Are you finding it harder to get through your day without feeling utterly drained? For many women, menopause fatigue is a persistent and overwhelming challenge. It’s not just tiredness; it’s a deeper kind of exhaustion that impacts your ability to function and enjoy life. This fatigue often feels unshakeable, no matter how much sleep or rest you get.

You’re not alone in this struggle. Menopause fatigue is a common but often misunderstood symptom of the natural changes happening in your body. While it can feel frustrating, the good news is that there are actionable, natural steps you can take to reclaim your energy and feel revitalised.

In this guide, we’ll explore the root causes of menopause fatigue and provide practical, science-backed strategies to combat it. From diet and exercise to stress management and supplements, you’ll discover an array of natural remedies that can help you feel energised and confident. Let’s begin by understanding why menopause fatigue occurs.

Why Menopause Causes Fatigue

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Menopause fatigue isn’t random—it stems from a series of interconnected changes in your body. Understanding these causes is key to addressing the problem effectively.

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

During menopause, levels of oestrogen and progesterone decline, leading to several changes in how your body functions:

  • Oestrogen and Energy Regulation: Oestrogen plays a vital role in energy production and metabolism. As levels drop, you may experience slower energy processing and more frequent tiredness.
  • Progesterone and Restfulness: Progesterone is known for its calming properties. Lower levels can result in heightened anxiety and difficulty relaxing, making it harder to feel rested.

2. Poor Sleep Quality

Hot flashes, night sweats, and a reduction in melatonin production often disrupt sleep patterns. Many women find themselves waking frequently during the night, unable to fall back asleep. Over time, this lack of deep, restorative sleep exacerbates fatigue.

3. Increased Stress and Cortisol Levels

The challenges of menopause, combined with personal and professional responsibilities, often lead to higher stress levels. This causes the body to produce excess cortisol—a hormone that, while helpful in short bursts, can leave you feeling depleted when it remains elevated over long periods.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies

As your body adapts to menopause, it may struggle to absorb certain nutrients effectively. Deficiencies in key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 can lead to low energy, muscle weakness, and brain fog.

5. Lifestyle Factors

Skipping meals, relying on caffeine or sugary snacks for quick boosts, and neglecting self-care can worsen menopause fatigue. These habits often create spikes and crashes in energy levels, leaving you feeling even more drained.

Energising Your Diet Naturally

Your diet has a significant impact on your energy levels. By nourishing your body with the right foods, you can stabilise your blood sugar, support hormonal balance, and maintain consistent energy throughout the day.

1. Focus on Whole Foods

Whole, minimally processed foods provide the nutrients your body needs for sustained energy. Include the following in your diet:

  • Complex Carbohydrates: Opt for oats, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and whole-grain bread. These slow-releasing carbs help maintain steady energy.
  • Lean Proteins: Add chicken, turkey, eggs, fish, tofu, beans, and lentils to your meals to keep your blood sugar stable.
  • Healthy Fats: Incorporate avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil to support hormone production and brain function.

2. Prioritise Iron-Rich Foods

Iron helps transport oxygen in your blood, and a deficiency can leave you feeling tired and weak. Include foods like spinach, kale, lentils, chickpeas, fortified cereals, and lean red meat. For better absorption, pair these with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, tomatoes, or peppers.

3. Stay Hydrated

Even mild dehydration can worsen fatigue. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water daily. If plain water isn’t appealing, try:

  • Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint.
  • Infused water with fresh fruit slices like lemon, cucumber, or berries.

4. Eat Energy-Boosting Snacks

When you need a quick pick-me-up, choose nutrient-dense snacks that provide lasting energy instead of sugary options. Some examples include:

  • Apple slices with almond butter.
  • A handful of mixed nuts and seeds.
  • Greek yoghurt with a sprinkle of flaxseeds or berries.

5. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

While caffeine may offer a short-term energy boost, excessive consumption can interfere with sleep and lead to crashes later in the day. Similarly, alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycles and worsen fatigue.

6. Add Phytoestrogen-Rich Foods

Phytoestrogens mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body, helping to balance hormones naturally. Great sources include soy products like tofu and edamame, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and chickpeas.

Move for More Energy

Although fatigue might make exercise feel like the last thing you want to do, the right kind of movement can significantly boost your energy. Regular physical activity improves circulation, releases endorphins, and reduces stress—helping you feel more awake and alert.

1. Start with Gentle Activities

Gentle, low-impact exercises are perfect for fighting fatigue without overexertion.

  • Walking: A brisk 20-30 minute walk outdoors can elevate your mood and energy levels.
  • Yoga: Poses like downward dog, child’s pose, and cat-cow help stretch and relax muscles while promoting better blood flow.
  • Stretching: Begin your day with a simple stretching routine to wake up your body and improve flexibility.

2. Try Strength Training

Strength training helps counteract the natural loss of muscle mass that occurs during menopause. Maintaining muscle is crucial for metabolic health and sustained energy.

  • Use light weights or resistance bands to perform squats, lunges, or arm curls.
  • Aim for two sessions per week, focusing on proper form to prevent injury.

3. Incorporate Moderate Cardio

Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health and enhances stamina over time.

  • Activities like cycling, swimming, or dancing are excellent options.
  • Aim for 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week, at a moderate intensity.

4. Listen to Your Body

Some days, you may have less energy than others. On those days, opt for gentler activities, like a leisurely walk or a brief stretching session. Exercise should energise you, not leave you feeling more drained.

5. Make It Fun

Choose activities that bring you joy—whether it’s dancing to your favourite music, gardening, or joining a group fitness class. Enjoyable movement is easier to stick with and doubles as a mood booster.

Prioritise Restorative Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for combating menopause fatigue, but hormonal changes can make restful nights elusive. Creating a sleep-friendly routine can significantly improve the quality of your rest.

1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Your body thrives on routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate your internal clock and promotes better sleep quality.

2. Create a Relaxing Evening Routine

Develop habits that help you wind down before bed.

  • Avoid screens for at least an hour before sleep, as blue light can suppress melatonin production.
  • Engage in calming activities such as reading, journaling, or taking a warm bath.
  • Use lavender essential oil or chamomile tea to promote relaxation.

3. Optimise Your Sleep Environment

A cool, dark, and quiet room creates the ideal setting for restful sleep.

  • Lower your bedroom temperature to 16-18°C.
  • Invest in breathable, moisture-wicking bedding to stay comfortable through the night.
  • Use a fan or white noise machine to block out any disruptive sounds.

4. Manage Night Sweats

Night sweats can be one of the most frustrating disruptors of menopause sleep.

  • Wear lightweight, breathable sleepwear made of cotton or bamboo fabrics.
  • Keep a cooling pad or a damp washcloth nearby to provide immediate relief.
  • Drink plenty of water during the day to stay hydrated, which can reduce the intensity of night sweats.

5. Limit Stimulants Before Bed

Caffeine and alcohol are common culprits of poor sleep. Avoid consuming these in the late afternoon or evening to prevent disruptions in your sleep cycle.

6. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness techniques can calm your mind and prepare your body for sleep.

  • Deep Breathing: Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for six. Repeat this cycle for 5-10 minutes.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense each muscle group for five seconds, starting with your feet and working upward, before relaxing.
  • Meditation: Apps like Calm or Insight Timer offer guided meditations specifically for bedtime.

Mindfulness and Stress Management

Stress management is vital for reducing fatigue during menopause. Chronic stress can deplete your energy, while effective relaxation techniques can recharge both your body and mind.

1. Practise Deep Breathing

Deep, intentional breathing lowers cortisol levels and promotes a sense of calm. Here’s a simple exercise:

  • Sit in a comfortable position and inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four.
  • Hold your breath for four seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds.
  • Repeat this process for 5-10 minutes, focusing on the sensation of your breath.

2. Incorporate Meditation

Meditation helps quiet a busy mind and reduces stress.

  • Start with just five minutes a day, using a guided meditation app like Headspace or Calm.
  • Focus on a calming image, such as waves on a beach, to ground yourself.

3. Try Gratitude Journaling

Writing down three things you’re grateful for each day can help shift your mindset and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Gratitude journaling is a simple yet effective way to foster positivity and mental clarity.

4. Engage in Joyful Activities

Make time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy, whether it’s gardening, painting, knitting, or spending time with loved ones. Doing something you love can be a powerful stress reliever.

Supplements for Supporting Energy

While lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of managing menopause fatigue, supplements can provide targeted support to address hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and energy production. Here are some natural, research-backed options:

1. Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for muscle relaxation, better sleep, and steady energy levels.

  • What it does: Supports the nervous system, regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes restful sleep.
  • What research says: Studies suggest magnesium supplementation reduces fatigue and improves sleep quality.
  • Considerations: Start with a lower dose if you experience digestive discomfort.

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D supports energy production, immune function, and mood regulation.

  • What it does: Plays a critical role in calcium absorption and muscle strength, helping to combat tiredness.
  • What research says: Many women during menopause experience vitamin D deficiency, which is linked to low energy levels.
  • Considerations: Sunlight exposure is also a natural source of vitamin D.

3. B-Complex Vitamins

B vitamins are essential for converting food into energy and supporting brain function.

  • What they do: Promote energy metabolism, red blood cell production, and mental clarity.
  • What research says: Deficiencies in B12 and B6 are particularly linked to fatigue, and supplementation can restore energy levels.
  • How to use: Choose a high-quality B-complex supplement containing all eight B vitamins.
  • Considerations: Sublingual (under-the-tongue) B12 supplements may be more effective for absorption.

4. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that supports energy production at the cellular level.

  • What it does: Enhances mitochondrial function, helping your cells generate energy more efficiently.
  • What research says: CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to reduce fatigue and improve stamina, particularly in women experiencing age-related energy decline.
  • How to use: A daily dose of 100-200 mg is typically recommended.
  • Considerations: Opt for a ubiquinol form, which is easier for the body to absorb.

RUHE: A Holistic Option for Energy Support

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RUHE is a science-backed supplement specifically designed for women experiencing menopause. It combines essential nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D, B-complex vitamins, and adaptogenic extracts like cordyceps to provide a comprehensive approach to tackling fatigue and other menopausal symptoms.

  • Science-Backed Formulation: Each ingredient in RUHE is carefully chosen based on clinical research, ensuring it effectively supports hair health and overall wellbeing.
  • Tailored to You: RUHE is personalised for your specific symptoms, adapting as your needs evolve.
  • Comprehensive Nutrient Profile: The blend includes essentials like biotin, Vitamin D, and zinc to target thinning and dry hair.
  • High Quality and Purity: RUHE prioritises vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO ingredients without artificial flavours or added sugars.

How RUHE Works with Natural Remedies

RUHE isn’t a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, it’s a complement. By filling nutritional gaps and addressing hormonal imbalances, RUHE enhances the benefits of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management practices.

Take Charge of Your Energy

Menopause fatigue doesn’t have to define your day. By making small, consistent changes to your diet, movement, sleep routine, and stress management, you can regain control of your energy and feel more like yourself again.

Whether you choose to incorporate a tailored supplement like RUHE or stick with natural remedies, the journey to renewed vitality is entirely achievable. With patience and self-care, you can navigate this transition with confidence and strength.