Is it inevitable for low energy to happen to women as they get older?

It’s not inevitable, say doctors, but there are some factors that make it more likely.

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And the women I know who are older and going throughperimenopauseandmenopauseoften complain about being tiredall the time.

In other words, the culprit comes down to lifestyle, not age.

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women’s health physician and author ofThe Adrenal Thyroid Revolution

Its also important to note that there is a slight difference betweentiredness and fatigue, and sleepiness.

The amount of sleep we need really doesnt change until were over 65, Dr. Romm says.

In fact, you likely neededmoresleep in your twenties than in your thirties.

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Still, I pressed Dr. Romm on another front: what about when women hit perimenopause and menopause?

Eventhenwas there no physiological reason to feel more tired?

Once again, the culprit was actually disrupted sleep, not age.

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This is a big recurring factor for why women can feel tired, she says.

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women’s health physician and author ofThe Adrenal Thyroid Revolution

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Carrying this load can beexhausting both mentally and physically.

If you hold several marginalized identities, the stress can be even greater.

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But again, these factors arent technically tied to the aging process.

If youve tried all this and nothing is changing, you should see someone, adds Dr. Kogan.

He recommends starting by adjusting your sleep, movement, and eating habits and taking note of what happens.

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Wu says its a sign to contact your physician for help.

Dr. Kogan recommends not waiting too long before speaking to a doctor about any energy issues.

FAQs about low energy in women

What are some signs of low energy in women?

How can I increase my energy levels?

As for the idealnap length?

Just be sure to limitnapping to the early afternoonso as not to interfere with your nighttime shut-eye.

Need more strategies for coping with tiredness?

Grab a jump rope or do some jumping jacks.

Sleep in the Aging Population.Sleep medicine clinicsvol.

12,1 (2017): 31-38. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2016.10.008

Broskey, Nicholas T et al.

Exercise efficiency relates with mitochondrial content and function in older adults.Physiological reportsvol.

3,6 (2015): e12418.

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