The causes of low energy levels in females

Is weariness interfering with your day-to-day life? Feeling drained of energy or constantly exhausted isn’t merely a consequence of a fast-paced existence. While that may be a contributing factor, it could be an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed; or it could be a simple matter of making tiny modifications to your daily routine to increase your energy levels. Here we address the 5 common causes of low energy levels in females.  

Thyroid problems

Low energy and exhaustion can be caused by a variety of factors. For instance, the body’s metabolism slows down in individuals who suffer from an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). This can cause a range of symptoms, including weariness and lethargy. People who have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) tend to see an increase in metabolism, which can result in exhaustion and sleeping problems. The thyroid gland affects practically all of your body’s metabolic functions through the hormones it generates. The most common problems associated with thyroids – mild to severe – are typically caused by hormonal imbalances. Other common symptoms associated with thyroid problems are weight fluctuations, mood swings, tremors and irregular periods. With that being said, if you feel this is something you may be suffering with, it’s not all doom and gloom. Luckily, thyroid disorders can be easily discovered with a blood test and treated with hormone replacement therapy.  

Iron deficiency

Iron is essential to the human body and is required for the production of haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that allows them to transport oxygen throughout the body effectively. If the body lacks haemoglobin, then our tissues and muscles will not be able to perform efficiently due to the lack of oxygen, which can result in anaemia. In order to circulate more oxygen-rich blood around your body, your heart must work harder, which might make you unusually tired. Because low of energy levels is generally seen as a normal aspect of modern life, diagnosing iron deficiency based only on one symptom can be challenging. Other symptoms associated with this deficiency are weakness, lack of concentration and irritability. Taking supplements or by consuming foods high in Iron can help boost those levels; however if the symptoms persist, it is best to speak to a professional.  

Sedentary lifestyle

Leading a sedentary lifestyle can become a vicious cycle. Lack of activity can cause low energy levels, while low energy levels can then lead to a lack of activity. As a result, sedentary persons have greater heart rates and lower oxygen consumption than active people. Because the body requires oxygen to convert foods into energy, reduced oxygenation results in lower energy. Higher heart rates are accompanied by weariness, so for your heart, it’s a lot of extra work! It can be tough to get out of this particular lifestyle, however the key is by setting small achievable goals each day. Whether that includes taking a walk on your lunch break, instead of sitting at your desk or standing on public transport, as opposed to sitting – all of these things can help with overcoming a sedentary lifestyle. Eventually, you may find yourself in a position where you feel ready to take your physical activity to the next level.  

Lack of sleep

One of the more obvious reasons for weariness is a lack of sleep. While you sleep, your body conducts a variety of things, including storing memories and releasing hormones that control your metabolism and energy levels. Typically, you usually wake up feeling refreshed, alert, and energised after a night of good sleep. With that being said, everyone has felt the feelings of weariness, irritability, and lack of focus that typically accompany a bad night’s sleep. While you’ll feel sleepy and angry the next day if you don’t get enough sleep on occasion, it won’t impair your health. However, the mental and physical repercussions grow more significant after several restless nights. Some common symptoms of sleep deprivation (aside from low energy) include, worsened memory, mood changes and poor concentration; to name a few. There are many things which can be done to aid a better night’s sleep. Some of these involve avoiding caffeine and snacking before bed, implementing a consistent sleep-wake routine and ensuring you’re allowing yourself at least 7 hours of undisturbed sleep.  

Depression

Depression may induce weariness directly, but it also has indirect impacts on our sleep, food, and exercise; all of which can cause low energy levels. Finding out the cause of your depression can help then find the appropriate treatment. For instance, women who are experiencing perimenopause or menopause tend to suffer with mood changes. Due to the fluctuating hormone levels and imbalances, it can cause extreme anxiety, irritability and depression. In this instance, treatments such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are great in restoring the natural balance of hormone levels to alleviate symptoms.