Why do women always feel tired, sleepy, and lack energy? What are the most prominent causes of fatigue in women? According to research, sudden crashing fatigue in women may be caused by psychological distress, insomnia (lack of proper sleep), chronic health problems, nutrient deficiencies, or malnutrition. Approximately 1 in every 5 females suffers from extreme fatigue or tiredness that can disrupt their regular life activities and health.
Sometimes, women have to accept fatigue as a challenge to manage their careers and personal lives. But, it’s not a solution, rather they’ve to find out how to stop or minimize extreme tiredness. Data published by the National Health Survey in 2010 reveals that women (18-44 years of age) are more likely to suffer from chronic fatigue than men.
Here, we’ve mentioned some leading reasons behind constant tiredness in women. So, keep reading to learn more!
Symptoms of Fatigue in Women
The most obvious signs of fatigue are:
- Extreme sluggishness
- Inability to concentrate on work
- Delayed reflexes or responses
- Constantly feeling sleepiness and lethargy
- Impaired decision-making ability
- Dizziness and headache
- Muscle weakness
- Mood swings and irritability
9 Leading Causes of Fatigue in Women
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficient women may experience more exhaustion and other health issues than healthier women. It may also result in loss of bone mineral density, depression, lethargy, and other related health issues.
According to research, vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency can cause chronic illnesses, mood swings, or autoimmune disorders, which can negatively impact women’s health. The same research suggests that consuming at least 800-1000 IU of vitamin D3 daily can improve your health significantly.
Malnutrition Causes Extreme Fatigue in Women
Nutrient deficiency may be another key factor responsible for exhaustion in women. Usually, women need healthier and well-balanced foods to support their bodies against exhaustion. They need a healthy diet comprising fresh fruits, raw vegetables, chicken, fish, meat, and eggs to manage their family needs and personal career.
A balanced diet (good ratio of protein, carbohydrates, and fats) and enough water can boost metabolism and provide energy essential to combat extreme fatigue.
Iron Deficiency
Malnutrition, heavy period flow, and blood loss during baby birth are the key factors responsible for causing anemia in women. A heavy period’s flow can sometimes lose more than 80ml of blood that can lead to iron deficiency. Due to constant anemia, blood can’t transport enough oxygen to each cell of the body resulting in severe weakness and fatigue.
Your doctor may suggest a CBC test to diagnose iron deficiency. If you’ve been diagnosed with iron deficiency, you can improve it by consuming iron-rich foods or supplements.
Also Read the Complete Detail of Period Fatigue.
Thyroid Dysfunctionality
Thyroid gland is an extremely important part of your body that balances your hormones and controls metabolism. Its dysfunctionality can be one of the women’s most common causes of fatigue. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) can cause extreme tiredness, lack of concentration, and slowed heart rate. Weight gain, depression, and muscle weakness are the most common signs of hypothyroidism.
If you’re experiencing these above-mentioned symptoms in your body then you must consult your doctor who may suggest you to perform a ‘Thyroid Function Test’ for better diagnosis.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infection or UTI is among women’s most frequent health concerns, particularly after marriage. It may be due to unhygienic skin, specific health issues of your sexual partner, less water intake, or any other related issues.
All these factors can result in the frequent urge to urinate, burning during urination, and extreme fatigue. Doctors usually recommend antibiotics to treat UTIs, which can resultantly mitigate the signs of tiredness and muscle weakness.
PCOS, a Major Cause of Fatigue in Women
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is another most important cause of fatigue in women which is caused by hormonal imbalance. Prolonged or heavy period flow (menorrhagia), insulin resistance, improper functioning of thyroid gland, sleep deprivation, and vitamin deficiency are the most common problems associated with PCOS. All these problems can lead to extreme tiredness in females suffering from PCOS.
Read more about PCOS Fatigue here.
You can’t completely cure PCOS, however proper exercise, yoga, healthy diet and stress-free life can help to minimize the PCOS-associated health disorders in women.
Anxiety or Depression
Being fatigued can be linked to depression and anxiety. Depressed women are more likely to develop physical or psychological fatigue than more contented ladies. Generally, women remain in a state of anxiety due to workload and family matters.
Pre-menstrual issues, infertility, menopause, postpartum depression, and pregnancy are the most common reasons for depression in women. Treating depression can boost your metabolic energy and motivation level.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; a Leading Cause of Fatigue in Women
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic encephalomyelitis is a long-lasting disorder that lasts for about 6 months without any clear cause. In CFS, the patient feels extreme lethargy even after taking plenty of rest and proper sleep. Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome undergo more complications and tiredness after a little physical or mental activity.
Approximately, 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans suffer from CFS/ME. Out of these, 90% patients may not be diagnosed and treated.
The most evident signs of CFS may include:
- Lack of concentration
- Memory issues
- Difficulty performing physical activities
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- In severe conditions, CFS/ME may cause physical disability
Lack of Better Sleep
Proper restful sleep of 8-10 hours daily is essential for hormonal balance and a healthier body. Study claims that about 1 in 4 women suffer from insomnia. Several factors can disturb sleep quality, leading to disturbed mental and physical health. The most common reasons for uneasy sleep are excessive caffeine use, stress, chronic illness, and body pains or inflammation.
Moreover, many women have demanding schedules to manage work and family commitments. Stress and ongoing struggle can lead to insomnia (a lack of optimum sleep), leaving you drained and dull. For better sleep, it’s preferable to de-stress through meditation or relaxation techniques.
Sedentary Lifestyle
One of the primary factors contributing to exhaustion is a lack of physical activities, such as exercise, walking, and yoga. Living an active life improves cardiovascular fitness by improving blood flow to the body’s cells and muscles. You might consequently feel more energetic, stress-free, and productive.
Is There any Difference Between Fatigue and Tiredness?
In medical terms, anyone can feel tired after performing physical or mental work which can significantly be reduced by being stress-free or taking rest. However, fatigue represents the condition in which you constantly experience intense exhaustion even after taking plenty of rest or a healthy diet.
Tiredness can be short term while fatigue is a long-term health disorder that may lead to many other health problems.
Conclusion
A hectic daily schedule or an underlying medical condition can contribute largely to fatigue in women. Depending on the underlying cause of your acute exhaustion, try to eliminate fatigue from your life by making healthy lifestyle changes, dietary changes, or taking supplements.
