Fatigue FAQ

During a woman´s busiest years it can be more than a mere inconvenience to spend her waking hours without the ability to concentrate fully; it can be truly upsetting. If she is sleeping the recommended 6-8 hours a day that are recommended for a healthy adult, yet still spends days in an irritable haze, she may be suffering from fatigue. Fortunately, though is one of the most common symptoms of menopause, fatigue can be easily managed once it is understood.

Continue reading to see the most frequently asked questions about fatigue in order to learn more about this symptom, how it is experienced during menopause, and how to cope with it and regain one´s energy.

Fatigue	Q: What is fatigue in menopause? A: Fatigue during menopause refers to an ongoing and persistent feeling of weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy. This should be distinguished from drowsiness, which implies an urge to sleep, whereas chronic fatigue focuses more on a lack of energy. Q: Is fatigue normal during menopause? A: Due to fluctuating hormone levels in menopausal women, fatigue affects a very high percentage of the population. In fact, up to 80% of working women reporting feeling fatigued on a fairly consistent basis. Particularly taking into account other symptoms of menopause such as night sweats and insomnia, it is no wonder that fatigue is so common.
Fatigue Overview About Fatigue Definition Symptoms Crashing Fatigue Causes of Fatigue Hormonal causes Disease causes Fatigue Treatments

A: Fatigue can be distinguished by a variety of characteristics, both mental and physical. Oftentimes these symptoms can be experienced simultaneously, in any number of combinations.

Physical Characteristics: • Fatigue after eating • Sudden fatigue • Muscle fatigue • Drowsiness

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

A: For women undergoing the menopausal transition, the most likely cause of fatigue is the fluctuation in hormones that occurs naturally during this time. Hormones are responsible for controlling energy at the cellular level, thus when levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, so do energy levels.

Compounding this, hormones also play a role in regulating the sleep cycle. These fluctuations will also affect a woman´s ability to get a good night of rest, leading to fatigue in the morning.

In less common situations for women in the menopausal transition, there are a number of other medical conditions that are capable of causing fatigue. Keep reading to learn more about these other conditions.

A: While most middle aged women experiencing chronic fatigue as a result of the hormonal changes that occur naturally during this time period, there are certain other, less common conditions that are capable of causing fatigue as well. If other symptoms are experienced in conjunction with fatigue, a trip to the doctor to rule out these other diseases may be a good idea.

Fatigue-causing Diseases • Adrenal Fatigue • Thyroid dysfunction • Sleep disorders • Sleep apnea • Insomnia • Narcolepsy

• Psychological Illness • Depression • Anxiety • Chronic fatigue syndrome • Sleep Apnea • Heart Disease

A: Fatigue can be one of the more frustrating symptoms of menopause, as it is a symptom that not only affects the body but the mind as well and carries over into a woman´s daily life. The good news is, there are a number of ways in which women can manage this symptom so that it loses its hold.

Oftentimes with a few simple lifestyle adjustments, symptoms of fatigue that occur during menopause can be greatly decreased, bringing relief. Changes in diet and exercise, along with stress reducing techniques and a proper sleep routine can make a great difference in how frequently fatigue is experienced.

Fatigue Fighting Tips • Eat regularly • Avoid starch-based meals • Avoid caffeine/alcohol • Take in magnesium and iron • Breathe deeply • Get adequate sleep • Exercise

A: Fortunately, chronic fatigue is not a condition that women have to live with permanently. As the main cause of chronic fatigue is the hormone fluctuation typical of menopause, the safest and most effective treatment is to go directly to the source with herbal supplements that treat the hormonal imbalance.

For more severe cases, it may be necessary to visit a healthcare professional. Keep reading to learn more about under which circumstances it would be wise to speak to a doctor.

A: In certain cases, fatigue can be a sign of a more serious condition. If experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be necessary to see a doctor.

• Confusion or dizziness • Blurred vision • Little to no urine • Recent swelling and weight gain • Ongoing, unexplained weakness

• Constipation • Dry skin, weight gain, or intolerance to cold • Headaches • Depression • Insomnia

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