I was wondering if there is some sort of link between women (perhaps female hormones) and fatigue. Personally, I have suffered (though not so much anymore) from inexplicable fatigue (blood tests all came back fine) and I know of other women who have had the same problem. I have also noticed that women's magazines seem to time and time again have something about fatigue on the front page (usually something about the surprising causes for fatigue and how to beat it.) I have been wondering if all of this is just a coincidence or whether there is something about a female's biology or perhaps typical lifestyle that lends itself to fatigue.

What does everyone think?

I think it's a combination of physical (including hormones) and social causes that make women more prone to fatigue.

I'm tired all the time. Constantly, no matter how much or how little I sleep, or how I eat, or whether I exercise or not. Nothing helps.

Sometimes I think it might be related to the hormonal contraceptive I'm using. I don't really know how long this fatigue thing has been going on, it feels like forever. I know that I started my first nuvaring when I went to Japan, and when I came home I was exhausted from jet lag...but even after a couple of weeks, I never felt better and was still so tired all the time.

maybe it's got something to do with the fact that many women get an iron deficiency around their periods?

or maybe it's because we're the ones who have to do EVERYTHING.

I just wanted to add that when I called my doc about being tired all the time (called my PCP), the nurse suggested I be tested for diabetes. I'm going tomorrow, so I have to fast 'til then. ^^;;

If that's why I'm tired, then it won't be hormonal. ^^;;

maybe it's because we're the ones who have to do EVERYTHING.

True! I'm always tired, because I don't sleep enough to compensate for all the things I do!

I'm tired all the time too. Glad to see I'm not the only one. I'm pretty sure that my fatigue is the result of all my medications and stress. :(

Even when I get 9 hours of sleep I still need to take a nap. Funny thing is, when I was a child, I never needed a nap time.

I'm tired all year long, but I think that my chronic fatigue can be attributed to chronic sleep deprivation and overwork. Perhaps being a woman antagonizes it? :p

Me too, I suffer from insomnia, and it causes me to be tired all day. Anybody have this problem???

Well, I went to the doctor this morning, and the good news is, I'm not diabetic.

Unfortunately, I am not feeling very encouraged about fixing this problem. The two main problems are that I'm exhausted all the time, and I have to get up to go to the bathroom several times during the night, which disrupts my sleep.

The doc thinks stress is to blame for the frequent bathroom trips. I didn't fully understand his explanation, he has an accent and talks fast, but from what I gathered, when you are stressed, you have a build up of colloidals (sp?) in your blood, which causes the bladder muscles to relax and make you think you have to go? Or maybe it makes them tense up. I don't really understand.

Anyway, he gave me pills.

As for the exhaustion, he asked if I had the symptoms of sleep apnea or restless legs. I'm going to ask my BF to pay attention to me while I sleep and see if he notices anything. The doc may order a sleep study if he feels it's necessary.

He may also check my thyroid, although he thinks I'm a little young for thyroid problems.

On the plus side, I remembered to show him the rash on my arm, and I was right, it's excema. So I got a cream for that, which will hopefully clear it up!

Me too, I suffer from insomnia, and it causes me to be tired all day. Anybody have this problem???

I have the same problem. Fraid I can't offer any advice, though. I've spent the last few weeks laying in bed until 3am trying to sleep despite the fact that I was completely exhausted...just makes me want to cry..ughh