I’m in my early 40’s and feel exhausted all the time. Everyone tells me it’s hormonal. Is that true, and what can I do to feel good again?
That lingering, limiting tiredness is fatigue. It often comes with aching muscles, a lack of motivation, daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating or learning new tasks, abdominal bloating or pain, bowel irregularities, headache, irritability, moodiness and slow response times.
All too often, women are misdiagnosed with “hormonal imbalance” as the leading cause of fatigue, especially when they reach their 40’s. However, this is not usually true.
At the Kierauniv International Clinic, we assess patients thoroughly with a set of tailored questions and carry out detailed blood deficiency assessments to help patients better understand the source of their fatigue.
In most cases, there is an easily identifiable cause. Sometimes, hormonal issues such as birth control pills, pregnancy, menopause and thyroid problems are at play. More common causes of fatigue, however, include:
• vitamin D, iron and other mineral deficiencies;
• vitamin overdose issues, which can affect sleep and cause fatigue;
• medical problems such as undiagnosed cancer, autoimmune disorders and gastrointestinal issues that cause poor absorption of nutrients;
• being overweight, which increases one’s risk of sleep apnoea, diabetes and heart issues;
• being underweight due to an eating disorder, cancer, chronic disease or overactive thyroid;
• lack of exercise;
• stress, depression or anxiety;
• unhealthy eating habits;
• drug and alcohol intake; and
• over-consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages around bedtime, which can disrupt the normal sleep cycle.
Once we identify the underlying cause or causes, we can advise on treatment, which may include working with a sleep specialist to address sleep hygiene issues, making dietary changes, taking supplements, prioritising exercise, meditation and other self-care techniques, or talking to a counsellor for mental health support. While many of these treatment modalities seem basic and obvious, they are the hardest for many of us to follow in this fast-paced world!
It’s important to be your own advocate; find the right women’s health partner who can listen to your medical needs and find the right programme for you so that you can get back to being the energetic “power bunny” you always knew you were!