PCOS and Fatigue - 3 Reasons Why You Feel So Tired
In today’s life, feeling a tad bit worked out all day is one thing that’s considered normal - courtesy of our haywire schedule.
But what’s not normal is feeling so tired that even bursts of power naps in the middle of office hours don’t make you feel any less dreary. And while there is a list of underlying reasons why you may be facing this lifestyle issue, if you have PCOS, feel free to blame it entirely on that.
Yes, you got that right. Apart from causing various health haphazards, PCOS also causes extreme fatigue - to the point where it actually starts affecting your quality of life. Wondering why and how you can change this? Read this blog to find your answers. Let’s start!
What Causes PCOS Fatigue In Women?
If you have PCOS and feel weary all day, these are the top 3 reasons why :
1. Iron Deficiency
Iron is an essential mineral that helps the body produce hemoglobin, a protein in Red Blood Cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen throughout the body. So well, a lack of iron in the body can lead to anemia. It’s a condition in which the body doesn't have enough RBCs to carry oxygen to its tissues. The main symptoms of anemia are fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. So naturally, due to heavy menstrual bleeding coupled with an improper diet, women with PCOS are more likely to develop anemia due to iron deficiency.
2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that allows the body to produce red blood cells and maintain the nervous system. So a B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, as well as symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and tingling in the hands and feet. But what’s scary is that women with PCOS are generally at an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, mainly due to a diet that doesn't provide enough of that vitamin. Moreover, if you have digestive issues that prevent the body from absorbing vitamin B12 properly, it can also lead to its deficiency in the body!
3. Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is one of the most general symptoms of PCOS that occurs when the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin. This can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to fatigue and other symptoms. Insulin resistance can also trigger excessive weight gain, which can further intensify fatigue and other PCOS symptoms.
Tips To Restore Energy If You Have PCOS
Follow these 6 tips if you want to beat that PCOS fatigue;
Eat a Balanced Diet: A healthy and balanced diet can help improve energy levels and manage PCOS symptoms. Choose whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Aim to include complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, to manage blood sugar levels and reduce fatigue.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking an ample amount of water is essential for maintaining good energy levels. Dehydration can worsen fatigue, so make it a point to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can help increase energy levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and manage PCOS symptoms. Practice at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. At VyomFIT, we offer online personal training to root out PCOS fatigue. For more details, check out our website.
Get Enough Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for restoring energy levels. So no matter what, get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a regular sleep routine.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms and lead to fatigue. So practice stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, to help manage stress and improve energy levels.
Consider Supplements: Some supplements, such as iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium, may help improve energy levels in women with PCOS. Speak to your doctor before taking any supplements to ensure they are safe for consumption and appropriate for your needs.
Wrapping Up
Fatigue is a common symptom of PCOS that can have an adverse effect on a woman's quality of life. But by incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can restore your energy levels and manage your PCOS symptoms more effectively. So why wait? Get started today!
For more blogs on fitness, check out VyomFIT.
Some Common FAQs:
Q. Does PCOS cause extreme fatigue?
Ans. Yes, PCOS causes extreme fatigue
Q. What are the main reasons for PCOS fatigue?
Ans. There are many reasons for PCOS fatigue, the most prevalent being iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies and increased insulin resistance.
Q. Can exercising regularly fix PCOS fatigue?
Ans. Yes. According to medical experts, regular exercise can help alleviate PCOS fatigue.