Menopause: Chronic Fatigue and Brain Fog
This is the third blog in this series and I wanted to discuss fatigue and chronic fatigue as a result of peri-menopause and menopause.
As someone who struggle with this from time to time, I thought it would be useful to look at why this happens and what can be done about it.
Understanding perimenopause and menopause
Perimenopause refers to the time of transitional before menopause begins. Your periods may become irregular, and your flow may become heavier or lighter.Production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone usually begins to slow when a woman reaches her 40s. That happens as a woman enters the perimenopausal period. The full transition to menopause can take 4 to 12 years.
Menopause is the time of life when your periods stop, estrogen and progesterone production ends, and you can no longer become pregnant. During perimenopause, you might start experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and fatigue. You’ll officially be in menopause when you haven’t had a period for 12 months.
Why is fatigue a common symptom of menopause?
As you enter the perimenopausal period, your hormone levels rise and fall in unpredictable ways. Eventually, your female hormone levels will decrease until your body stops making them completely.
The same hormonal changes that cause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats can also affect your mood and energy levels, leading to fatigue. Those hormone variations can also make it harder for you to sleep at night, which can leave you feeling tired during the day.
Risk factors for fatigue
Even if you’re in your 40s or 50s, fatigue isn’t necessarily due to perimenopause or menopause. All of the following can cause fatigue:
alcohol and drug use
anemia
cancer
chronic fatigue syndrome
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
depression
diabetes
heart disease
a lack of exercise
medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, and heart medicines
obesity
poor diet
sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
stress
viral illnesses
underactive thyroid gland
See your doctor for a checkup if you have fatigue.
Remedies for fatigue
Puro Ashwagandha
This is a premium formula designed to support a calming mood and provide relief from symptoms of restlessness, poor sleep, anxiety and depression.
Ashwagandha is a popular Ayurvedic herb with a long traditional history of use for many thousands of years.
Puro Ashwagandha is carefully formulated with 500mg of premium KSM-66® Ashwagandha root extract per capsule. KSM-66® is a highly potent organic root extract that is extremely well-researched and has taken more than 14 years of research and development to perfect.
Studies have shown that Ashwaganda may help to combat stress and adrenal fatigue, while also supporting the immune system, energy levels, mental performance and provide a general sense of calm, focus and vitality.
Super Strength Ginkgo Biloba 10,000mg
A potent ginkgo biloba extract with iodine and vitamin B5 to support your cognitive function and mental performance, and reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Magnesium 375mg
Vegan tablets with vitamin B complex to support your bones, teeth, muscles, nervous system and energy levels.Vegan tablets with vitamin B complex to support your bones, teeth, muscles, nervous system and energy levels.
Agnus Castus
This herbal remedy is great for PMS and symptoms such as mood swings and irritability Menstrual cramps, bloating and breast tenderness
Sage 2000mg
This super herb is a natural plant oestrogen and the perfect partner to Black Cohosh Menopause Relief
Black Cohosh Menopause Relief
6.5mg of dried rhizome and root extract, equivalent to 29.25 - 55.25mg of Black Cohosh.
Black Cohosh Menopause Relief (THR) is a traditional herbal medicine containing an extract from the rhizome and root of the Black Cohosh herb. Based on traditional use, Black Cohosh is used to help relieve symptoms of the menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats and temporary changes in mood like nervous irritability and restlessness.* As there is evidence that Black Cohosh may have hormone-like actions, it should only be used by women of child bearing potential if contraception is used.
Good old Fashioned Water
Yes, this is key to healthy body function and alertness. If you are dehydrated then you will feel sluggish and tired. We should be drinking 6-8 glasses every day.
Fresh air
The power of walking and fresh air is natures best tonic. If you are able to walk for just 30 mins a day you will do you the world of good. Mindfulness and headspace. Embrace it.
