Feeling fatigued or constantly tired is a common symptom of menopause and is a side effect of treatments for breast cancer such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
During menopause, disrupted or reduced sleep is the major cause of fatigue and tiredness. Regardless of what is causing your tiredness, exercise may help reduce the symptoms.
What can help?
- Establish a gentle regular exercise program, increasing your level of activity gradually and varying the exercise so you don’t get bored.
- If you haven’t exercised for a while or have other medical conditions, ask your general practitioner about the type and amount of exercise you should undertake.
- Ask a friend to exercise with you to help keep you motivated.
- If you’re experiencing significant fatigue, take on a small activity, followed by a rest period, followed by another activity.
- Avoid long periods resting in bed; it will only increase your fatigue.
- Eat a diet that includes at least 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit a day.
- Drink enough water (about 8 glasses a day is recommended) so that you do not feel thirsty. Dehydration can also be the cause of fatigue.
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