Menopause Fatigue

Menopause Fatigue: Why You Feel So Tired and What Helps

Menopause fatigue is feeling tired, drained or low on energy most of the time, even after rest. It is common during perimenopause and menopause. It is often caused by poor sleep, night sweats, changing hormones and stress. Other health problems, like low iron or thyroid problems, can also cause tiredness. Finding the cause is the first step to feeling better.

Please note: This page shares general health information in simple words. It is not medical advice. Every body is different, so talk to a doctor or gynaecologist before you try any treatment.

Key Facts About Menopause Fatigue

  • Feeling very tired is a common symptom of menopause.

  • Poor sleep and night sweats are big causes.

  • Tiredness can make mood and memory worse.

  • Low iron, thyroid problems and diabetes can also cause tiredness.

  • A doctor can check for these with simple blood tests.

  • Good sleep, regular meals and gentle exercise help.

What Is Menopause Fatigue?

Fatigue is more than feeling sleepy. It is a deep tiredness that does not go away with rest.

You may notice:

  • Feeling tired when you wake up

  • Running out of energy early in the day

  • Finding everyday tasks harder than before

  • Needing to sit down or rest more often

  • Feeling low, cranky or foggy because you are so tired

Why Does Menopause Make You Tired?

Most menopause tiredness comes from broken sleep. But there are several causes:

  • Poor sleep. Night sweats and waking in the night stop you getting deep rest. Read more about menopause sleep problems.

  • Hormone changes. Changing estrogen and progesterone levels can affect your energy.

  • Heavy periods. In perimenopause, periods can get heavier. Losing more blood can lead to low iron. Read more about period changes in perimenopause.

  • Stress and low mood. Worry and depression can be very tiring.

  • Busy life. Many women in their 40s and 50s care for children, parents and work at the same time.

What Else Can Cause Tiredness?

Tiredness is not always caused by menopause. Other common causes include:

  • Anaemia, which means low iron in the blood

  • An underactive or overactive thyroid

  • Diabetes

  • Low vitamin B12 or vitamin D

  • Sleep apnoea, where breathing stops for short times during sleep

  • Depression

  • Some medicines

This is why it is a good idea to see a doctor if you are tired for weeks. Do not guess the cause yourself.

How Can You Get More Energy?

These steps can help:

  • Sleep well. Aim for 6 to 9 hours. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

  • Eat regular meals. Do not skip breakfast. Include protein like dal, eggs, paneer or curd.

  • Eat iron-rich foods. Green leafy vegetables, dal, chana, rajma and jaggery can help keep iron levels up.

  • Move a little every day. A short walk can give you more energy, even when you feel tired.

  • Drink enough water.

  • Cut down on caffeine late in the day. It can disturb your sleep.

  • Limit alcohol.

  • Take short breaks. Rest when you need to, and ask for help with chores.

What Treatments Can a Doctor Suggest?

A doctor will try to find what is causing your tiredness. They may do blood tests to check for anaemia, thyroid problems and diabetes.

Are night sweats keeping you awake? If so, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help you sleep and feel less tired. If you have low iron or another problem, your doctor will treat that.

Sirona Menopause Kit

The Sirona Menopause Kit includes four Sirona products. These are a Menopause Test Kit, a Cooling Mist, an Intimate Cream and a Skin Balancing Cream. It can help with some everyday comforts. It does not treat fatigue or its medical causes.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor if:

  • You have been tired for a few weeks and do not know why.

  • Tiredness affects your daily life or work.

  • You also have weight loss, low mood or other new symptoms.

  • Your periods are very heavy.

  • Someone says you snore loudly, gasp or choke in your sleep.

Related Terms

Shop menopause care: Sirona Menopause Collection

Sources

  1. NHS. Tiredness and fatigue. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tiredness-and-fatigue/

  2. NHS. Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/

  3. NHS. Menopause: things you can do. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/things-you-can-do/

  4. NHS. Heavy periods. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heavy-periods/

  5. Sirona Menopause Kit product page. https://thesirona.com/products/menopause-kit-1

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified doctor. It was written by the Sirona Content Team using the trusted medical sources listed above. Always talk to your doctor or gynaecologist about your symptoms and before starting any medicine, supplement or product. If you have heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe pain, get medical help right away.