Author: Triangle Premier Women's Health

Everyone feels tired from time to time. But if you’re constantly exhausted no matter how much sleep you get, it may be a sign that something deeper is going on. One of the most overlooked causes of chronic fatigue in women is a hormonal imbalance.

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that regulate everything from energy and mood to sleep, metabolism, and even body temperature. When they’re even slightly out of balance, it can leave you dragging through the day, wondering why your usual healthy habits aren’t making a difference.

Let’s look at how hormones influence your energy — and what you can do if fatigue has become your “new normal.”

Common Hormones That Impact Energy Levels

Several hormones directly affect how energized—or drained—you feel:

• Thyroid hormones: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows your metabolism, often causing fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog.
• Cortisol: Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol helps regulate energy throughout the day. Chronic stress or adrenal dysfunction can throw levels off balance, leaving you feeling wired one moment and depleted the next.
• Estrogen & progesterone: These reproductive hormones fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause, impacting sleep quality, stamina, and mood.
• Insulin: Poor blood sugar regulation and insulin resistance can trigger midday crashes, cravings, and energy swings.

Signs Your Fatigue Could Be Hormone-Related

Hormonal fatigue rarely comes alone. You may notice additional signs such as:

• Feeling exhausted despite 7-8 hours of sleep
• Low motivation, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Irregular periods or worsening PMS
• Sensitivity to cold, hair thinning, or low libido

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth exploring whether your hormones could be playing a role.

How Hormones Affect You at Different Life Stages

Hormonal shifts look different at each stage of a woman’s life:

• Young adults: Conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or thyroid disorders may cause persistent fatigue early in adulthood.
• Midlife women: Perimenopause brings fluctuating estrogen and progesterone, which can disrupt sleep, mood, and energy.
• Postpartum: After childbirth, estrogen levels drop dramatically, and thyroid changes are common. Fatigue may last beyond the typical “new mom tiredness.”
• Menopause: Declining estrogen often contributes to poor sleep, hot flashes, joint discomfort, and brain fog.

How a GYN Expert Can Help

If fatigue feels chronic, unexplained, or disruptive, a women’s health specialist can help uncover the root cause. At your visit, your provider may recommend:

• Hormone bloodwork to check thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol levels
• Thyroid and metabolic panels to look for imbalances
• A detailed review of your symptoms in the context of your menstrual history, stress levels, and lifestyle
• Additional testing to rule out other common causes of fatigue, such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions

Treatment Options for Hormonal Imbalances

The encouraging news? Hormonal imbalances are treatable. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

• Lifestyle adjustments: nutrition support, exercise, stress reduction, and better sleep hygiene
• Hormone therapy: such as hormone replacement for menopause or thyroid medication for hypothyroidism
• Supplements or targeted therapies: recommended by your provider for adrenal support or menstrual cycle regulation
• Ongoing monitoring: to adjust treatment as your body and hormones change over time

Every plan should be personalized. What works for one woman may not work for another, which is why working with a knowledgeable provider is so important.

A Whole-Person Approach to Your Health

If you’re tired of feeling tired, don’t ignore the signals. Extreme fatigue isn’t a normal part of getting older or being busy, so it may be your body’s way of telling you something is out of balance.

At Triangle Premier Women’s Health, we take a whole-person approach to women’s health. That means looking at your hormones, lifestyle, and overall wellness together. With the right testing, treatment, and support, it’s absolutely possible to restore your energy and feel like yourself again.

Schedule a consultation with us today at (919) 934-3015 to take the first step toward better energy, balance, and health.

If your doctor has recommended a hysteroscopy, you may have questions—or feel a little nervous. That’s completely normal! The good news is that this procedure is safe, quick, and minimally invasive, and it can provide helpful answers and effective treatment for many uterine concerns.

Here’s what you need to know about why hysteroscopy is done, what to expect at each step, and how to prepare for a smooth experience.

What Is a Hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your uterus using a thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope. It’s inserted through the vagina and cervix, so there are no incisions required.

This tool helps your provider diagnose or treat uterine issues with precision. In some cases, your doctor may even use tiny instruments during the same procedure to treat the problem immediately.

Why Is a Hysteroscopy Performed?

Your OBGYN may recommend a hysteroscopy for several reasons, including:

• Investigating abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding
• Evaluating postmenopausal bleeding
• Checking or removing uterine polyps or fibroids
• Diagnosing or treating recurrent miscarriage
• Locating or removing an IUD
• Performing endometrial ablation or removing adhesions (scar tissue)

This procedure provides a clear, detailed view of the uterine lining, helping your doctor make informed decisions about your care.

What to Expect Before the Procedure

Most hysteroscopies are done on an outpatient basis, meaning you’ll go home the same day. Depending on the type of procedure, it may be performed in your doctor’s office or a surgical center.

Before your hysteroscopy, you may be asked to:

• Avoid eating or drinking for several hours (if anesthesia is used)
• Take prescribed medication to relax your cervix
• Arrange for a ride home, especially if sedation is involved

Your provider will explain any prep instructions in detail.

What Happens During a Hysteroscopy?

• You’ll lie on an exam table, similar to a pelvic exam
• The hysteroscope is gently inserted through the vagina and cervix
• Your uterus may be expanded slightly with saline or gas to improve visibility
• Your doctor will examine the uterine lining and perform any necessary procedures

The process typically takes 15–30 minutes. Some patients feel mild cramping, but many tolerate the procedure well, especially with local or light sedation.

What About Recovery?

Recovery is usually quick and easy. You may experience:

• Mild cramping or spotting for a day or two
• Light discharge for a few days
• Slight fatigue if anesthesia was used

You can usually return to work and normal activities within 24–48 hours. Avoid intercourse, tampon use, or heavy exercise for a few days as advised by your doctor.

When to Contact Your Doctor

While complications are rare, you should call your provider if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour)
• Fever over 100.4°F
• Severe abdominal pain
• Foul-smelling discharge

Your comfort and safety matter, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions during recovery.

Hysteroscopy: A Helpful Step Toward Clarity and Comfort

Whether you’re dealing with heavy periods, unexplained bleeding, or fertility concerns, a hysteroscopy can be an important tool in getting the answers and relief you need.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

If you’ve been recommended for a hysteroscopy or want to learn more about your options, schedule a consultation with Triangle Premier Women’s Health at (919) 934-3015  Your health deserves clarity, compassion, and expert care.

Do you find yourself locating the nearest bathroom when you are out with friends? Do you make it a habit to always use the bathroom before going anywhere? Are wearing leakproof panties now part of your daily attire? If so, you may be suffering from an overactive bladder. There is more you can do to manage this problem. Here are 12 effective tips for managing overactive bladder.

Continue reading “12 Effective Tips for Managing Overactive Bladder” →

When to consider birth control after giving birth? Many new parents begin to think about their future family shortly after giving birth to their latest child. They begin to make plans. Do they want more children and how soon? Some new parents don’t give it a thought and simply say, the more the merrier. During this postpartum time, new parents might be wise to think ahead.

Continue reading “When to Consider Birth Control After Giving Birth” →