Can hormones make you tired?

Have you been feeling unusually tired, even after getting enough rest? Hormones help regulate metabolism, sleep, mood and many other processes that influence your energy levels, so changes in hormone levels may sometimes contribute to fatigue. This article explains how hormones such as oestrogen and thyroid hormones can affect energy, explores other possible causes of fatigue, offers practical tips for managing fatigue and outlines when testing or medical advice may be helpful.

Table of Contents

• What are hormones and do they affect your energy?

• Causes of fatigue

• Tips for managing fatigue (linked to hormones)

• Frequently asked questions about hormones and fatigue

What are hormones and do they affect your energy?

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel throughout the body and regulate many essential processes, including growth and development, reproduction, sexual function, sleep, mood, homeostasis (the maintenance of a stable internal balance) and metabolism. Because metabolism is the process by which the body converts food and drink into energy, hormonal changes that affect metabolism may also influence how energetic you feel.

A closer look at oestrogen

One example is oestrogen, which is commonly referred to as a female sex hormone but is present in both females and males in different amounts. In addition to supporting reproductive health, it plays a role in many other functions throughout the body.

When oestrogen levels become too high or too low, changes in energy may be one of the effects. High oestrogen may contribute directly to fatigue, while both high and low levels can also affect energy through related symptoms. Mood changes, heavy periods, reduced libido, weight gain, hot flushes, night sweats or poor sleep, headaches and difficulty concentrating can all reduce overall energy levels.

A closer look at thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones are another example. They perform several functions in the body, but their main role is regulating metabolism.

When thyroid hormone levels become too low or too high, persistent tiredness or weakness may be a direct symptom. Related symptoms such as weight changes, feeling cold, low mood, mood swings, heavy periods, difficulty concentrating and sleep problems may further reduce overall energy levels.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022; Cleveland Clinic, 2024; Cleveland Clinic, 2026; Cleveland Clinic, 2022; NHS, 2025; NHS, 2023; Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Causes of fatigue

Fatigue is persistent, overwhelming tiredness that can make everyday activities difficult. Unlike normal tiredness, it may not improve with rest and can occur alongside other symptoms. It can have many causes and may be temporary or persistent.

Hormonal imbalances, which occur when the body produces too much or too little of one or more hormones, can also cause fatigue. The endocrine system includes glands (such as the pineal-, pituitary-, thyroid-, parathyroid- and adrenal glands), organs (such as the hypothalamus, pancreas, ovaries and testicles) and tissues (such as the digestive tract, kidneys, liver, heart and placenta) all of which create and release hormones. When any of these are affected, hormone levels may become unbalanced, leading to fatigue and exhaustion.

Other causes can be: 

• Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, stress, burnout, alcohol or drug use, inactivity and jet lag.

• Sleep disorders: Insomnia, sleep apnoea, narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder.

• Medications and treatments: Sedatives, antihistamines, antipsychotics, opioids, beta blockers and chemotherapy.

• Deficiencies and dehydration: Anaemia, vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B12 or vitamin D), and insufficient fluids.

• Infections: Influenza, COVID 19, pneumonia, mononucleosis, HIV and lyme disease.

• Mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety and PTSD.

• Heart and lung conditions: Heart disease, POTS, COPD, emphysema, congestive heart failure.

• Autoimmune conditions: Type 1 diabetes, lupus, MS, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, sjögren’s syndrome.

• Other chronic conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Weight issues and eating disorders: Being underweight or overweight, anorexia and bulimia.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023; Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Tips for managing fatigue (linked to hormones)

Hormone related fatigue can often be managed with simple lifestyle changes and greater awareness of your symptoms. The following steps may help support your energy levels and identify when further testing or medical advice is needed.

• Track your symptoms: Record your energy, sleep, mood, menstrual cycle and related symptoms to identify patterns.

• Improve your sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours each night, keep regular sleep times and avoid caffeine, electronics and exercise close to bedtime.

• Support your nutrition: Eat a balanced diet, drink enough water and work towards maintaining a healthy weight.

• Exercise regularly: Choose manageable physical activity that supports your energy without causing excessive tiredness.

• Manage stress: Regular exercise, yoga, mindfulness and meditation may help reduce stress and improve energy.

• Limit alcohol and avoid drugs: Alcohol and substance use can contribute to tiredness and poor sleep.

• Review your medication: Ask a healthcare professional whether any medicines you take could be contributing to your symptoms.

• Seek medical advice: Speak to a healthcare professional to rule out infections, vitamin deficiencies and other conditions, particularly if fatigue persists or affects daily life.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023

Consider hormone testing to better understand your energy levels

Home hormone testing can be a useful starting point when you want more information about your hormone levels.

Homed IQ offers a range of hormone tests that provide insight into selected hormone levels and can indicate whether an imbalance may be present. Because hormonal imbalances can affect energy levels and cause fatigue and other symptoms, your results may help you better understand your hormonal health.

Simply order your test online, collect your sample at home and send it to an ISO certified laboratory. Your results will then be available securely online.

Keep in mind that a home test provides a snapshot of your hormone levels rather than a complete diagnosis. Hormone levels can fluctuate, particularly during the menstrual cycle, so it is important to follow the testing instructions carefully, including the recommended cycle day and collection time. Home testing does not replace medical diagnosis. Seek advice from a healthcare professional if fatigue lasts for several weeks, affects your daily activities or occurs alongside other symptoms.

Frequently asked questions about hormones and fatigue

How are hormonal imbalances treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of the hormonal imbalance. Low hormone levels may be treated with replacement therapy, such as pills or injections. High hormone levels may require medication, surgery, radiation therapy or a combination of treatments (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

When should I contact a healthcare provider about fatigue?

Occasional fatigue from illness, poor sleep, travel, or changes in diet or medication is normal. Contact your healthcare provider if fatigue:

• Lasts more than a few days or occurs constantly.

• Interferes with work or daily activities.

• Has no clear cause or begins suddenly.

• Occurs when you’re over age 65.

• Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss.

Seek immediate medical attention if fatigue occurs with:

• Shortness of breath or chest, arm or upper-back pain.

• An unusually fast, slow, pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat.

• Headache or vision problems, especially after a head injury.

• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.

• Muscle weakness.

• Thoughts of harming yourself or others.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023