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Are you wondering why am I always tired and have no energy? You might not be alone in thinking that. Studies show that almost 15% of the women population feels too tired or drained to carry out normal life duties.
While most of our exhaustions are related to lack of sleep or our busy lifestyles, sometimes we have to dig deeper to find out what is causing this persistent fatigue, which is not relieved by rest and sleep.
5 Causes of Fatigue and Exhaustion in Women That May Shock You
1.) Insufficient Sleep
The majority of the women nowadays have a very hectic lifestyle; juggling between jobs, kids, home, and other responsibilities, this overwhelming daily grind leaves them exhausted and sleep-deprived.
It’s not easy to get full seven to eight hours of sleep at night when you have so much on your mind, but research shows that women who don’t get enough sleep are more prone to having heart diseases, type II diabetes, anxiety, and stress.
How to Fix It:
- Stop fussing over things when you are in bed. Put on light, soothing music. Try to calm your mind. Many relaxation techniques can help you get better sleep.
- Limit your use of caffeine, especially in the evening.
- Try chamomile tea. It’s known to reduce anxiety.
2.) Thyroid Problems:
The thyroid produces hormones that regulate the way your body burns energy. Hyperthyroidism is when your body is in an overdrive state, leaving you burned out and exhausted all the time.
An underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is when your body is not producing enough hormones to keep you active and your engine running smoothly.
Whether it’s overactive or underactive, it will make you feel tired, weak, and exhausted.
Thyroid problems are more common in women than men, and science is not sure as to why, but if left untreated, the symptoms can get worse.
How to Fix It:
- A simple blood test can easily detect thyroid related issues. Some medicines can calm down an active thyroid or balance the thyroid hormones.
- Try to avoid supplements as too much iodine can cause your thyroid to produce too much or too little of hormone, and that can mess up your treatment.
- Try to eat a balanced diet.
- Take up yoga; it might increase blood flow to your thyroid glands.
3.) Vitamin D Deficiency
According to research conducted in 2011, around 40% of people in the USA and one billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency. Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight.
It functions as a hormone and plays a vital role in women’s bone health and teeth. Recent studies show that vitamin D deficiency is linked to many chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
Its symptoms are quite subtle, so many people don’t realize that they are deficient even if it’s causing substantial negative effects on our bodies.
How to Fix It:
- If your doctor recommends, take vitamin D and calcium as they work best when taken together.
- Try to do more outdoor physical activities to get better exposure to sunlight.
- Maintain a healthy weight as obesity is linked to vitamin d deficiency.
- Add vitamin d rich food to your diet like salmon, tuna, and low-fat dairy products.
4.) Depression
Women tackle many roles every day of their lives; mother, wife, friend, employee, etc. and there are many up and down in these roles and relationships that can cause them to feel down and depressed.
Whereas some blues are due to change in hormones or medication, and they go away after a few hours or days, but if you are suffering from depression, then they tend to stay longer.
Women are twice more likely to suffer from depression than men. There are many contributing factors to depression-like female hormones, stress, social pressure, and anxiety.
The persistent feeling of emptiness and sadness can affect the sleeping patterns of women, causing them to either sleep too much or too little, which in turn can cause exhaustion.
How to Fix It:
- Consult a doctor and get proper treatment for depression.
- Besides medication and therapy, join a support group, people whom you can trust. Don’t bottle up your feelings and emotion; talk to a friend or family member who understands your situation.
- Try meditation and yoga.
- Exercise regularly as it can improve your blood flow and lift your mood.
5.) Anemia (iron deficiency).
Anemia is a blood condition in which your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells either due to loss of blood or a decrease in its production.
Due to its decrease, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen to function correctly, and you will feel sluggish and lethargic.
Iron deficiency anemia is a common blood condition among adults with poor diet or certain intestinal diseases.
Women of child-bearing age are more vulnerable to it due to either losing too much iron in blood during menstruation or more demand for blood supply during pregnancy or due to deficiency of other vitamins and minerals.
There is also a possibility of having too much iron, and a disorder called hemochromatosis, which can also cause tiredness.
How to Fix It:
- Consult your doctor and get a blood test to find out whether the low production of red blood cells is due to iron deficiency or some other medical condition.
- Talk to your physician about taking supplements.
- Add iron-rich food to your diet like lean red meat, poultry, and fish.
Final Thoughts
To find out the reason behind your excessive sleepiness and exhaustion is to be more attentive towards your body. Your health, lifestyle, and habits can give you an insight into the underlying cause of your sluggishness. Besides clod, flu, or other viral infections, if you keep feeling tired and experience a lack of energy, then consult your physician right away.
Results may vary. Information and statements made are for general purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Her Own Health does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Her Own Health are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
