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Real members of myPCOSteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How Do You Deal With Debilitating Fatigue During Your Period?

A myPCOSteam Member asked a question 💭
Lancaster, PA

I'm pretty much always tired, but during my periods I feel exhausted to the point where I am late for work, cannot properly function, and am so lethargic. Does anyone else experience this? How do you deal with this?

December 13, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the shared struggle of debilitating period fatigue, with many describing how heavy bleeding, anemia, and overlapping... Read more

Members connected over the shared struggle of debilitating period fatigue, with many describing how heavy bleeding, anemia, and overlapping conditions like PCOS, celiac disease, and sleep apnea compound the exhaustion to the point of affecting work and daily life. Several members shared practical strategies that have helped, including getting iron levels checked and taking supplements like Gentle Iron, planning the week in advance to reduce unnecessary commitments, taking B12 vitamins, eating iron-rich foods like red meat, practicing gentle movement such as yoga, and starting pain relievers two days before a period begins. A recurring theme was the guilt and frustration of losing jobs or struggling to function, met with solidarity and encouragement to listen to your body, prioritize rest without shame, and explore medical support like birth control to manage symptoms.

A myPCOSteam Member

Hi Ladies, I struggle with heavy periods, and so I become exhausted due to loss of blood. You might ask your doctor about having your iron checked. I had sever anemia. My doctor put me on 50 mg of Iron twice a day for awhile. That really helped me perk up and feel better. I use Gentle Iron at Sprouts.
I hope this helps.

September 24, 2018
A myPCOSteam Member

I feel like that often during my cycle, I try different things, based upon my specific issue. But I find the best thing is some type of movement especially yoga, physical therapy, and eating plant based drinks and/or food.

May 13, 2019
A myPCOSteam Member

Idk how to solve the problem, but I also deal with this same issue. I have lost several jobs because of this. Also, I have quit jobs because of the same reason.

May 11, 2019
A myPCOSteam Member

I am going through this too. Every time I am going to start my period I cannot function. I feel so guilty.

October 11, 2018
A myPCOSteam Member

I don’t have as many sleep apnea episodes when I’m on my side. Has anyone tried a body pillow to keep yourself in a side position?

December 19, 2017

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