Dear Carol:

Fatigue and loss of energy are best friends with stress, so it's no surprise that you're too tired to do the things you know will help provide relief- it's a cycle that's hard to break. I have three simple suggestions that may help.

First, instead of trying to exercise at the end of your stressful day, what about exercising early in the day when there is nothing to get in the way. This time of year, when the days are longer, is a great time to try to establish a pattern of morning exercise. Even if you get yourself up and outside to walk or stretch for only 5 or 10 minutes, this simple beginning can help reset your body clock and give you more energy. Those few minutes early in the day may also help you sleep better at night. As you start to feel better, it will be easier to get up even earlier and increase your exercise time.

Second, testing your hormone levels may give you valuable information about why you feel so tired, so you can take corrective action. If you're under a lot of stress, your body is probably producing excess cortisol, the stress hormone. At the same time, DHEA, which influences your energy level, may have fallen below the normal range.

Testosterone is another hormone to check. Although testosterone is most often thought of as igniting the sexual spark, it also plays an essential role in a woman's energy level. As this hormone declines with age, many of us are left wondering what happened to the days when we could jump out of bed ready to face anything. If it turns out that either your testosterone and/or DHEA levels are below where they should be for a woman your age, that knowledge can help you choose among self-care and prescription options for regaining your energy.

Third, stop "doing" and breathe, even if it is just for five minutes a day. You'll be amazed at how closing your eyes for a few minutes of gentle but deep breathing at your desk, in the bathtub, or lying on the floor can help your body release the weight of the day.

Educating women on health care options is the personal mission of Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph., founder and CEO of Women's Health America. If you have a women's health care question, send it to Marla at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . If your question is chosen for publication, we'll send you a free sample of one of our latest health care innovations.