This article lists some common causes of female fatigue with tips on how to boost energy.
It can happen for many reasons, from lifestyle factors to medical conditions.
Thyroid Problems
Fatiguecan be a symptom ofhypothyroidism(underactive thyroid) orhyperthyroidism(overactive thyroid).
Kseniya Ovchinnikova/ Getty Images
Fatigue can be a symptom of heart disease or heart attack.
In the United States, more women than men are living with COPD.
And women with PCOS are more likely to feel fatigued or have sleep disorders than women without PCOS.
Endometriosis or Adenomyosis
Endometriosis andadenomyosisare gynecologic conditions that are associated with fatigue.
In endometriosis, uterine lining-like tissue grows outside the uterus.
In adenomyosis, the uterus lining-like tissue grows into the uterine walls.
Not Enough Exercise
Asedentary lifestylewill likely make you feel more tired than rested.
Research suggests that regular physical activity is associated with higher energy levels and lower fatigue levels in women.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol during the day can make you drowsy.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apneais a condition in which you pause breathing while you sleep.
You may think you sleep all night, but it’s not quality sleep.
Besides fatigue, you may also experience dry throat, trouble concentrating, or mood changes.
Insomnia
Insomniainvolves trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.
You might develop insomnia because you have too much on your mind or work a night shift.
Or it can be related to a condition that interferes with sleep, such asrestless legs syndrome.
Stress and Anxiety
Stressandanxietyare physically and mentally exhausting.
Your fatigue could result from excess unhealthy stress and excessive worry or too many responsibilities.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Naturalhormonal fluctuationsoccur throughout a woman’s life.
Hormones rise and fall with puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause.
Evidence suggests thatestrogenand progesterone directly impact a woman’s sleep cycle.
Painful Bladder Syndrome
Anyone can get painful bladder syndrome, which is also calledinterstitial cystitis.
MS
Fatigue is a common symptom ofmultiple sclerosis(MS).
Medications
Fatigue can be a side effect of certain medications, especially those you take daily.
Some drugs that can lead to fatigue are:
What Causes Sudden Fatigue in Females?
Burnout fatigue happens when you have more responsibilities than you could handle at work, home, or both.
There’s alsocaregiver burnout.
Caregiving is an ongoing task that can take a physical and mental toll.
Most caregivers are women.
And nearly 3 in 5 women also have jobs.
Sudden fatigue can also be a sign ofperimenopause.
You may not make the connection right away because the age of perimenopause varies.
after you grab a diagnosis, managing the condition may sort out the fatigue.
If not, your provider can recommend the next steps.
There are some things you might do on your own to combat fatigue.
But fatigue can signal an underlying health condition, so seeing a healthcare provider is important.
Learning the cause can help find the solution and improve the overall quality of life.
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American Psychological Association.What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?.
National Health Service U.K.Bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis).
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2021;13:201-207. doi:10.2147/NSS.S256676
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Fibromyalgia.
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National Health Service U.K.Self-help tips to fight tiredness.
Additional reading: Harvard Health.What to do when medication makes you sleepy.
Harvard Health.Alcohol and fatigue.
Harvard Health.Could a vitamin or mineral deficiency be behind your fatigue?
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Always Tired?
You may have sleep apnea.
