The Body Signals Women Mistake for Just Being Tired
It’s easy to say “I’m just tired” when you feel something is off with your body. With work, family responsibilities, stress, hormonal changes and poor sleep, feeling worn out can seem normal. However, fatigue isn’t always just part of a busy life. Sometimes, it’s your body asking for attention, and maybe it’s time for you to respond.
Why Do Women Often Dismiss Their Symptoms?
Ignoring signs that something might be wrong has become the default for many women around the world. A 2024 survey by Deloitte found that 50% of them have skipped or delayed medical care, and that they are 35% more likely to do so than men. Cost and access are part of the picture, but so are negative past experiences with health care.
It’s a long-standing issue that women’s pain across different life stages is minimised, misheard or misdiagnosed. In the UK, one in 10 say they first had their pain dismissed by a health care professional between the ages of 10 and 15. The pattern continues into adulthood, with 56% of women over 45 saying they have felt ignored or not taken seriously when raising health concerns.
Stereotypes only make this worse. Forty-nine percent of people said women’s pain isn’t always taken as seriously because they’re seen as “too emotional,” and another 46% think there’s an expectation that women should simply tolerate pain.
These assumptions and experiences can change how you respond to your own body over time. You may start second-guessing yourself, wondering whether something is really worth mentioning. In one survey, nearly one in four women said they had delayed seeking care because they worried about being seen as overdramatic.
On top of that, some women also brush off their fatigue as simply “getting older.” While it’s true that adults naturally lose 3% to 8% of their muscle mass every decade after turning 30, that change is gradual and doesn’t usually cause constant exhaustion.
What Are the Four Warning Signs of Fatigue?
Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness and lack of energy. Although it’s common and can be caused by lifestyle factors, certain signs may suggest it’s a symptom of both physical and mental health conditions. Here are the four warning signs of fatigue:
Persistent exhaustion, even after rest: You go to bed at a reasonable time, get enough sleep and still wake up feeling as though you haven’t rested at all.
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating: Tasks that once felt simple now take more effort. You may find yourself forgetting things, losing focus or struggling to make decisions.
Low motivation or noticeable mood changes: You feel less interested in things you usually enjoy, or your mood feels flatter than usual, with no clear reason.
No apparent reason for your fatigue: If you didn’t struggle with a recent illness and your fatigue seems unexplainable, it can be a warning sign.
If you experience any of the above, it’s important to speak to a health care professional.
What Are Some Common Conditions Women Often Shrug Off as Being Tired?
Feeling persistently tired isn’t something you just have to accept. Ongoing fatigue may be a sign of the following underlying conditions.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
This condition is marked by extreme fatigue that lasts for more than six months and has no clear cause. The CDC reported that up to 24 million people worldwide live with it, and it’s more common in those born female. Alongside exhaustion, symptoms can also include sore throat, headaches, dizziness, and muscle or joint pain.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, which can slow your body down. Fatigue is one of the most common signs, but you may also experience brain fog, forgetfulness, low mood, constipation, dry skin and sensitivity to cold. These symptoms can be vague and easy to dismiss.
In fact, many are living with it without realising. Studies suggest around 4% to 7% of people in the U.S. and Europe may have undiagnosed hypothyroidism.
Heart Disease
Although heart disease is responsible for around one in 5 deaths in women, its symptoms are usually subtle. Instead of sudden chest pain, you might experience overwhelming fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and jaw pain. Since these symptoms don’t seem urgent, it’s easy to blame them on stress, ageing or hormonal changes.
Anemia or Iron Deficiency
Low iron levels are a common cause of fatigue in women. You may feel weak, lightheaded or short of breath, but still assume you are simply overworked or not getting enough rest. Without checking, you may not know that your body is lacking an essential nutrient.
Listening to Your Body Isn’t Overreacting
Paying attention to your body doesn’t mean constantly worrying. It doesn’t mean assuming the worst, either. It does mean your body needs care and attention. If something feels off, it’s worth looking into it and seeking advice so you can feel better and more in control of your health.
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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.
