Why You May Feel Awful After Your Period Ends

Why Do I Feel Awful After My Period?

It's common for women to experience some unpleasant symptoms during their period. But you may wonder why you continue feeling awful even after your period has ended. There are several reasons why you may feel fatigued, achy, or moody in the days following menstruation.

Hormone Fluctuations

Your hormones are still balancing and fluctuating even after your period ends. Estrogen sharply drops during menstruation, then slowly rebounds. Progesterone also declines rapidly. These shifting hormones can make you feel tired, irritable, or down.

Some women are more sensitive to hormone changes. The fluctuations during the post-period week can affect your mood, energy levels, and even digestive system until hormones re-stabilize.

Depleted Iron Levels

Heavy bleeding during your period can deplete your iron stores, which may leave you feeling drained afterwards. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein that transports oxygen to your tissues.

Low iron reduces oxygen delivery, leading to exhaustion, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Boost your iron intake through diet or supplements to help restore optimal levels.

Dehydration

Diarrhea, vomiting, or heavy bleeding can lead to dehydration, causing post-period fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps. Be diligent about replenishing fluids and electrolytes like potassium and sodium to rehydrate your body.

Nutritional Deficiencies

If nausea or poor appetite caused you to eat fewer nutrients before or during your period, you may feel weak and rundown afterwards. Deficiencies in magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, vitamin D can all cause post-menstrual unpleasantness.

Pay attention to your diet in the days following your period. Get plenty of leafy greens, nuts, seeds, beans, eggs, and enrich whole grains to provide important vitamins and minerals.

Disrupted Sleep

Cramping, bloating, and other period symptoms can interfere with getting good sleep during menstruation. Even mild sleep deprivation can leave you feeling physically and emotionally unwell.

Focus on catching up on restorative sleep after your period ends. Nap when needed and practice good sleep hygiene to support your body's recovery.

Post-Period Blues

Some women experience sadness, moodiness, or depression in the days following their period. Shifting estrogen levels play a role, as estrogen impacts serotonin, a brain chemical influencing mood.

Post-menstrual blues should lift within a few days. But if low moods persist longer, consult your doctor to evaluate for postpartum depression or other issues.

Chronic Health Conditions

Underlying health issues like iron deficiency anemia, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune disorders can all worsen fatigue and body aches around your period.

See your doctor for a full evaluation if extreme tiredness, muscle pain, or other symptoms regularly continue after your period ends.

Perimenopause Changes

As you near menopause, hormone fluctuations intensify and periods may become irregular. The hormonal rollercoaster can make PMS-type symptoms linger longer.

Talk to your gynecologist if you notice worsening PMS symptoms or period irregularities in your 40s. Menopause approaches may require evaluation and management.

Stress and Anxiety

High stress levels in the days leading up to your period can result in feeling emotionally and physically depleted for some time afterwards. Stress and anxiety impact hormones, sleep quality, and mood.

Make time for relaxing self-care after your period ends to help your mind and body recover from any premenstrual stress.

Medication Side Effects

Certain medications like birth control pills, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and others can mimic or worsen period-related fatigue and discomfort through hormone effects or other side effects.

Review your medications with your doctor if your post-menstrual symptoms seem excessive or started around the time you began a new prescription.

How Long Does Post-Period Fatigue Last?

Bouts of exhaustion, muscle aches, or mood swings in the few days after your period are common and should resolve within about one week as your hormone levels normalize.

But if pronounced fatigue, depression, or other troubling symptoms continue for longer than 7-10 days after your period, see your OB-GYN or primary care doctor for an assessment.

Tips to Recover Faster After Your Period

Here are some ways to help you regain your energy, both physical and mental, in the days following menstruation:

• Drink plenty of water and natural electrolyte sources like coconut water.
• Eat iron-rich foods or take iron supplements if iron-deficient.
• Get enough vitamin D from the sun, fortified foods, or supplements.
• Reduce processed carbs and sugars that lead to energy crashes.
• Take a high quality multivitamin to fill any nutritional gaps.
• Make sleep a priority and practice good sleep habits.
• Take relaxing baths with Epsom salts and essential oils.
• Get light exercise like walking to improve energy.
• Practice stress management techniques.
• Set aside time for self-care activities you enjoy.

When to See Your Doctor

Consult your gynecologist or primary care physician if you experience:

• Fatigue or pain that prevents normal activity
• Depression lasting over 1-2 weeks post-period
• Excessively heavy or frequent periods
• Severe PMS symptoms that worsen with time
• Period symptoms that begin interfering with work, relationships or quality of life

Your doctor can check for underlying causes like anemia, hormonal imbalances, or other health issues contributing to prolonged post-menstrual unpleasantness.

Lifestyle Remedies for Post-Period Symptoms

Making certain lifestyle adjustments may minimize the severity of post-menstrual fatigue, achiness, and other symptoms:

• Balanced nutrition - Eat a varied diet with plenty of healthy fats, high-quality protein, fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce stress - Try meditation, yoga, massage, nature walks, or other relaxing activities.
• Exercise - Engage in light to moderate exercise to increase energy and endorphin release.
• Supplements - Talk to your doctor about supplements that may help, like magnesium, B-complex, or Vitamin D.
• Comfortable sleep - Ensure your bedroom promotes optimal sleep through cool temperature, minimal noise, and bed comfort.

When to See a Doctor

You should make an appointment with your physician or gynecologist if you regularly experience:

• Fatigue lasting more than 1 week after your period ends
• Severe mood swings or depression after your period
• Symptoms that disrupt work productivity, relationships or daily activities
• Period symptoms that seem to worsen with each cycle
• Sudden onset of new symptoms unrelated to your normal cycle

Your doctor can check for underlying health conditions, hormonal imbalances, or other issues contributing to prolonged post-menstrual symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Feeling a little off after your period ends is common due to shifting hormones, fluctuating energy levels, and other factors. But severe or long-lasting post-menstrual symptoms may require medical evaluation.

Give your body nurturing support, practice self-care, minimize stress, and consult your doctor if needed. With proper care, you should soon bounce back after each cycle.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.