Menstruation can be an uncomfortable and sometimes painful time for women, and a common occurrence is the development of fatigue that makes everyday activities seem overwhelming and exhausting. Before this time begins, there are a number of steps an individual can take in order to help overcome feelings of fatigue during menstruation. This includes exercising, increasing vitamin intake, and cutting back on substances like salt and alcohol.
Other symptoms that come along with menstruation can increase the experience of fatigue. Getting several hours of extra exercise a week can help alleviate tension and loosen muscles. Even light exercise like going for a walk every day can help maintain a healthy balance in the body that will continue through the days during menstruation.
Consuming too much of what might seem like a good thing can also wear down the body to the point of suffering extreme fatigue during menstruation. Cutting back on chocolate, coffee, and salt can help build up the body's resistance to fatigue. Bad habits like smoking and drinking to excess can also make fatigue while menstruating worse, so cutting back or quitting these habits can make the individual healthier overall and better equipped to handle the added stress of the menstrual cycle.
An iron deficiency can make an individual feel tired and worn out, and with added blood loss this fatigue can become even worse. Iron supplements or an increase in the amount of iron in the diet can help keep levels of this vital nutrient high. Adding a B6 vitamin every day can also help, as well as making sure there is a sufficient amount of calcium in the diet. Together, these three key supplements can help reduce fatigue as well as other symptoms such as joint pain and muscle aches. Eating a balanced diet that includes other nutrients will also help the body fight off the effects of fatigue and combat other symptoms such as lethargy, bloating, and aches.
Stress can make fatigue during menstruation much worse. While it might not be necessary to reduce stress and eliminate the cause, learning to manage stress can in turn help reduce fatigue. Yoga and meditation can help an individual learn how to handle stress, and in turn help the body relax. This can reduce the severity of fatigue during menstruation, and along with eating a healthy diet before and during the cycle will help keep the body healthy and strong throughout.