Exhaustion or Fatigue
The female body undergoes a lot of changes almost every day. For instance, at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the body anticipates a fertilized egg, preparing the reproductive system to sustain a possible pregnancy. During this phase, the body triggers the release of certain hormones, thickens the uterus wall, and prepares the mammary glands. However, if the body has no zygote to nourish, it needs to shift gears and prepare for menstruation. These changes can affect the body’s hormone levels, resulting in fatigue or exhaustion.
Several phenomenological studies show that women can feel demotivated, tired, and sleepy weeks prior to the start of their periods. They also reported having sudden mood swings and gloomy feelings. In the worst cases, women also manifest signs of depression and social withdrawal because of the drastic changes in hormone levels.
Patients may also find it hard to sleep at night due to the discomfort and mental distress caused by this PMS symptom. In addition, the changes in progesterone and estrogen levels can affect the body’s core temperature, making it difficult for patients to feel at ease. The lack of sleep can also contribute to the patient’s daytime fatigue and constant exhaustion.
