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20th October 2023
03:11pm BST
While our monthly visitor isn't exactly a walk in the park on any given month, this time of year it tends to really make its presence known.
If you feel symptoms of fatigue have been hitting you tenfold lately during your time of the month, there is a reason for it.
From mood swings and breakouts, and everything in between, the lead up to our periods can be draining. Add in the colder weather? Say hello to a more pronounced case of period fatigue.
Speaking to the Huffington Post, the pregnancy advisor with Active Iron, Avril Flynn, explained that research suggests this season can take more of a toll on us during our periods - more so than any other time of year.
There are a number of factors to this, she says, and knowing about them could help us out, or at the very least, help us to understand the exasperated monthly PMS symptoms during the colder months.
While some are unfortunately out of our control, a few of the causes can be helped.
Remember I said some of the causes are out of our control? Case in point.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has symptoms much like those of normal depression but they happen at a particular time of year, usually starting in autumn or winter, according to the HSE.
The condition can exasperate that all-too-familiar fatigue felt while on our period.
"SAD is associated with reduced exposure to natural sunlight, which can disrupt circadian rhythms and affect mood. This can increase the fatigue experienced during menstruation," Flynn explains.
With the colder weather comes comfort food. It's just the way of the world. However, as we start to crave more high-sugar and high-carb comfort food over the colder season, it may be contributing to more tiresome periods.
Flynn explains that this switch up in the diet and consuming them can 'cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes and increased feelings of fatigue.'
I would be the first to admit that these foods absolutely bring feelings of happiness and comfort - but are they worth the extreme fatigue during our periods?
This one definitely resonates with me. I find the shortened hours of daylight absolutely messes with my sleep pattern, which in turn messes with my energy levels.
Flynn confirms that this can alter how tired you feel during your time of the month,
"Shorter daylight hours and less exposure to natural light during the winter can disrupt sleep patterns and the body’s internal clock. This change can lead to poor sleep quality, and an increased feeling of fatigue," Flynn says.
On the colder mornings, the last thing any of us are going to want to do is get up and exercise. Those extra minutes in your warm bed feel a lot more sacred during this season.
Sadly, less exercise can be a telltale reason for feeling more exhausted during this time of the month.
This is because 'physical activity improves circulation and releases endorphins, it can help reduce fatigue. When physical activity decreases, the symptoms of period fatigue are increased,' according to the pregnancy advisor.
As we approach Christmas, many feel an added pressure; whether that be financial, heavier workloads, or a lack of socialising and it all adds up to stress.
"Cold weather leads to greater stress for most of us ― the NHS points out that colder temperatures can make doing everything harder, increased time indoors can cause stressful interactions with others, and for many the run-up to Christmas heightens that stress and anxiety," Flynn outlines.
"Stress can amplify period symptoms, including fatigue, making it more difficult to manage during the winter months."
When it's cold, warm drinks can be our saviour. Because of the cooler temperatures, drinking a tall glass of water may feel less appealing, especially if it's lashing rain outside.
However, dehydration can lead to 'feelings of tiredness and, in turn, increase period fatigue,' says Flynn.
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