Why Am I SO Tired Before My Period? (& How to Get Your Energy Back)

You’re going about your life, feeling normal, productive, and full of energy, and then BAM—out of nowhere, you’re exhausted. Like, can-barely-keep-your-eyes-open, need-a-nap-before-noon, why-does-everything-feel-so-hard kind of tired.

Guess what? It’s not just you. It’s your period.

Why Do You Feel Like a Zombie Before Your Period?

Right before your period, your estrogen and progesterone drop FAST. That sudden hormone shift can cause:

😴 Extreme fatigue → You’re not lazy, your body is literally slowing down
🛑 Lower iron levels → Especially if your period is heavy, this can make you even more tired
📉 Serotonin dips → Making you feel unmotivated & sluggish
⚡ Increased cortisol → Stress hormones spike, leaving you drained

Basically, your body is doing a lot behind the scenes, and all that internal work takes energy. No wonder you’re exhausted.

How to Get Your Energy Back

1. Eat Iron-Rich Foods

If you’re feeling extra drained, low iron could be making things worse. Up your intake of:
🥩 Red meat (if you eat it)
🌿 Spinach & leafy greens
🥣 Fortified cereals & beans
🍊 Pair with vitamin C (like oranges) to absorb iron better

2. Move—But Don’t Overdo It

If you feel too tired to work out, don’t force an intense session. Instead, try low-impact movement like:
🚶‍♀️ Walking
🧘‍♀️ Yoga or stretching
🚴‍♀️ Easy cycling

Moving your body actually boosts energy levels, but pushing too hard can make you even more exhausted. Listen to what you need.

3. Prioritize Sleep (Yes, Even More Than Usual)

Your body is already working overtime, so give it extra rest:
😴 Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep
🌙 Try going to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual
🚫 Avoid screens before bed (yes, that means TikTok—at least right before sleep)

4. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration makes fatigue worse. If you’re feeling sluggish, check if you’ve actually had enough water today. Carry a water bottle & sip throughout the day.

5. Consider Birth Control

If your period fatigue is next-level bad every single month, talk to a doctor. Some birth control methods help regulate hormone fluctuations so your energy levels don’t crash as hard.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just "Lazy"—Your Body Is Doing A Lot

Feeling exhausted before your period isn’t weakness—it’s biology. Your body is working hard, and sometimes that means needing more rest, better fuel, and extra care.

So if you’re struggling, give yourself grace. Take the nap, eat the snack, and know that you’re not alone in this.

💬 Drop a 💤 if your period makes you ridiculously tired too! What’s your go-to way to get your energy back? Let’s share tips!

#TheGRLInitiative #PeriodFatigue #ListenToYourBody #SelfCare #YoureNotAlone #HormonesAreWild