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We all get tired from time to time but sometimes it’s not just a lack of sleep. Hormones control how our bodies function and energy levels are one of the functions that are affected by a range of hormones. In this guide, we take a look at what hormones affect our energy levels and what we can do to increase our energy levels when we are feeling tired.
As with most functions in our bodies, there is not one hormone that affects energy levels. From thyroid hormones to oestrogen, there are a range of hormones that can affect our energy and sleep. Here are the most common hormones that affect energy levels and how they work.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that can help control your metabolism and also your energy levels. They increase the body’s basal metabolic rate, enhancing cellular energy production and increasing your energy levels. When thyroid hormones are at their optimal, you will typically feel more energetic and alert.
However, if you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), you may experience fatigue, sluggishness and decreased energy levels. Conversely, if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), you may feel anxiety and restlessness due to excessive levels of energy.
If you are concerned about your thyroid hormone levels, you can take a home test to ease your worries.
Oestrogen is responsible for many different body functions including puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and bone strength. Known as the female sex hormone, oestrogen fluctuates throughout a female’s life causing variations in energy levels.
For example, during your monthly cycle, oestrogen levels change depending on the week of your cycle. In the first two weeks, you may experience higher energy levels as there is an increase in oestrogen. However, in the third week, these levels drop leading to lower energy levels.
There are also other causes of lower oestrogen that can affect your energy levels including:
During menopause, oestrogen levels will naturally decrease over time. It is a common symptom to feel tiredness and fatigue during this time. You may also experience other symptoms such as mood swings, headaches and difficulty concentrating.
Progesterone is best known for supporting pregnancy but it has been shown to also affect sleep. This particular hormone has been found to affect a neurotransmitter named Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which is known for producing a calming effect. This means an increase in progesterone may be related to energy levels due to its association with GABA.
During your monthly cycle, you may experience tiredness in the third week due to a decrease in oestrogen but also an increase in progesterone. Although you might feel more tired during the day, you may notice you are sleeping better due to the relationship between progesterone and GABA which can help boost energy levels. However, in the fourth week, progesterone levels drop which in turn affects GABA levels and can cause trouble sleeping as well as tiredness and low energy levels.
As you can see, this constant fluctuation in hormone levels can cause energy levels to also fluctuate.
Like oestrogen, progesterone levels also naturally decrease as you get older. This can affect sleeping patterns and tiredness during menopause.
Testosterone is known as the male hormone but it also plays an essential role in women’s health. Lower testosterone levels can cause tiredness and fatigue as this particular hormone plays a role in metabolism and the production of red blood cells which is vital for energy production.
Like with other hormones, testosterone levels will decrease naturally over time but low testosterone levels can also be caused by other factors such as contraceptive pills or other medical issues.
Also known as the stress hormone, cortisol controls the fight or flight response in your body. This hormone is associated with energy levels as it also controls your metabolism and hunger, which are key functions to ensuring you have enough energy. However, too much stress can lead to higher levels of cortisol and cause symptoms such as poor concentration, difficulty sleeping, low mood and weight gain as well as low energy levels.
It’s not just hormones that can affect your energy levels! Other factors like nutritional deficiencies and not exercising enough can also make you more tired so it is a good idea to analyse these areas too if you think you have low energy levels. Some examples of the other factors affecting energy include:
Before you can start making changes to your lifestyle, you must first work out what exactly is lowering energy levels. This way you can target the right areas of your body and make effective changes. Here are just a few examples of the ways you can increase your energy levels:
Understanding the relationship between your hormones and energy levels can make a huge difference to your everyday life. At Home Health, we believe educating yourself on your health is the key to making effective changes to your lifestyle. That’s why we have a range of health guides covering various topics so you can find the right information and advice. From female health to sexual health, equip yourself with health knowledge today!
Progesterone is the primary female hormone associated with fatigue and sleepiness. It typically increases during the third week of your monthly cycle and during pregnancy, potentially causing increased tiredness.
Oestrogen can increase energy levels in some women. For example, during your menstrual cycle, you may experience a boost in energy during the first two weeks of your cycle due to an increase in oestrogen. However, its effects on energy can vary between individuals and may depend on overall hormone balance and other factors.
Low oestrogen levels can contribute to fatigue and decreased energy. This is often observed during menopause or in cases of oestrogen deficiency, where women may experience tiredness along with other symptoms like mood changes and sleep disturbances. You may also experience tiredness due to low oestrogen levels during the third week of your cycle.
To combat progesterone tiredness, you should focus on maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and engaging in regular exercise. You can also adjust your diet to include fatigue-fighting foods such as porridge oats, chia seeds and bananas. If you are struggling with low energy levels, we suggest you consult your doctor for additional advice.
Research shows that progesterone can make you tired by enhancing GABA activity in the brain. This neurotransmitter is associated with relaxation and sleepiness. This means an increase in progesterone can also affect the levels of GABA in your brain, lowering your energy levels.
Testosterone is a key hormone that boosts energy levels in both men and women. Some other hormones that affect energy levels include thyroid hormones, oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol.
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