Being easily fatigued is most likely due to a condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). CFS is defined by profound fatigue that is not cured by any amount of sleep or rest and is often accompanied by problems with memory, concentration, and possible pain. CFS affects women up to four times more frequently than men.
Discover more about why you might be fatigued easily and what you can do to get up and at it again.
Causes of Fatigue
General fatigue can be attributed to habits or routines. For example, excess physical exercise or lack thereof; unhealthy eating habits leading to nutritional deficiencies; lack of sleep; drug or alcohol abuse; and use of antihistamines or cough medicines can all cause feelings of exhaustion.
This type of fatigue is temporary and can be resolved by simply changing the habits or routines.
Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
On the contrary, easily getting fatigued can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. These health conditions include anemia; thyroid and sleep disorders; anxiety; diabetes; depression; and chronic infection or inflammation, among others.
Also, chronic fatigue syndrome can be a side effect of treatment regimens or medications used to treat aforementioned conditions on a long-term basis.
However, for women passing through the menopausal transition, due to the fact that CFS has the highest prevalence in women in their mid- to late-40s, causes of fatigue are due to drastic hormonal fluctuations taking place in their bodies.
Moreover, having galactorrhea or menstrual abnormalities evoked from endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, and uterine fibroids increases a woman's chance of suffering from CFS.
What Can I Do to Treat My Fatigue?
Treating chronic fatigue begins with identifying the underlying cause. Chronic fatigue that is caused by an unresolved health condition or exacerbated by the condition's treatment regimen will never be managed correctly until initiative is taken to either identify the disorder or find alternative treatment options.
On the other hand, for women who get fatigued easily due to hormonal imbalances, the symptom can be resolved by pursuing appropriate fatigue treatments. Practice healthy sleeping habits and relaxation techniques to ward off tension from stress or anxiety that could be causing fatigue, and start incorporating hormone-regulating supplements, like Macafem, into your diet for enhanced results.
Key Takeaways
Overall, chronic fatigue can be differentiated from fatigue in general due to its duration and underlying cause. Being easily fatigued is symptom of a health condition or side effect of medications. Also, it is more common in those passing through menopause or suffering from menstrual irregularities due to hormonal imbalances. However, with proper treatment pursued no matter your specific case, chronic fatigue can be managed, and you can go back to living a vibrant, enthusiastic life.
Sources
- Boneva, R.S. (2015). Early menopause and other gynecologic risk indicators for chronic fatigue syndrome in women. Menopause, 22(8), 826-834. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000411
- Mayo Clinic. (2018). Fatigue: Causes. Retrieved September 25, 2018, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/fatigue/basics/causes/sym-20050894
- NHS. (2018). 10 medical reasons for feeling tired. Retrieved September 25, 2018, from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/10-medical-reasons-for-feeling-tired/