Menopause can make many women feel unusually tired, and this symptom is often linked to hormonal changes, sleep disruption, and emotional stress. The question “Does menopause make you tired?” has a clear answer: Yes, menopause can cause fatigue, though the severity varies among women.
Factors such as hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings, and sleep problems often combine to lower energy levels and reduce daily focus. While menopause fatigue is a common symptom, it is manageable through healthy habits, medical guidance, and supportive strategies.
More detail on causes, duration, and management options follows below.
At SensIQ, we understand how menopause fatigue can disrupt energy, focus, and overall quality of life. Built under the guidance of neurologists like Dr. Luke Barr, SensIQ offers evidence-based support for women navigating perimenopause and menopause with clarity and confidence.
This article explores why fatigue occurs, how long it may last, and what steps you can take to manage it safely and effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Menopause fatigue is a common symptom caused by hormonal changes, sleep disturbance, and mood shifts that affect daily energy levels.
- Women may feel tired all the time, experience daytime sleepiness, or notice added symptoms like dizziness, weakness, or low mood.
- The duration of menopause fatigue varies, but it often improves once hormonal levels stabilize and sleep quality is addressed.
- Lifestyle habits, a balanced diet, physical activity, and good sleep hygiene can support energy, while some vitamins and supplements may offer additional support.
- Medical evaluation is important if fatigue is persistent or severe, as other conditions such as thyroid issues, anemia, or sleep apnea may be involved.
Why Menopause Causes Fatigue
Hormonal changes and energy levels
During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decline. These hormonal shifts affect how the body regulates energy levels and can lead to fluctuations in sleep quality and mood¹.
The drop in estrogen may also worsen hot flashes and night sweats, which interrupt sleep and leave women feeling more exhausted. This makes fatigue a common symptom during the menopausal transition.
Sleep disruptions and night sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats frequently cause sleep problems by waking women multiple times per night. Poor sleep quality accumulates, reducing daytime alertness and increasing brain fog.
Over time, this cycle of disturbed rest creates persistent tiredness that affects work performance and quality of life. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea may also become more noticeable during midlife.
Stress, mood shifts, and brain fog
Emotional changes like mood swings and anxiety can make it harder to relax at night. Stress hormones interfere with restful sleep and lead to waking up still feeling tired. Brain fog, often linked to both sleep disturbance and hormonal changes, further reduces energy during the day. Together, these factors explain why menopause and fatigue are so closely connected.
What Menopause Fatigue Feels Like
Menopause fatigue feels different from ordinary tiredness. Many women describe it as being tired all the time, even after resting or sleeping. It often comes with daytime sleepiness, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating.
Some women also experience dizziness, weakness, or achy muscles that make daily tasks feel harder. In some cases, fatigue is linked with mood changes like feeling low or depressed, adding to the sense of exhaustion.
Tired all the time vs. normal fatigue
Many women describe feeling tired all the time, even after low activity days. Unlike normal fatigue after exercise or stress, menopause fatigue lingers and does not improve with short rest. This pattern can affect both mental focus and physical activity.
Tired and sleepy during the day
Daytime sleepiness is another common effect. Women may find themselves struggling to concentrate or fighting the urge to nap during work hours. This type of tiredness is strongly tied to poor sleep quality at night.
Tired and dizzy or weak
Some women report episodes of feeling both tired and dizzy. These sensations may be linked to hormonal levels, changes in blood pressure, or underlying health issues. Weakness in muscles or joints can also make it harder to stay active and may worsen fatigue.
Tired, achy, or depressed
Fatigue sometimes comes with muscle aches or a low mood. This combination may reflect how hot flashes, night sweats, and hormonal changes affect both body and mind. Depression and anxiety can deepen the sense of exhaustion and make recovery harder².
How Long Does Menopause Fatigue Usually Last
Duration of symptoms over time
The length of menopause fatigue varies widely. For some, it may last only a few months during the menopausal transition, while others may experience tiredness for years. Lifestyle habits and overall health often influence how long fatigue remains an issue.
Will menopause fatigue go away?
In many cases, fatigue improves once hormonal levels stabilize after menopause. However, it may not completely disappear if sleep disorders, stress, or other medical conditions remain unaddressed. Managing poor sleep and mood changes may help reduce the duration of this symptom.
Managing Menopause and Fatigue
Lifestyle habits to boost energy
Simple daily habits can support better energy. Regular physical activity, hydration, and setting consistent sleep routines often help menopausal women feel more energized. Limiting caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime also reduces sleep disturbance.
Best diet for menopause fatigue
Balanced meals that include lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables help maintain steady energy levels. Avoiding heavy, processed foods at night reduces sleep disturbance. A nutrient-rich diet also supports brain function and overall quality of life³.
Vitamins and safe supplements
Some vitamins, such as B12 and D, are often studied for their role in energy metabolism. Minerals like magnesium may support relaxation and healthy sleep patterns. Research suggests these nutrients may support energy in menopausal women, though individual responses vary and professional guidance is recommended².
Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has also been studied for its potential to support cognitive health and nerve function. Some research suggests it may help support memory and focus, though more studies are needed to confirm these effects in different populations*⁴.
Because brain fog and fatigue are common symptom patterns during perimenopause and menopause, ingredients like Lion’s Mane are being explored for their possible role in supporting clarity.
SensIQ offers Focus, a doctor-formulated nootropic blend designed to support mental clarity and concentration*. Developed under the guidance of neurologists, Focus contains ingredients studied for their potential impact on cognitive health⁵.
While no supplement can guarantee results, products built on evidence-based formulas may provide an additional option for menopausal women seeking safe ways to support energy and focus.
Sleep hygiene and relaxation strategies
Good sleep hygiene supports better rest. This includes keeping the bedroom cool, avoiding screens before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. Addressing sleep problems directly can significantly reduce brain fog and tiredness.
Menopause fatigue treatment options
Treatment depends on severity. For some women, lifestyle changes are enough, while others may discuss options such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with their clinician. HRT is an FDA-approved medical treatment that may help with hot flashes and night sweats, which can indirectly support energy levels, though it is not suitable for everyone.
Non-medical approaches like cognitive behavioral strategies and stress reduction practices may also support better sleep and energy.
When to Seek Medical Help
Red flags and persistent fatigue
If fatigue does not improve with basic lifestyle changes or if it interferes severely with daily functioning, medical evaluation is important. Persistent tiredness may be related to thyroid disease, anemia, or sleep apnea, which require professional care.
Differentiating fatigue from other conditions
Doctors can help identify whether fatigue comes from menopause or another medical issue. Tests may be needed to rule out conditions that mimic menopausal symptom patterns. Seeking help ensures women receive safe and effective treatment.
Key Takeaway: Menopause Fatigue Is Common – And Treatable
Fatigue during perimenopause and menopause is a common symptom that can disrupt energy, focus, and quality of life. By understanding causes, recognizing what menopause fatigue feels like, and applying practical strategies, women can manage this challenge with confidence.
With guidance from experts like Dr. Luke Barr and resources such as SensIQ, support is available to help women feel like themselves again.
References
- WebMD. (2022, July 1). What to know about menopause fatigue. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-menopause-fatigue
- Migala, J. (2024, October 9). Menopause fatigue: The main reasons you’re so tired and how to find relief. Midi Health. https://www.joinmidi.com/post/menopause-fatigue
- The Menopause Society. (2025, March 11). Are you just tired, or are you menopause tired?https://menopause.org/press-releases/are-you-just-tired-or-are-you-menopause-tired
- Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks of Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical Research, 31(4), 231–237. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180/
- Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.