Does Ovulation Make You Tired? Ovulation Fatigue Explained

By Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, OBGYN

Ovulation is a complex process that can result in a range of symptoms, from changes in cervical mucus to mood swings and fatigue. Let’s talk about why ovulation may cause fatigue and what you can do to increase your energy levels. 

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation is the middle point of the menstrual cycle, occurring around day 14 in a 28-day cycle. [1] Ovulation is the point at which an egg is released from an ovary and travels into the fallopian tube and uterus. This is when fertilization may occur if someone has had unprotected heterosexual sex. [1] Depending on whether or not the egg becomes fertilized, pregnancy will occur or the menstruation cycle will start again when the uterine lining sheds. 

Many physiological processes are happening in the body in order for ovulation to occur- mainly, the rise and fall of various hormones. Two key hormones that are responsible for the development and release of an egg are luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). [1] Learn more about your hormones with the women’s fertility test >> 

What is Ovulation Fatigue?

Ovulation fatigue is a term coined to describe the feeling of tiredness some people experience around ovulation. Some other symptoms of ovulation include abdominal pain or cramping, egg-white cervical mucus, sore breasts, mood swings, and an increased sex drive. [1-5] Keep in mind that many factors can influence someone’s menstrual cycle and associated symptoms, including the length of their cycle, cycle abnormalities, hormone levels, underlying conditions, and more. 

Symptoms of Ovulation Fatigue

Fatigue can look a bit different for everyone, but can manifest as having low energy, needing more sleep, not feeling rested after waking up, not feeling motivated, feeling burnt out, etc. [6] Fatigue can be physical, mental, or a combination of both. Other symptoms often associated with fatigue include tired eyes, stiff shoulders, boredom, impatience, and body fatigue. [6] If associated with ovulation, these symptoms would occur around day 14 of the menstrual cycle (depending on cycle length), or about 1-2 weeks after the end of menstruation. [1] 

Causes of Ovulation Fatigue

The primary cause of ovulation fatigue is likely hormonal changes. The menstrual cycle is marked by changes in many reproductive hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, and others. [1,7] For example, progesterone levels tend to be at their highest during the fertile window, the days leading up to ovulation. Progesterone levels dip on the day of ovulation but then begin to rise again during the luteal phase. [7] Progesterone has been shown to exert a sleep induction or hypnotic effect in some people, which could be to blame for an onset of fatigue around ovulation. [8] On the other hand, estrogen levels tend to spike during ovulation, which can leave some people feeling more energized. [9] 

Ovulation fatigue may also be associated with the stress, physical discomfort, mood swings, and other factors you could be experiencing during or around ovulation. There is no “correct” set of symptoms associated with ovulation, so don’t worry if your experience isn’t the same as that of your friend, partner, or family member. It can be helpful to track ovulation using an ovulation test kit as well as logging what symptoms seem to be the norm for you, so you have a better idea of what to expect during your future menstrual cycles. 

There are many causes of fatigue that aren’t tied to ovulation, ranging from lack of sleep or poor diet to underlying health conditions like diabetes. [6] If you’re experiencing extreme fatigue or any other troubling symptoms, you should speak with a healthcare provider. Learn why ovulation causes breast pain and what mittelschmerz is → 

How to Deal with Ovulation Fatigue

Experiencing fatigue can make it difficult to be productive or feel motivated. Fortunately there are some ways to combat ovulation fatigue. 

Get More Sleep

If you consistently feel tired around ovulation, plan accordingly! Try to get to bed earlier or sleep in more as your schedule allows. It’s recommended that most adults get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. [6] You can also try to incorporate good sleep habits into your routine to encourage better sleep- like dimming the nights, and staying away from electronics, loud noises, and food/drink right before bed. [6] 

Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is extremely important for the proper functioning of our bodies, including cognitive function. [10] Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can even get a boost of energy while supporting your hydration needs with Natalist hydration & energy electrolyte mix, full of important vitamins and minerals. 

Exercise

Exercise can be a great energy booster, believe it or not. The endorphins released during exercise may improve mood, cognition, and energy levels. [6,11] However, overexercising can lead to more fatigue, so be sure to find a healthy balance that works for you. Something as simple as going on a walk or doing some yoga can give you a boost of energy. [11] 

Eat Healthy Foods

A balanced diet is key to fueling your body with the nutrients and energy needed to take on the day. Your body is always hard at work making hormones, sending signals back and forth, digesting food, and more. Prioritize healthy, balanced meals full of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, and whole grains. Avoiding alcohol and substance use can also combat fatigue. [6] 

How Natalist Can Help with Ovulation Fatigue

The menstrual cycle is a complex process that can trigger a wide range of emotions and physical symptoms. Whether you’re tracking ovulation in hopes of trying to conceive, prevent pregnancy, or you’re just interested in your cycle, it can be very helpful and empowering to get a better understanding of your body. Natalist can help you support your cycle health and ovulation fatigue with menstrual cycle supplements, and hydration and energy packets. Find other helpful supplements like prenatal vitamins for women and postnatal vitamins at Natalist.com. 

References:

1. Vigil P, Lyon C, Flores B, Rioseco H, Serrano F. Ovulation, a sign of health. Linacre Q. 2017;84(4):343-355. doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1394053
2. Brott NR, Le JK. Mittelschmerz - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549822/. May 1, 2023. Accessed January 2024. 
3. Guillermo CJ, Manlove HA, Gray PB, Zava DT, Marrs CR. Female social and sexual interest across the menstrual cycle: the roles of pain, sleep and hormones. BMC Womens Health. 2010;10:19. Published 2010 May 27. doi:10.1186/1472-6874-10-19
4. Cervical mucus: Chart, stages, tracking & fertility. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21957-cervical-mucus. October 24, 2021. Accessed January 2024. 
5. Tahir MT, Shamsudeen S. Mastalgia. [Updated 2022 Nov 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562195/
6. Fatigue. Cleveland Clinic. April 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21206-fatigue Accessed January 2024. 
7. Reed BG, Carr BR. The Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation. [Updated 2018 Aug 5]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279054
8. Andersen ML, Bittencourt LR, Antunes IB, Tufik S. Effects of progesterone on sleep: a possible pharmacological treatment for sleep-breathing disorders?. Curr Med Chem. 2006;13(29):3575-3582. doi:10.2174/092986706779026200
9. Mauvais-Jarvis F, Clegg DJ, Hevener AL. The role of estrogens in control of energy balance and glucose homeostasis. Endocr Rev. 2013;34(3):309-338. doi:10.1210/er.2012-1055
10. Zhang N, Du SM, Zhang JF, Ma GS. Effects of Dehydration and Rehydration on Cognitive Performance and Mood among Male College Students in Cangzhou, China: A Self-Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(11):1891. Published 2019 May 29. doi:10.3390/ijerph16111891
11. Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress. Mayo Clinic. August 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton is board-certified in gynecology and obstetrics and is the Medical Advisor of Natalist. She received her MD from MUSC and completed her residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.