Why Am I So Tired During Menopause?
Feeling unusually tired during menopause? You're not alone. Fatigue is one of the most common (and often overlooked) symptoms experienced during the menopause transition. For many women, it's not just about feeling a bit sluggish. It's an overwhelming exhaustion that affects daily life, mood, and focus.
In this blog, we explore the reasons behind menopause-related fatigue and the natural ways you can support your energy levels, especially if you're not ready for HRT or are looking for complementary options.
What Causes Fatigue During Menopause?
Fatigue during menopause is often the result of several interconnected factors, including:
- Hormonal changes – The decline in oestrogen and progesterone affects how your body regulates sleep, stress, and energy production.
- Poor sleep – Night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety can make it hard to get restorative sleep.
- Thyroid function – Fluctuations in hormones can sometimes impact thyroid performance, leading to low energy.
- Blood sugar instability – Hormonal shifts can affect how your body handles glucose, which may result in energy crashes.
- Increased inflammation – After menopause, low-grade inflammation can contribute to ongoing fatigue and discomfort[1].
Addressing the root causes (rather than just trying to “push through”) can make a real difference to your day-to-day wellbeing.
Natural Ways to Support Your Energy During Menopause
1. Supplementation
Magnesium
One often-overlooked reason for feeling tired during menopause is low magnesium levels. Magnesium plays a key role in energy production, nervous system support, and muscle function – yet many women, particularly postmenopausal women, are deficient without realising it[2]. This deficiency can contribute to ongoing tiredness, restless sleep, and muscle tension, all of which can worsen menopause-related fatigue.
Napiers Sea Pure Magnesium offers a natural way to support your energy and overall wellbeing during this stage of life. Sourced from the pristine waters of the Irish Sea, this highly absorbable marine magnesium provides a potent dose of magnesium along with a rich blend of trace minerals. Together, these nutrients enhance absorption and utilisation within the body, helping to reduce fatigue, improve sleep quality, and ease muscular discomfort naturally.
For those experiencing disrupted sleep or persistent tiredness, regular magnesium supplementation may be especially beneficial. By helping the body unwind and rest more effectively, it supports better sleep and sustained energy throughout the day.
Learn more about the benefits, forms, and recommended intake of magnesium in our guide.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is essential for energy production within every cell of the body, but levels naturally decline with age. Research suggests that maintaining healthy CoQ10 levels can support mitochondrial function, helping to sustain energy and vitality in postmenopausal women[3].
Napiers Japanese Energy is a supplement that delivers 100 mg of Kaneka Ubiquinol™, a clinically studied, highly bioavailable form of CoQ10 known for its superior absorption and effectiveness. It is also a premium, yeast-fermented form that’s bio-identical to the CoQ10 your body produces naturally.
As the most researched form of ubiquinol, Kaneka is backed by decades of scientific studies supporting its safety and efficacy. Expertly formulated with natural ingredients, this supplement helps to boost stamina, enhance recovery, and support overall vitality – making it an excellent choice for women experiencing menopause-related fatigue or looking to maintain steady energy throughout the day.
To explore more about CoQ10, read our guide on what it is and how it supports energy and vitality.
2. Herbal Remedies
Napiers Midlife Mix
This traditional herbal tonic includes sage, red clover, black cohosh, St John’s wort, and cleavers, herbs that have been used to support mood, hormone balance, and vitality during midlife. Red clover and black cohosh may support oestrogenic balance, while sage can help with hot flushes and mental clarity. St John’s wort may aid mood and motivation, both of which often affect perceived energy levels.
Note: St John’s wort can interact with certain medications. Always check with your GP or herbalist if you're on prescribed treatments.
To learn more about the best herbs to support menopause, read our blog, where we discuss how herbs may help with hot flushes, hormonal balance, and issues like thyroid support.
Napiers Wild Yam Cream
Wild yam has been traditionally used in women’s health to support comfort and balance during hormonal transitions. Napiers Wild Yam Cream delivers botanical extract through the skin and may be used as part of your daily self-care routine. To learn more about the benefits of Wild Yam, read our blog here.
3. Don’t Overlook Sleep and Stress
One of the biggest drivers of fatigue in menopause is poor sleep. Night sweats, anxiety, and fluctuating cortisol can interrupt deep, restorative rest. Consider:
- Creating a consistent sleep routine
- Using magnesium or calming herbs before bed
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
- Trying relaxation techniques such as journaling, stretching, or aromatherapy
4. Know When to Seek Extra Support
If fatigue is persistent, it's important to explore possible underlying factors, such as iron, B12, or thyroid levels, with a healthcare provider. Fatigue can have many causes, and a holistic approach that combines herbal support, nutrition, and medical insight is often the most effective.
Fatigue during menopause is real and valid. It's not just about getting older; it's about how hormonal changes impact every system in the body. By supporting your body with the right nutrients, herbs, and lifestyle practices, you can reclaim more of your energy and feel like yourself again.
Need tailored advice? Book a free 15-minute consultation with a Napiers herbalist for personalised support.
FAQs
Why am I so tired during menopause?
Hormonal changes, poor sleep, inflammation, and low nutrient levels can all contribute to fatigue during menopause.
Can magnesium help with menopause tiredness?
Yes. Magnesium supports energy metabolism, sleep, and nervous system balance, all of which are important during menopause.
Is it normal to feel exhausted even after sleeping during menopause?
Yes. Sleep quality is often disrupted during menopause due to night sweats or anxiety. You may also have low nutrient levels or hormone imbalances affecting your energy.
What supplements help with menopause fatigue?
CoQ10, magnesium, and herbal blends like Napiers Midlife Mix can support energy, hormone balance, and inflammation.
How long does menopause fatigue last?
For some women, fatigue is temporary. For others, it may persist postmenopause. Supporting your energy systems can help reduce symptoms over time.
References
- Franceschi, C., et al. (2000). Inflamm-aging. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 908(1), 244–254. PubMed.
- D Porri, H K. Biesalski, A Limitone, L Bertuzzo, H Cena et al. (2021). Effect of magnesium supplementation on women's health and well-being. ScienceDirect.
- I-Chen Tsai, Chih-Wei Hsu, Chun-Hung Chang ,Ping-Tao Tseng, Ke-Vin Chang (2022). Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Reducing Fatigue. PubMed.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment.
