The Link Between Hormone Imbalance and Fatigue

It’s normal to feel tired at the end of a long workday or after an exciting vacation, but what if you constantly feel exhausted? Fatigue is often a symptom of an underlying condition. However, many people write it off as general tiredness. If fatigue lasts longer than a week or two, or if it worsens, it’s worth exploring with your doctor. 

Experienced naturopath and primary care doctor Laika Rodriguez, ND, treats fatigue and explores its underlying causes at Salem Wellness Clinic in Salem, Oregon. Often, fatigue is a symptom of a hormone imbalance, which can have widespread effects on your well-being. 

Hormone imbalances are quite common and tend to come with groups of ambiguous symptoms, including weight gain, low libido, and depression. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between hormone imbalances and fatigue. 

Understanding your hormones 

Your hormones regulate almost all of your body functions, from sexual function and reproduction to metabolism and energy production. Hormones are even responsible for maintaining homeostasis — the stability or balance throughout your body related to blood pressure, fluid retention, blood sugar regulation, and other factors. 

You have many hormones in your body, and symptoms of imbalances can offer insight into which hormones are fluctuating. Too many or too few of a given hormone can lead to discomfort and troublesome symptoms, so it’s important to identify the hormone imbalance before proceeding with treatment. 

At Salem Wellness Clinic, Dr. Rodriguez treats hormone imbalances according to their causes, including stress, menopause, tumors, and trauma. Personalized hormone management can alleviate symptoms and fatigue so they don’t interfere with your life.

Which hormone imbalances cause fatigue? 

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of a hormone imbalance. Here are two common hormone imbalances that can cause long-lasting fatigue:

Menopause

Menopause indicates the end of your menstrual cycles and ovulation. As you approach your 40s and 50s, estrogen and progesterone hormones fluctuate dramatically. The decline of these hormones causes menopause symptoms like fatigue and hot flashes. 

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces inadequate amounts of thyroid hormone. An underactive thyroid can occur because of a thyroid tumor, too little thyroid-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland, iodine deficiency, or other causes. 

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism. It can appear alongside weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, and brain fog. 

Keep in mind that fatigue isn’t always due to a hormone imbalance. Sometimes, there’s no identifiable cause. Dr. Rodriguez evaluates your symptoms and medical history to determine if hormone imbalance is a factor. 

What’s next?

If you experience hormone-related fatigue, Dr. Rodriguez can help you find the cause and regulate your hormones. Call Salem Wellness Clinic or book an appointment online for more information on natural hormone management.