PMS Fatigue: Everything You Need to Know
Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, can cause a person to go through different kinds of physical or psychological symptoms.
Fatigue is one of the common physical symptoms that happens during PMS.
According to the Journal of Women’s Health, fatigue during PMS is experienced by up to 80% of women.
This symptom is distinguished by feelings of tiredness and lethargy, which can make daily activities challenging.
Read the article to learn more about PMS fatigue.
Does PMS cause fatigue
Fatigue is one of the physical symptoms caused by PMS, among many others, like abdominal bloating, cramps, sleep problems, etc.
PMS Fatigue can be caused due to many reasons, some of which include:
Hormonal Changes
The body goes through different hormonal changes during PMS.
Estrogen, a vital hormone in the reproductive cycle, drops during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle when PMS occurs.
Low or insufficient estrogen levels can cause fatigue.
Changes in the brain’s chemistry
The levels of Serotonin drop as the levels of Estrogen drop.
This means serotonin levels are lowest two weeks before a woman gets her period.
Lower levels of Serotonin have been linked to fatigue as it plays an essential role in sleep regulation, lethargy, drowsiness, and loss of motivation.
Women who don’t have enough Serotonin are also more likely to have other symptoms of PMS.
Lack of sleep and other PMS symptoms
PMS can cause symptoms like sleep problems due to cramps or headaches.
PMS can even cause insomnia, leading to fatigue during PMS.
Low amounts of Iron
People that suffer from heavy bleeding can lead to iron deficiency.
A lack of Iron in the body can make the person feel tired and weak, which might also cause fatigue.
It might be due to PMDD, a severe form of PMS.
How to combat PMS fatigue with home remedies
PMS symptoms like fatigue will likely go away one or two days after the periods start.
However, one can deal with PMS fatigue with the help of home remedies or medicines prescribed by a medical expert.
Home remedies that can be used to deal with mild to moderate PMS fatigue include:
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises can help deal with stress.
This will help a person get an ample amount of sleep and in getting rid of fatigue.
Room temperature adjustment
A person’s body temperature can increase by 0.5°C during periods, disrupting sleep.
Adjusting the room temperature can help in getting proper sleep.
Aerobic exercise
A study was conducted in 2014 on the Effect of aerobic exercise on premenstrual symptoms.
The study found that aerobic exercise can help decrease PMS symptoms like fatigue, impaired concentration, and confusion.
Medications to treat PMS fatigue
A doctor can prescribe a few medications for severe fatigue or PMS symptoms.
Some of them include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to decrease pain or cramps during PMS.
This will help the person to get a good amount of sleep and get rid of fatigue.
Antidepressants
The doctor may prescribe Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs to reduce the symptoms of PMS, including fatigue.
These medicines control the amount of Serotonin in the brain, making the person feel better and less tired.
Supplements
Supplements like Calcium can help decrease the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS.
But one should consult a specialist before taking any supplements
Birth control pills
Birth control pills can help regulate the hormonal changes due to PMS.
This can also help in decreasing fatigue.
Takeaway
Fatigue is a common symptom of PMS.
It can be caused due to various reasons like hormonal changes, changes in the brain’s chemistry, lack of sleep, and low amounts of Iron.
Mild to moderate fatigue can be dealt with by home remedies like relaxation and exercise.
Severe fatigue can be treated with prescription medications like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antidepressants.
Consult a specialist to know the proper diagnosis and treatment of PMS fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fatigue a symptom of pms?
Yes, fatigue is a common symptom of PMS. It generally reduces within a few days after the periods start. For extreme fatigue, a doctor can recommend medications like antidepressants and NSAIDs.
How long does PMS fatigue last?
PMS fatigue can last a few days until the period starts but also varies from person to person. Some people can experience PMS fatigue for a few days, or some might experience it for a few months.
Is PMS fatigue worse than pregnancy fatigue?
Fatigue during pregnancy and PMS can differ from person to person. PMS fatigue can be either low or high, but pregnancy fatigue can be extreme, making one feel tired and weak.
How do you fight PMS fatigue?
PMS fatigue can be treated with the help of home remedies like relaxation techniques or exercise. But in extreme PMS fatigue, the doctor can prescribe antidepressants, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), or birth control pills.
What does PMS fatigue feel like?
PMS fatigue can be different for different people. People suffering from PMS fatigue can feel low on energy and motivation, have difficulty concentrating, difficulty performing daily tasks, and also might feel sleepy throughout the day.
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