Reasons Behind Lack of Energy in Women

Are there times when you feel so lethargic that getting out of bed and pulling through the day seems like a feat? When no matter how many coffee mugs you down, it just does not energize you?

And when you finally sleep through the night and wake up the next morning, the exact same thing repeats itself? What brings about this constant lack and draining of energy in us that try as we may, we just can't shake off?

Lack of energy can be brought on due to several reasons that range from the obvious to the underlying. There could be varied factors responsible for this (especially in women) which could include physical, psychological and emotional reasons.

Lack of energy is an indication that the body is not functioning efficiently - this could affect the very quality of life. Therefore, it is important to understand what these factors are so that proper treatment forms can be adopted and the problem can be solved.

Sleep deprivation or less sleep is one of the most common reasons for low energy levels in a person. Less sleep means that the body has not been allowed to recover from the wear and tear of the day.

Therefore the functioning and efficiency of all its systems will be compromised and a general feeling of fatigue will be felt along with signs of headaches, tired eyes and irritability, among others.

Solution: Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of deep sleep every night. This will help the body and mind recuperate and combat the feeling of tiredness in general. Adopt methods of inducing sleep if that is where the problem lies.

General feelings of fatigue and lack of energy are symptoms of many health conditions like depression, sleep disorders, obesity, respiratory disorders, arthritis, bacterial infection, chest infections etc.

Solution: If the fatigue seems long lasting, it's important to consult a doctor who will diagnose the condition and help in drawing out a treatment plan.

Hormonal imbalance is a common problem many women face at different times in their life. There are several instances when hormonal levels in the body change, these include menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and low metabolism among others. All these factors can lead to further complications in health which can cumulatively lead to lack of energy and fitness.

Solution: Make sure to get a check up done to determine the cause of the imbalance. If it is a major problem, the doctor will start you out on a specialized program. Obesity is also a major cause of hormonal imbalance. In which case, a proper diet and following an exercise routine will help in correcting the problem.

Though depression is not a physical pain that can be calculated, it is known to bring a person down and affect all their daily activities. There is severe mental fatigue that is felt due to all the thinking and analyzing that is done. 

Solution: Most often, depression is brought on due to a particular incident like the death of someone, a break up, or some other loss. At other times, the reason might not even seem clear and it could lead to depression.

This syndrome is a combination of several emotional and physical factors. It is usually seen in housewives who are emotionally stressed out due to many reasons ranging from being stuck in a rut, not being appreciated for their work, being taken for granted, resenting their husbands' jobs and a physical tiredness resulting from all the physical work they do.

This syndrome is not merely limited to housewives, but (more recently) also includes working women who harbor feelings of guilt for being working moms. These feelings gnaw at them and they end up feeling fatigued.

Instead of dealing with the real underlying reasons responsible for the same, they end up concentrating on the fatigue and trying to find plausible reasons for it. Some might even feel fatigued at all times in an effort to subconsciously avoid responsibility.

Solution: It becomes important to include other activities and hobbies in their routine so that there is something other than the rut to look forward to. Taking up things that give them a sense of accomplishment is crucial to prevent these feelings of fatigue and sadness.

Stress leads to feelings of anxiety, worry and nervousness. It can be caused by anything that is physical - like too much work, or due to a financial problem or a demanding job, among others.

All these reasons lead to a spike in energy levels and that causes toxins to be released in the body. These toxins affect one's health and lead to mental fatigue which causes a constant draining and lack of energy.

Solution: Dealing with the reasons that has led to the stress is imperative to get rid of the same. Other than that, one can also aid the situation by taking up certain meditation and stress-relieving activities.

An improper diet that leads to deficiencies is another important factor that leads to low energy levels. Many women who go in for fad dieting suffer from low energy levels because their diets drastically change their body set up and affect the metabolism and other functions leading to a drop in energy levels.

Solution: Following a proper and balanced diet which supplies the body with all the essential nutrients is important to maintain good health. It will ensure that there are no deficiencies or accumulation of other diseases and conditions.

Never attempt fad diets because they lead to severe disorders which, in the long run, are very detrimental to health and cause a general feeling of fatigue. Consult a nutritionist or dietician to formulate a well-planned diet for yourself, if losing weight is your objective. Other than that, make sure to include vitamins and mineral supplements for energy.

However, if the fatigue does not seem to dissipate for long periods, make sure to consult a physician who will guide you with a proper treatment plan. Lack of energy in women is a common phenomenon and therefore it is important to understand the causes and solutions of the same so that better health can be achieved.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.