What is “normal” and what deserves support?
Christmas can be enjoyable, but also demanding. December often brings full calendars, long days filled with Christmas parties, school events and extra responsibilities. Feeling tired is common at this time of year. Feeling completely worn out, foggy or unusually anxious is not something you should ignore.
For many women in their 40s and early 50s, this deeper level of tiredness may be linked to perimenopause rather than Christmas stress alone.
At Summerhill Health, we regularly see patients who feel overwhelmed during December and assume it is simply the busy season. When we talk through their symptoms in more detail, the picture often points to hormonal changes.
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Why fatigue can feel worse for women in December
The festive period has a way of amplifying whatever is already happening in the body. If your hormones are fluctuating, the additional pressure, disrupted routines and late nights can make symptoms more noticeable.
Common symptoms patients describe include:
- Extreme fatigue that feels out of proportion to daily activities
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Heightened anxiety around social events
- Irritability or emotional swings
- Hot flushes that worsen with warm environments, stress or alcohol
These can all be signs of perimenopause, particularly when oestrogen levels fluctuate from week to week. December often adds extra strain, which can make it harder to separate normal festive tiredness from hormonal symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions about perimenopause and fatigue
Why do my symptoms feel worse in December?
Changes to routine, added pressure and disrupted sleep can intensify fatigue, brain fog, anxiety and hot flushes. If your hormones are already fluctuating, the festive season can make symptoms more noticeable.
Is this tiredness normal or something hormonal?
If you feel exhausted even after resting, or if the fatigue feels out of proportion to what you have done, it may be linked to perimenopause rather than December stress alone.
Can perimenopause make social events harder to cope with?
Yes, it can. Hormonal changes can increase anxiety, reduce your tolerance for noise or crowds and make it harder to concentrate. Many women find festive gatherings unexpectedly draining.
Do I need blood tests to confirm perimenopause?
Not necessarily. Diagnosis is based primarily on your symptoms, especially if you are in your forties or early fifties. Blood tests can be useful in some situations, but fluctuating hormones mean they are not always conclusive.
Are lifestyle changes enough to help with the fatigue?
They can help. Supporting your sleep, eating regularly, staying hydrated, pacing your diary and gentle exercise can all stabilise energy levels. Many women benefit most from combining lifestyle adjustments with medical support.
When should I speak to a doctor?
If fatigue is persistent, unexplained or affecting your daily life, or if you also have symptoms such as sleep disruption, mood changes, irregular periods or hot flushes, it is worth speaking to a GP with experience in women’s health.
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How to tell the difference between festive fatigue and perimenopause
You may find these questions helpful when thinking about your symptoms.
Is the tiredness constant rather than linked to busy days?
Perimenopausal fatigue often stays in the background even when life slows down.
Does rest improve your energy?
If a quiet day or extra sleep makes little difference, hormonal imbalance may be involved.
Are you experiencing other symptoms at the same time?
Look for sleep changes, irregular periods, low mood, headaches, joint pain, hot flushes, or brain fog.
Are everyday tasks becoming unexpectedly draining?
If simple outings or errands leave you exhausted, your body may be signalling something more.
If you identify with these patterns, it is worth exploring the possibility of perimenopause.
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Why expert perimenopause support matters
Many women are told they are too young for perimenopause, or that they need clear blood test results before receiving help. This can leave people struggling through the busiest month of the year without understanding why they feel different.
One of our patients shared her experience of finally getting the right support:
“I was experiencing so many symptoms and it was great to discuss this with a professional and understand how all this fits in with perimenopause. As a female who is ‘too young’ for help from the NHS without conclusive blood tests, I was encouraged to seek the help of an expert. I already feel so much better and understand so much more about my body. If you are reading this wondering if you should book that appointment, go ahead and do it – you will not regret it.”
— Katherine B.
Having a clear explanation for how you feel can make the festive season far easier to manage.
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6 Practical ways to manage perimenopausal fatigue this season
1. Prioritise your energy.
Build in rest wherever possible. Small, predictable breaks can make a significant difference to energy levels.
2. Be selective with your plans.
Choose the events that matter most. Reducing social load helps your body cope better with fluctuating hormones.
3. Support your sleep.
Poor sleep is one of the most common perimenopause symptoms. Aim for calmer evenings and a consistent bedtime routine.
4. Keep meals steady and stay hydrated.
Balanced blood sugar supports energy. Try to eat regularly and include protein throughout the day.
5. Acknowledge the emotional strain.
Anxiety and irritability can be part of perimenopause. Understanding the cause can help you respond more compassionately to yourself.
6. Let go of perfection.
Your wellbeing comes first. A simpler, gentler Christmas is still meaningful.
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When to seek help
If your fatigue is persistent, unexplained or affecting your daily life, it is worth speaking to a GP with expertise in women’s health. You should not have to struggle or push through symptoms that have an underlying cause.
At Summerhill Health, we take a whole-person approach. We look beyond your blood tests and focus on your full set of symptoms, your lifestyle and what matters to you. Together, we can create a personalised plan to help you feel more like yourself again.
You can learn more about our services here:
If this Christmas feels harder than usual, you are not alone. With the right support, your energy, clarity and confidence can return, helping you enjoy this season in a way that works for you.
