Author: practis

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 Cedar Rapids Ob Gyn Specialists, 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 (319) 363-2682 to take the first step toward better energy, balance, and health.

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and change, but it’s also a time to pay close attention to your body. While many symptoms are completely normal (hello, nausea and fatigue!), some may signal a more serious issue that warrants medical attention.

Moms-to-be want to keep stress levels manageable and reasonably low during their pregnancy. But without fretting or worrying, it’s also important to treat red  flags with the care and attention they deserve. Some of the warning signs below could be a natural part of your pregnancy, but if you’re not sure, it’s always best to seek professional insight to make sure you and baby are staying safe and healthy.

Talk to your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

1. Heavy Bleeding

Spotting can be normal in early stages of pregnancy, but heavy bleeding (especially with cramping or clots) may signal a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placental problem. Always call your provider right away if you experience bleeding.

2. Severe Abdominal Pain

Mild aches and stretching sensations are common, but sharp or intense pain, especially on one side, could indicate a serious issue like ectopic pregnancy or placental abruption. Don’t wait to get it checked.

3. Severe or Persistent Headaches

Occasional headaches are common, but frequent, severe, or sudden headaches could be a sign of high blood pressure or preeclampsia, especially if paired with vision changes or swelling.

4. Vision Changes

Blurred vision, flashing lights, or seeing spots may also be warning signs of preeclampsia. It’s important to let your provider know if your eyesight changes suddenly at any point during pregnancy.

5. Sudden Swelling

Some swelling in the feet or ankles is normal, especially later in pregnancy. But sudden swelling in the hands, face, or around the eyes may signal preeclampsia and should be reported immediately.

6. Decreased Fetal Movement

As your baby grows, you’ll get used to their kicks and rolls. A noticeable decrease in movement, especially after 28 weeks, could mean something’s wrong. If you’re concerned, call your doctor right away.

7. High Fever

A fever over 100.4°F (38°C) during pregnancy may be a sign of infection, which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Always reach out to your healthcare provider if you develop a high temperature.

8. Painful Urination

Burning or pain while peeing may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is more common in pregnancy. If untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney infections and preterm labor, so don’t delay care.

9. Severe Nausea and Vomiting

While morning sickness is normal, unrelenting nausea and vomiting (especially if you can’t keep food or fluids down) may lead to dehydration and a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Your doctor can help manage it.

10. Fluid Leaking

If you notice a sudden gush or slow trickle of fluid, it could be your water breaking prematurely, even if you’re not full term. Call your OB-GYN right away, especially if you’re not yet 37 weeks.

Trust Your Instincts—No Concern Is Too Small

When you’re pregnant, even minor changes can feel alarming. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to contact your OB-GYN. Early detection and timely care can prevent complications and protect the health of you and your baby.

You know your body best, and your peace of mind matters! Contact Cedar Rapids Ob Gyn Specialists at (319) 363-2682 to schedule an appointment if you have questions or want to talk more about warning signs during pregnancy. We’re here to support your healthiest pregnancy possible.

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change—and what you eat plays a vital role in supporting your baby’s development and your own health. Some foods provide essential nutrients that help your baby grow strong. Others may carry possible risks that are best avoided during pregnancy.

Understanding what’s safe, what’s beneficial, and what to limit can go a long way toward easing stress and giving you confidence throughout your pregnancy journey. Continue reading “Eating for Two: What to Eat—and Avoid—During Pregnancy” →

Choosing a gynecologist is one of the most personal healthcare decisions you can make. Whether you’re booking your first appointment, switching providers, or seeking specialized care, finding the right fit matters not just for your comfort, but for your overall health.

In 2025, with expanded telehealth options, growing focus on inclusive care, and more access to patient reviews than ever, here’s how to find the gynecologist who’s right for you!

Continue reading “How to Choose the Right Gynecologist for You in 2025” →

When it comes to vaginal health, misinformation is everywhere—from outdated advice passed down through generations to misleading social media posts and product marketing. Unfortunately, these myths can lead to confusion, unnecessary worry, or even harmful hygiene habits.

Understanding the truth about your body isn’t just empowering—it’s essential to your overall health and well-being. Below, we break down some of the most common myths about vaginal health and replace them with clear, evidence-based facts.

Continue reading “Breaking Down the Myths: What You Should Know About Vaginal Health” →

When it comes to birth control, misconceptions abound. From fears about weight gain to concerns about long-term fertility, many women hesitate to explore their options due to misleading information. 

The truth is, birth control is safe, effective, and comes in many forms—allowing women to choose what works best for their bodies and lifestyles! Below, we clear up some of the biggest myths and explore how to find the right birth control method for you.

Continue reading “The Truth About Birth Control: Debunking Common Myths and Finding the Right Option for You” →

When thinking about the main types of gynecologic cancers, the most important factor for women is to “know your normal.” Signs and symptoms can be different for each woman, so if you are aware of what is normal for you, it will be easier to spot any changes and catch problems early. With that thought in mind let’s discuss the five main types of gynecologic cancers and how they are treated.

Continue reading “The Five Main Types of Gynecologic Cancers and How They’re Treated” →

Pregnancy is a time of anticipation and joy, but the combination of pregnancy hormones and the colder, darker months can lead to a common challenge: winter blues. For many pregnant individuals, the shorter days and reduced sunlight can impact mood, making it harder to feel upbeat and energetic. 

If you’re facing winter blues during pregnancy, rest assured there are ways to manage these changes and maintain emotional well-being. Below, we look at some strategies to help lift your spirits and navigate mood changes for a happier, healthier winter pregnancy!

Continue reading “Dealing with Winter Blues and Mood Changes During Pregnancy” →