Causes of Weakness and Low Energy in Women

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Causes of Weakness and Low Energy in Women

The female body is remarkably resilient, yet its energy reserves are not endless. Fatigue and weakness are common experiences, and understanding the reasons behind them is essential for maintaining well-being. Weakness often accompanies respiratory infections, colds, and various illnesses; in such situations energy usually returns after recovery. However, when a woman continues to feel drained for weeks or even months without an obvious explanation, this may signal chronic fatigue. Such a state may arise from persistent physical strain as well as from disorders of the nervous system, thyroid gland, or other organs. Ignoring prolonged weakness is unwise, as it reduces quality of life, affects productivity and emotional stability, and may indicate a serious underlying condition requiring medical attention.

Where the Body’s Energy Comes From

The body receives energy primarily from food that has absorbed the sun’s influence during growth. During digestion, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other nutrients break down into simpler compounds that oxidize with oxygen and release the energy required for cellular activity. Scientifically, mitochondria are responsible for producing ATP — the universal energy currency of living cells. ATP fuels the biochemical reactions that support both physical and cognitive function. Illness, stress, vitamin deficiencies, and chronic inflammation can disrupt this process, resulting in diminished vitality.

Important Information About Fatigue

Fatigue is understood as a complex of symptoms involving weakness, lethargy, and physical or emotional discomfort. Its duration matters: fatigue lasting less than a month is recent, fatigue lasting between one and six months is prolonged, and anything beyond six months is classified as chronic. Common causes in women include iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances, insufficient sleep, and unbalanced nutrition.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is one of the most frequent causes of low energy in women. It indicates a lack of iron necessary for producing healthy red blood cells. Hemoglobin — responsible for transporting oxygen — depends on iron. When iron levels are inadequate, oxygen delivery decreases and symptoms such as weakness, pale skin, dizziness, and reduced concentration appear. According to the WHO, anemia affects 37% of pregnant women and 30% of women aged 15 to 49. In addition to general causes like insufficient dietary iron, absorption disorders, chronic kidney disease, or blood loss, women face additional risks such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Endometriosis and Fatigue

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Although classically associated with pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility, research shows that women with endometriosis experience pathological fatigue twice as often as those without the condition. Chronic inflammation, hormonal disruption, and persistent pain contribute to ongoing exhaustion.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Despite seeming restful, a sedentary lifestyle often leads to constant tiredness. When a person moves too little, muscles, joints, and bones do not receive the daily stimulation they require. Over time, this leads to muscle weakening, increased strain on the spine, and impaired functioning of the nervous system and brain, all of which intensify fatigue.

Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances

Lack of restorative sleep is a major reason for persistent weakness. Difficulties falling asleep, restless nights, and early awakenings often originate from emotional stress or irregular work schedules. Conditions such as restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea can further disrupt sleep quality and greatly reduce energy.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones regulate nearly all physiological processes, making hormonal imbalance one of the most significant causes of fatigue. Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), or cortisol may lead to menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, abnormal hair growth, mood instability, and constant tiredness. Women frequently report excessive sleepiness when progesterone or TSH levels rise. Ignoring hormonal imbalance increases the risk of infertility, miscarriage, obesity, premature aging, and depression.

How Ovul Helps Detect Hormonal Fatigue

Daily hormonal fluctuations strongly affect energy, mood, concentration, and physical endurance, yet they often remain invisible. Traditional hormone tests provide only single-day snapshots. Ovul introduces a different approach by analyzing daily estrogen trends through a simple saliva test, allowing women to observe real-time hormonal shifts. These changes often precede noticeable fatigue by several days or even weeks. Ovul test helps distinguish whether weakness is hormonal, reveals cycles of low-energy phases, and guides more personalized adjustments in sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, magnesium, and particularly iron can disrupt cellular energy production. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with muscle weakness and excessive sleepiness, while inadequate levels of vitamins C and B cause chronic fatigue and reduced energy.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome accompanied by fatigue, digestive disturbances, sleep disruption, and mood changes. Approximately 5% of the global population is affected, with women experiencing the condition more frequently and often more severely. Their symptoms may include pronounced tiredness, non-restorative sleep, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating.

Heart and Lung Conditions

Diseases that interfere with breathing or oxygen supply also contribute to fatigue. When the body receives insufficient oxygen, tissues cannot produce adequate energy. Fatigue may therefore be a sign of heart disease, lung disorders, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. About half of individuals with COPD report severe exhaustion.

Medication Side Effects

Many medications prescribed for long-term use can lead to fatigue. These include antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, muscle relaxants, opioid pain relievers, and sedatives. Although medications are intended to improve health, their side effects can significantly decrease energy levels.

Post-Viral Fatigue

Weakness following viral infections, including COVID-19, is common. Even after other symptoms resolve, restoring full energy can take time. If fatigue persists for an extended period, does not improve after rest, and intensifies after physical or mental activity, it may indicate asthenic syndrome. Some research suggests this is the most widespread long-term consequence of COVID-19. Inflammatory reactions in the brain and reduced oxygen levels appear to contribute to this prolonged exhaustion.

Depression and Emotional Factors

Depression frequently includes heightened fatigue. It is not simply sadness; it involves loss of interest in life, emotional emptiness, reduced motivation, and ongoing weakness. Chronic stress, anxiety, and bladder disorders that interrupt sleep can also reduce energy. Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus — conditions more common in women — may cause persistent tiredness as well.

Medical Advice for Persistent Fatigue

Doctors emphasize the importance of evaluating persistent weakness rather than attempting self-treatment. Restorative sleep of seven to eight hours, consistent bedtime routines, and reduced screen exposure before sleep improve energy levels. Lack of physical activity weakens muscles and reduces endurance, while excessively restrictive dieting results in nutrient deficiencies that further diminish energy. Insufficient water intake may cause dizziness and weakness, especially in hot weather or during physical activity. Vitamin supplementation without medical guidance is discouraged because vitamins themselves do not provide energy unless deficiencies are confirmed. A physician may recommend blood tests such as a complete blood count, ferritin, and TSH to determine the underlying cause and create an appropriate diagnostic plan.