Why You Might Be Feeling Depleted — And What Women’s Bodies Actually Need
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TL;DR — What You’ll Learn in This Post
Feeling exhausted, foggy, or just “off” doesn’t usually start overnight — it builds over time. In this post, I’ll explain why depletion is so common in postpartum and perimenopause, how it reflects broader gaps in women’s healthcare (including pelvic health), why many supplements fall short, and what more supportive care can look like.
Before we dive in → If you’re curious what more intentional women’s supplementation can look like, you can explore Ritual’s approach here. Use my exclusive discount code for 25% off your first subscription: ASHLEYG-25
Why So Many Women Feel Depleted (And Why It’s Not Just “Normal”)
For some reason, we love to normalize things as women. Bladder leaks. Low energy. Brain fog. Chronic tension.
We’re told it’s part of postpartum. Or motherhood. Or getting older.
I hear this from clients and friends all the time:
“I do all the right things, but I still feel wiped out.”
“No matter how much sleep I get, my brain feels foggy.”
Sound familiar?
Postpartum and perimenopause are two of the most common times women report feeling depleted — and yet they’re also two of the least supported phases of care. Symptoms are expected, but meaningful recovery isn’t always planned for.
As a pelvic health physical therapist, I see this pattern constantly. Women are given information about what might happen to their bodies, but very little support for how to rebuild, stabilize, or feel well again.
A Women’s Healthcare Pattern We See Everywhere
Pelvic health is a clear example.
Postpartum rehab is rarely standard. Pelvic floor screening isn’t routine. Symptoms are often minimized until they interfere with daily life. Nutrition follows a similar pattern.
Women are expected to bounce back after birth.
Push through exhaustion while parenting.
Adapt quietly to hormonal shifts in perimenopause.
When energy is low or recovery feels slow, the message is often subtle but consistent: this is just part of the season you’re in. Over time, that adds up.
Why Postpartum and Perimenopause Are Especially Demanding
While depletion can begin earlier, postpartum and perimenopause are when many women finally feel it.
Postpartum places high demands on the body — healing tissue, regulating hormones, managing disrupted sleep, and caring for others, often simultaneously.
Perimenopause introduces another layer: fluctuating hormones, changes in sleep, stress tolerance, and energy regulation. Many women describe feeling unlike themselves — physically and mentally — without a clear explanation.
These stages require support. But too often, women are expected to self-manage with minimal guidance.
Why Supplements Often Disappoint
This is where many women turn to supplements — and feel underwhelmed.
You take a multivitamin or women’s supplement, expecting to feel steadier or more energized… and nothing really changes.
Many supplements:
Offer minimal doses rather than meaningful support
Leave out nutrients that matter during hormonal transitions
Use forms that aren’t easily absorbed
Treat women as if their needs are static across life stages
From a clinical perspective, this matters. Nutrition plays a role in tissue healing, nervous system regulation, hormone balance, energy production, and pelvic floor recovery.
You can’t out-strengthen, out-stretch, or out-breathe a body that’s not being adequately supported.
A More Thoughtful Approach to Women’s Supplements
This is why I encourage women to look for supplements designed specifically for women’s bodies — not just generic “coverage.”
Brands like Ritual stand out because they focus on:
Transparency around ingredients
Thoughtful formulation rather than filler
Supporting women across real-life stages
That approach aligns with what I see clinically: women don’t need more products — they need better-designed ones that respect how their bodies change over time.
👉 You can explore Ritual’s women’s supplements here.
Nourishment Is Part of Whole-Body Care
In pelvic health, I talk often about breath, core coordination, and nervous system regulation. These are foundational — and they don’t exist in isolation.
The body functions as a system. Nourishment influences:
Tissue recovery and healing
Stress tolerance
Energy and cognitive clarity
Postpartum resilience
Stability through perimenopause
This isn’t about optimization or perfection. It’s about recognizing that meaningful care — whether for pelvic health, recovery, or long-term well-being — requires more than just getting by.
A Closing Thought
When so many women feel depleted during postpartum and perimenopause, it’s not because they’re doing something wrong — it’s because these phases are often under-supported.
Better care exists.
More thoughtful support exists.
And nutrition is one important part of that larger picture.
👉 If you’re curious what more intentional women’s supplementation can look like, you can explore Ritual’s approach here. Use my exclusive discount code for 25% off your first subscription: ASHLEYG-25
Disclaimer: This post is educational and not a substitute for medical care. If you have concerning symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider.
FTC Disclosure: This post is written in partnership with Ritual. All opinions and recommendations are my own, based on professional experience and clinical perspective.