About crashing fatigue

The restorative energy gained from a proper night of sleep is essential to a woman´s health and ability to function during the daytime. During menopause, many women find that their energy levels aren't what they used to be, even if it seems that they are getting enough sleep. The most basic underlying cause of crashing fatigue during menopause is hormonal imbalance. However, crashing fatigue is a complex symptom of menopause as its causes and lifestyle triggers can be numerous. For example, extra work stresses, family strains, and others can worsen crashing fatigue during menopause.

Fatigue	Definition of Crashing fatigue Crashing fatigue is defined as sudden and overwhelming feelings of weakness, exhaustion, and reduced energy level, which can strike at any moment of the day. Crashing fatigue is different than drowsiness, which implies an actual urge to sleep. There is also an important distinction crashing fatigue as a menopause symptom and chronic crashing fatigue syndrome, which is a more serious and complicated disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome includes periods of extreme fatigue that do not improve with bed rest, may worsen with physical or mental activity, and is often tied to other illnesses. Read on to learn more about the crashing fatigue that is common during the menopausal transition.
Fatigue Overview About Fatigue Definition Symptoms Crashing Fatigue Causes of Fatigue Hormonal causes Disease causes Fatigue Treatments

Symptoms of Crashing fatigue

Crashing fatigue can have both mental and physical symptoms. Oftentimes these symptoms can be experienced in tandem with each other.

Physical Characteristics: • Crashing fatigue after eating • Sudden crashing fatigue • Muscle fatigue • Drowsiness

Mental Characteristics: • Decreased wakefulness • Decreased attention • Apathy • Irritability • Memory lapses • Trouble concentrating

The lack of sleep, or sleep disorders, that may lead to feelings of crashing fatigue can also manifest as irritability or difficulty concentrating on tasks at hand, leading to problems in the workplace or within relationships.

Causes of Crashing fatigue

Without a doubt, crashing fatigue can be a startling development for the menopausal woman. It is important to recognize; however, that crashing fatigue is a normal symptom of menopause that is caused by temporary hormonal imbalance. This primary underlying cause can be made worse by complicating factors such as lack of sleep, stress, and irritability.

To learn more about how to treat crashing fatigue during menopause, please refer to the general fatigue treatments page, which covers the best ways to approach drastic bouts of fatigue during menopause as well as more general and persistent fatigue.

Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms