Felled by period fatigue?

SELF-HELP: THERE ARE WAYS TO TRY TO ALLEVIATE THE DOWNERS

- Citizen reporter

Period fatigue is a common but often overlooked symptom of the menstrual cycle that can affect everything from energy levels to emotional well-being.

What is period fatigue?

It refers to the extreme tiredness or lack of energy that many women experience leading up to or during their menstrual period.

It can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities, concentration and mood. This is a profound, persistent fatigue that can leave women feeling mentally and physically drained.

What causes it?

Several biological and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle contribute to this type of fatigue. Key factors include:

Hormonal fluctuations

Estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly before and during menstruation. These hormonal changes can impact mood, sleep quality and energy levels. Estrogen, in particular, is linked to serotonin production, the brain's “feelgood” chemical, so a dip can contribute to low mood.

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