Understanding Low Energy in Women: Causes, Solutions, and When to Seek Help

Feeling constantly drained, unmotivated, or like you’re just “running on empty”? You’re not alone. At Chicagoland Women’s Health, we talk to women every day who struggle with low energy—and more often than not, it’s not just from a busy lifestyle.

Low energy in women can have many causes, and it can affect every part of your life—from your career and relationships to your mood and overall well-being. The good news? You don’t have to accept chronic fatigue as your new normal. There are real, medically backed solutions—and we’re here to help.


Is It Just Fatigue or Something More?

It’s normal to feel tired from time to time—after a sleepless night, during a stressful week, or if you’re juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities. But persistent low energy—the kind that doesn’t improve with rest or time off—might signal an underlying health issue.

Some common signs of chronic low energy include:

  • Needing caffeine or naps just to get through the day

  • Struggling to focus or stay alert

  • Feeling unmotivated or mentally foggy

  • Waking up tired, even after 7–8 hours of sleep

  • Feeling like you’re “not yourself”

If that sounds familiar, it’s time to look deeper.


What Causes Low Energy in Women?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For women, low energy often results from a complex interaction of hormonal, nutritional, psychological, and lifestyle factors. At Chicagoland Women’s Health, we take a personalized approach to uncover the root cause.

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones regulate everything from your metabolism to your mood. When they’re out of balance, energy levels suffer. Common culprits include:

  • Thyroid issues (hypothyroidism) – Sluggish thyroid function can slow down your metabolism and cause fatigue.

  • Perimenopause and menopause – Changing levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect sleep, mood, and energy.

  • Low testosterone in women – Yes, women produce testosterone too! Low levels can lead to chronic fatigue, low libido, and poor motivation.

  • Adrenal dysfunction – Ongoing stress can overwork the adrenal glands, eventually leading to burnout or “adrenal fatigue.”

2. Nutrient Deficiencies

Your body needs key vitamins and minerals to produce energy at the cellular level. Common deficiencies that can sap your energy include:

  • Iron (especially common in menstruating women)

  • Vitamin B12 and folate

  • Vitamin D

  • Magnesium

Even if you eat a healthy diet, absorption issues or chronic stress can deplete your nutrient stores.

3. Sleep Issues

Whether it’s insomnia, restless sleep, or hormonal night sweats keeping you awake, poor sleep quality is a leading cause of low energy in women. And if you’re not entering deep, restorative sleep, your body can’t fully recharge.

4. Mental Health & Chronic Stress

Stress, anxiety, and depression are often closely tied to low energy. It’s a two-way street: poor mental health can make you tired, and constant fatigue can worsen your mood.

At Chicagoland Women’s Health, we look at the full picture—not just lab results, but also how you’re feeling emotionally and mentally.


How Chicagoland Women’s Health Can Help

If you’ve been dismissed or told “everything looks normal” but you still feel exhausted, we’re here to change that experience. Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating low energy in women with a science-based, compassionate approach.

Step 1: Comprehensive Lab Testing

We go beyond the basic blood work. Our detailed diagnostic panel may include:

  • Thyroid function (including TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3)

  • Full hormone panel (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA)

  • Adrenal function markers (cortisol levels)

  • Nutrient testing (iron, B12, vitamin D, magnesium)

  • Inflammatory markers and metabolic health indicators

These insights help us tailor a treatment plan that works with your body—not just the symptoms.

Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plans

Once we identify the root cause, we create a treatment strategy just for you. This might include:

  • Hormone therapy (bioidentical or traditional, depending on your needs)

  • Nutritional supplementation to address deficiencies

  • Thyroid support for hypothyroidism

  • Lifestyle coaching around sleep, stress management, and nutrition

  • Peptide or adrenal therapy for more advanced fatigue cases

We also help you track results and fine-tune your care over time.

Step 3: Ongoing Support and Monitoring

Your body changes—and your plan should too. We work with you regularly to ensure you’re feeling better, adjusting treatments as needed to keep progress going.


Lifestyle Tips to Boost Energy Naturally

While personalized medical treatment is key, small daily habits can also help restore your vitality:

Prioritize Restorative Sleep

Keep a regular bedtime, reduce blue light exposure in the evening, and create a calming routine. Consider magnesium or melatonin support if needed.

Eat for Energy

Focus on balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Avoid heavy carb crashes or excessive sugar.

Move Daily

Even 20 minutes of walking can improve circulation and stimulate natural energy production.

Manage Stress

Meditation, journaling, breathwork, or talking with a therapist can reduce emotional strain and protect your energy reserves.


When to Seek Professional Help

If your fatigue lasts more than a few weeks, or it’s interfering with your quality of life, don’t ignore it. Low energy isn’t something you should “just push through.” It could be a sign that something deeper needs attention.

At Chicagoland Women’s Health, we specialize in helping women get to the bottom of chronic fatigue and reclaim their vitality. You deserve to feel alert, motivated, and confident in your body.


Real Stories, Real Results

Here’s what some of our patients have said:

“I thought I was just burned out from work and kids, but it turned out my thyroid was off. Within a month of starting treatment, I had my energy back—and my personality.” – Maria, 42, Oak Park

“I had no idea low testosterone could affect women. I feel like myself again—happier, more driven, and no more afternoon crashes.” – Alexis, 38, Naperville


Ready to Reclaim Your Energy?

If you’re tired of feeling tired, it’s time to take action. Let our team help you figure out what’s really going on and build a plan to help you feel vibrant again.

Serving women across Chicagoland—including Downtown Chicago, Naperville, Evanston, Oak Brook, and surrounding suburbs.


Schedule Your Energy & Hormone Consultation Today

Low energy in women is real—but it’s also treatable. At Chicagoland Women’s Health, we combine cutting-edge diagnostics with compassionate care to help you get your life back.

Click below to request your appointment or call our office today.


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