Causes of period fatigue
If you feel tired and weak during your period, it’s not just in your head. Period fatigue, which affects up to 90 percent of women, is a real phenomenon. There are a few reasons why your period might cause fatigue and weakness:
- Hormones: Hormonal changes during your period can contribute to exhaustion.
- Low iron levels: Iron deficiency can make you feel run down during menstruation.
- Sugar cravings: Craving carbohydrates and sweets with refined sugar may provide a temporary energy boost, but it can lead to a sugar crash and further fatigue.
Tips to reduce weakness during period
While it’s normal to feel down during your period, it doesn’t mean you have to feel weak and low as well. Here are some strategies to combat period fatigue:
- Nutrition: Eating healthier foods, cutting back on coffee, salt, and sugar, and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables can help reduce period discomfort. Foods rich in iron and B vitamins, such as leafy greens, can also alleviate period fatigue.
- Stay hydrated: Drink at least two liters of water every day to avoid dehydration, which can contribute to fatigue.
- Exercise: Engage in light exercises to boost your energy levels and release endorphins. If you experience period cramps, exercise can also help alleviate them. Consider taking short walks if a full workout feels too challenging.
- Get enough sleep: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a comfortable sleeping environment, and avoid consuming caffeine in the afternoon to ensure a good night’s sleep.
- Relax: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing yoga, getting massages, doing breathing exercises, engaging in meditation, and taking warm baths. These relaxation techniques can help improve the quality of your sleep.
If your period fatigue becomes overwhelming and these at-home treatments don’t work, it’s advisable to seek medical advice from a doctor.
