What Causes Fatigue During the Premenstrual Cycle?

Premenstrual syndrome, commonly known as PMS, is a condition that many women suffer once a month prior to their period, or menstruation. PMS can be physically and emotionally debilitating. Sometimes a woman is accused of feigning symptoms, and her condition is not taken seriously enough. There are many symptoms she can experience, including fatigue.

Time Frame

• One of the top three complaints among PMS sufferers is fatigue, according to Aetna InteliHealth (see Resources). This fatigue can come like clockwork approximately one to two weeks before the cycle commences, giving a woman an indication of impending menstruation.

Identification

• Hormonal changes, especially with estrogen and progesterone, cause PMS fatigue. The changes can initiate physical as well as emotional fatigue.

Estrogen and Progesterone Changes

• Hormone fluctuation, timed with ovulation, can create havoc to a woman's system. During a woman's period, estrogen rises and then reaches its height at ovulation. Then it takes a rapid nosedive, then rises and falls again just before menstruation. This change can bring on symptoms such as fatigue. The flood of estrogen, combined with a lack of progesterone, is another factor that can create PMS overall, including fatigue.

Magnesium Deficiency

• Magnesium deficiency has been attributed to PMS-related fatigue. Magnesium supplementation will help to improve that symptom.

Prevention/Solution

• There are ways to combat PMS fatigue. Some drugs on the market, such as Yaz, have been promoted to reduce PMS symptoms, including fatigue. Natural supplements, including calcium and magnesium with vitamin D3, also canalso help. Essential fatty acids, including fish oil, can help balance hormones, which will help alleviate PMS symptoms overall. There are natural ways to counteract fatigue as well. Increasing rest is important. Exercise, extra fluids and complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits and vegetables) can increase energy, which, in turn, lessens PMS fatigue.