins and oestrogen starts to increase again, your energy levels should also be on the up, and you can expect to feel a little more lively around days 2-3.

When does energy drop during period?

It is 100% natural to feel a noticeable drop in your energy in the days before your period , and the first few days of bleeding, as your oestrogen levels dip down to their lowest point. (We’ll break down why further down in this blog so keep reading!)

How do hormones affect energy levels?

Hormones are natural chemical messengers inside the body that tell your cells what to do, how to function and what kinds of things to prioritise.

What hormones are at their lowest in the first few days of your period?

A few key hormones worth noting are: Oestrogen: which contributes towards our ‘get up and go’ drive, and is beneficial for our energy levels in the right amounts. Oestrogen is at its lowest in the few days before your period begins (hence why you may feel sleepier during this time), but begins to rise shortly after.

What hormone keeps you awake?

Cortisol: As well as being a stress hormone, cortisol is also our primary daytime hormone, keeping us awake and energised during the day. Low cortisol can result in a deep, relentless fatigue that feels as though no amount of sleep will fix, a weaker immune system and a tendency towards low blood sugar levels.

Which vitamin is good for mood?

Hormonally speaking, vitamin B2 also plays a role in hormone production by the adrenal glands (important for energy and sex hormone balance), while studies show that vitamin B6 supports mood, brain health, PMS and more.

Is it normal to feel tired all the time?

Sure, it may be common. But that doesn’t make it normal.

How to predict when your next period?

Firstly, we recommend using a period tracking app. Not only does it predict when your next period will be, but you can track your emotions and energy levels. If you’re recognising patterns in how you feel pre-your-period, it’ll help you prepare. You can change how you exercise, your diet or your sleep routine to adapt to where you are in your menstrual cycle. Find out which period tracker app is right for you.

How to get rid of cramps during menstruation?

Exercise. For a guaranteed boost in energy, give exercise a go. Get the blood flowing and heart racing to release those endorphins. Exercise can also help to ease menstrual cramps if they’re stopping you from sleeping.

What to eat during your period to help with cramps?

Cravings for fast food and sweet treats are hard to resist. There are better options that won’t leave you with the mid-afternoon sugar comedown encouraging you to nap. Pack in protein-based foods like pulses and vegetables. Go for iron-rich foods like spinach too – blood loss means being low in iron, which is also a cause for fatigue. Check out these 9 foods you should eat on your period to help cramps! Check out 9 foods you should eat on your period to help cramps!

Does alcohol make you tired?

Alcohol is a depressant which worsens feelings of tiredness. Try and avoid having that glass of wine with dinner or those after work drinks.

Is it normal to be tired during your period?

Yes, it is completely normal to be tired during your period, and in the lead up before. During prime PMS time our progesterone levels rises and peaks, and then falls, continuing to fall through our periods. This leaves you feeling the dreaded menstrual fatigue.

How to stop crying during period?

If it doesn’t, or if your feelings of sadness are overwhelming, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe medications that can help. These include contraceptives, such as birth control pills.

Why do women cry during their period?

Feeling depressed, sad, or anxious is very common among women before and during their period. So is crying, even if you can’t quite figure out what is wrong.

What is the term for a person who is crying during her period?

This is known as premenstrual exacerbation. Conditions that can be worsened by premenstrual exacerbation include: Uncontrollable or long bouts of crying, severe depression, or sadness that interferes with daily life may be a more severe form of PMS, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

What are the symptoms of PMS?

experience symptoms of PMS to varying degrees. These include both physical and emotional symptoms . If you feel depressed, anxious, irritable, or find yourself crying during the first few days of your period, you’re in good company. Many women go through this, including women who don’t have other PMS symptoms.

How to get rid of bloated feeling?

Try to build exercise or activity into your life, even when you’re feeling bloated or have cramps. Exercise helps your body release chemicals called endorphins, which help improve mood. If feeling bloated is stopping you from exercising, make sure to avoid salty foods, which can exacerbate water retention.

What is the most severe form of PMS?

Uncontrollable or long bouts of crying, severe depression, or sadness that interferes with daily life may be a more severe form of PMS, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This condition is similar to PMS, but is earmarked by greater severity of emotional symptoms.

How to get rid of feelings?

Distracting yourself from your feelings may not be the easiest thing to do, but it can be effective. Try losing yourself in a funny movie or whodunit thriller. Spending time with friends or scheduling an activity you enjoy can also help. Yoga can naturally boost serotonin levels and increase feelings of well-being.

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