I've had it. No one told me going through the change would absolutely drain me of energy. Until recently, I used to be constantly on the go and relished my busy lifestyle. But since entering peri-menopause I am struggling to get everything done and sometimes can barely get out of bed. Can someone please explain what is going on, when it will end, and how I can manage? And please, don't suggest I drink more coffee!
-Rosie, Wolverhamptom
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Ellie6 years ago
Hi Rosie, tell me about it my bodies going through so many changes l wasn’t aware of ? our metabolism is slowing down which decreases our energy. I have found doing exercise helps to give me a boost of energy, l try and do this first thing in the morning, If you haven’t got much time in the morning a 7 min or 10 mins workout is enough. Try Lucy Wyndham- Reeve amazing workouts on U- Tube ? let me know if this helps! Increase the amount of ? this might also help, l love coffee ☕️ but trying to limit the amount l consume ?
Rosie6 years ago
Hi Ellie, im so thankful for all the advice! I'm going to check out the youtube videos today. How do you motivate yourself to exercise first thing in the morning? It takes me ages to even get out bed sometimes I feel so tired ?Many thanks for all your tips ?
Elliereplying to Rosie6 years ago
Hi Rosie, l’m unable to lie in at the moment hot flushes ? is so unbearable!! Most mornings l am awake from 5am or 6 am, so l get up about 7am and do my workout!! Sometimes l don’t feel like it, but l say to myself if l want to see the results l need to get up and exercise. Some nights l take a ? upstairs with and eat that and drink a bit of water wait about 20mins and do a workout?? Try this and see if it helps you, let me know if this works! ?
Katereplying to Rosie6 years ago
Hi Rosie, I totally know where you’re coming from! I try and start the day - while still in bed - with a few minutes of mindfulness. It makes me feel like I’m at least doing SOMETHING. The Headspace app is really good, and free. Ten Per Cent Happier is even better but after a week it’ll cost @£55 for a year. It is worth it if you can afford it though. If you pick the right meditation it can really lift your mood. After that I can often muster the energy to do a video yoga session/workout, which definitely helps with energy levels and, maybe more importantly, feelings of worth. Regarding your original post, personally I find avoiding coffee better ATM, along with anything with refined sugar in (you’ve got to have occasional brownie though!), and drinking LOADS of water seems to help with tiredness and hot flushes. I hope some of the advice you’re received works for you. You’re not alone. xx
Jane6 years ago
I totally know where you are coming from. I had to motivate myself to do almost anything.i Still struggle sometimes getting out of bed for work !!! I tried vitamin B12 , Vitamin E and a whole load of other stuff but nothing seemed to give me the energy. So I decided 3 weeks ago enough was enough. I downloaded the Couch to 5K ! And believe me I am not a runner by any means. I am on week 3 , I do it on a treadmill at home and can now jog for a full 20minutes. I have also started to watch what I eat as I was getting the menopausal tummy. I feel I have more energy and now want to jog most nights. Busy lifestyles, work and caring responsibilities also zap your energy sometimes without you realising it. Try and drink decaf coffee , that seems to help with my hot flashes too !! Hope this has helped. Good luck ??
Julia6 years ago
Well done Jane in taking up running. You’ll be out on the road doing it in no time.
Rosie6 years ago
Jane you're an inspiration! Just the thought of running tires me out these days! But you've given me some much needed hope that I can start. What kind of diet changes have you found helpful ? Many thanks ??
Sandrareplying to Rosie6 years ago
The C25K programme starts with running for 60 seconds at a time with walking in between. It’s for all ages, sizes & past experience. Wishing you heaps of wellness and wellbeing! ?
Anonymous6 years ago
I have suffered with bouts of extreme fatigue and having been quite active, became unmotivated and depressed. I too started the couch to 5k, dragging myself out of bed to do so, but now at the end of week 3 and can’t wait for my next run and I have lots more energy and feeling stronger for it.
Anonymous4 years ago
I have just started couch to 5k too and while I admit I find it a little boring at times, it makes a real difference with getting you motivated for the day and it is worth the half hour to do it. I am quite active but a Walker more than a runner and am finding just two weeks in that it’s helping. That said, what I find tiring is work, I get really tired sitting at the computer now and need an hour or so just decompressing when I get home from work and I didn’t used to be that bad. Diet changes do also help, not necessarily cutting calories but just trying to get a range of things and I tentatively think it’s helping
Lisareplying to Anonymous4 years ago
This is exactly the same as me, am really tired at the moment after a period of heavy bleeding which doesn’t help, but I think just trying to keep going as much as possible helps. I have been getting out early (I am not a morning person) to run and it helps. Still tired but feel more positive. Work is draining and I also find decompressing with 10mins yoga or mindfulness really helps when I come home. I have lost the motivation to socialise in the evenings but see friends in the day and not over planning has also helped, especially with the related anxiety. I am not saying I have beaten tiredness but adapted to it maybe, and know it will pass. Cut yourself some slack is my new favourite phrase ?
Satie6 years ago
I too try to do some activity first thing it the morning :) it gives me energy for the rest of the day :)
Rosie6 years ago
Thanks for sharing your advice Satie! What kind of activity do you find works best for you early morning? I've never been a morning person so really need something motivational to get me moving so early in the day!
Sandrareplying to Rosie6 years ago
Hi Rosie, Fellow tired, not a morning person here!! I do 7 minute exercises from YouTube in the mornings. It’s hard to argue with that amount of time even though I feel I’m not quite awake!! ? I find it works a treat!! ?
Sandra6 years ago
I second that Satie!! That makes such a big difference for me too. Even if I feel a little sluggish and don’t want to do it, you can feel the energy returning as you do it. ?
Poppyred6 years ago
I’m exactly the same, especially near my time of the month and during. I can literally fall asleep at my desk at work, doesn’t matter how much sleep I get either. ?
Sarah6 years ago
Hi Rosie, although I still have regular periods I started getting some peri menopause symptoms. I had really bad acheing legs, fatigue/tiredness and pin prick memory loss. I now take Pregnenolone daily which I order from Amazon. It replenishes/ tops up any hormones that are declining in the body. For me it took away all of the symptoms above and I have my full energy back. It may not be for everyone but it works well for me. All the best for feeling better soon x
Anonymous6 years ago
I agree I am soooo tired and have a constant headache which drains me when will it end?
Julia6 years ago
I feel the same!! Although I’m still making myself get up and do my online gym sessions 3x a wk and go for a walk every day as my weight around my midriff is not where I’d like it to be!! X I try and eat a good balanced diet only drink decaf tea and coffee also drink a fair amount of water. Some days I struggle really badly my sleep pattern isn’t great either. Do you sleep a full night?
Rosie6 years ago
Hi Julia, thanks so much for sharing. Honestly my sleep has suffered too. I find myself waking at strange hours and unable to fall back asleep some nights. It's certainly affecting my energy levels. I admire everyone here including you who's being so active! I gave up on keeping up with my exercise routine but this chat is helping me get some motivation back. Many thanks! ?
Anonymous6 years ago
Hi Rosie. I was thinking exactly the same thing this morning, and even said as much to my manager. Bless him he told me to have a lie-in, if I need one! I am completely exhausted every morning. 8hrs sleep, no alcohol or caffeine in the evening and still feel rubbish. Once I’ve been for my walk (30mins round the block) I do feel energised and less emotional. Exercise seems to be the answer for me, and I never thought I’d say that!! Good luck
Rosie6 years ago
Hi Anonymous, thanks so much for your advice. Honestly wasn't expecting so many people to suggest exercise! It makes sense though and so helpful to hear that works for you. I will give it a try starting tomorrow!
Sheenz6 years ago
Hi Rosie I’m the same, but I have more energy during the morning so try to do as much as I can then. The worst for me is brain fog ? feels like I am constant away with the fairies ? Can anyone recommend any supplements to reduce symptoms. Thank you Sheena
Nic6 years ago
And here’s me thinking I was just becoming a lazy cow! I struggle to motive myself to exercise depending on time of the month, there are days that I feel like I just need to curl up under my desk at work! Yet I sleep like a log, most nights I use my headspace app to help me sleep, and if I wake and can’t fall back asleep I use it as well. I have started trying 10-20minutes if mindfulness when I get home, but that’s only working if someone else preps tea. I’m not sure if being on a low carb diet is depleting my B vitamins in general, but I normally take a good multi vit daily. I do remember have a massive drop in energy levels just before my period started when I was in my 20’s but I solved this by having progesterone contraceptives, and there’s no way I can persuade my Doc to put me back on that. I’d love to actually wake up and feel like I’m rested instead of always being some degree of tired!
Tracey6 years ago
Hi all first time on here for me. I had a total hysterectomy in November 2019 and have been doing great until about 2 months ago when the fatigue started again. I had a hysterectomy because of endometriosis and I’m 49 but after I felt great my energy had started to come back but has now started draining again. I agree exercise does help even when it’s the last thing you want to do but now I am having weakness with the tiredness so that’s new and was wondering if anyone had experienced this. It also seems to coincide with a drop in my mood too. So any tips or advice would be much appreciated before I speak to the doctor next week. I should also say I’m not taking any form of HRT I’ve not really felt the need so far but I’m open minded about it ?
Jude6 years ago
Hi Tracey I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago & managed all the symptoms until the chronic fatigue hit last summer. I’ve now been on HRT for 9 months & have to say that it has been amazing for me. Started feeling human again on the first day. Still have brain fog but at least I don’t want to go to sleep walking down the street or driving.
Claire6 years ago
Hi Tracey, I have also experienced the weakness and fatigue, weird feeling almost unable to lift your arms/legs. I also had low moods, unable to concentrate on anything, constantly forgetting things and horrendous mood swings. Due to going through a premature menopause at 28 yrs old, Dr put me on HRT and antidepressants for anxiety/paranoia which helped so much. I know it’s not for everyone, but if you’re symptoms are anything like mine I’d definitely give HRT a try. I was on HRT for 3 yrs, took myself off to see if I could get through it naturally. I’m 42 and have gone through the change now, although I don’t feel totally normal I’m able to function like before. I would suggest a supplement like Menopace which helps keep your bones strong and body supple. Good luck
Anonymous6 years ago
The past two days my whole body just feels like a weight and weak. I've managed 10 mins high impact of exercise this morning but still feel the same.
Wendy6 years ago
Hi Tracey, I had a partial hysterectomy 14 years ago at age 38, I still have my ovaries. After 6 months I felt pretty good after the surgery and thought I was all recovered. But I had been told to allow a full 12 months and sure enough I felt so much better after 12 months. But I’ve only gone in to menopause early this year. It has not been the best experience. At first it was very mild short hot flushes. I do not want to go in to ZhRT if I can help it. So I’ve been looking into natural options to help. I have been taking Swiss’s menopause tablets which I thought were doing wonders as the hot flushes all disappeared. But now they are back with a vengeance. I’m going off sugars and hoping that will that will help. Has anyone else used a good natural remedy for coping or easing symptoms?
Anonymous6 years ago
Hi all, following as I have fibromyalgia as well and am wiped out so hoping for suggestions
Anonymous5 years ago
Me too. I have fibromyalgia and I feel even more exhausted with perimenopause.
Anonymous6 years ago
Hi... I have been feeling beyond exhausted and put every symptom down to the peri-menopause. Found out from the GP following a blood test this morning I am anaemic and border line under active thyroid. Been prescribed iron tablets for the next 3 months. I know these symptoms are mixed in with Peri but desperate to see if the iron will give me some energy and motivation. Make sure your bloods are all within normal ranges first....
Theresa6 years ago
I take B12 vitamins for more energy also because am a type 2 Diabetic
Elizabeth6 years ago
I’m tired too. All the time. I try to eat healthy & do some exercise like many of you have suggested but sometimes I’m so tired that I can’t bring myself to do it. When will this end? I’m tired of being tired.
Julia (RN, BSN) - Caria Expert6 years ago
Hi Elizabeth, I hear you. On average, symptoms of perimenopause can go on for 5-10 years (sounds like forever, I know). If you are wanting to get a more accurate estimate of when you will reach menopause, try asking your female relatives when they reached menopause. Women tend to hit menopause around the same time as their mothers and sisters. You can also consult your doctor to get a better idea of how close you are to menopause. While there is no perfect test to determine when you will hit menopause, some doctors may check certain hormone levels (specifically follicle-stimulating hormone and/or anti-Müllerian hormone) to see if you are nearing menopause. Wishing you good quality sleep and a little extra energy soon!
Gorda6 years ago
Have you had your thyroid levels checked? Just saying....an under active thyroid knocks you out, you have no energy, want to stay in bed, you don’t eat but put on weight like there’s no tomorrow...basically similar symptoms to what the menopause lumbers is with. And if you’re in your menopause AND have an under active thyroid....???
Susannah6 years ago
For me it’s more like I’m fine I just crash suddenly and need a cat nap. Work don’t understand.
Clair6 years ago
Snap!!! I am 48 and very peri!!!! Still regular periods. Today exactly 14 days before period due I am on that slide!!! I ache from head to toe like I have been weight lifting or run over!!!! My chest hurts with congestion due to allergies. Today I am doing bits in between resting on my bed. I was never like this I used to be someone that could never sit down!!! Taking loads of vits and herbal supplements but nothing really helps. So tired I can’t sleep does that make sense!!!!
JD6 years ago
I often feel exhausted and dis not realise until now that it was a symptom of the menopause. I couldn’t understand why I can’t stay awake and my husband can. It made me feel as if there was something wrong with me so I’m glad I now know that other people also suffer. I am trying HRT and really hoping it’s going to make a difference.
Sally6 years ago
Wow this will sound awful but I feel better knowing I’m not the only one! I’m grateful right now to be working from home because getting up in the mornings has been so difficult! in fact I rely on my husband now getting me out of bed as I’m sleeping through my alarms!!! I have an under active thyroid, I take B12 and now Dr has put me on calcium and D3 tablets! Still so tired! My periods were regular until I missed this month - I’m 52. I feel I may have some time to go before all this ends!
Wendy6 years ago
Yes nice knowing we are not alone. I did read something that suggested a good amount of calcium and vit D at this stage in our life, plus exercise and getting weight off. This article also suggested having moderate carbs in the morning and evening and low carbs in the middle of the day. Hope that helps.
Julia (RN, BSN) - Caria Expert6 years ago
Hi Rosie, no “drink more coffee” suggestions from me! Caffeine actually tends to have the opposite effect we want. You’re experiencing one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause. It’s happening because your hormones estrogen and progesterone are starting to decrease the closer you get to menopause. But they don’t decline steadily, they’re completely erratic. Even in one day, your hormone levels can drop and increase drastically. That’s why you can experience mood changes, hot flashes, and also fatigue. Generally, symptoms can last between 5-10 years. On average, women reach menopause at 51 and then the symptoms tend to usually improve. To manage, it’s always essential to first look at your lifestyle and dietary habits. Often, we get too little of the essential nutrients our bodies need and don’t get enough regular physical exercise. Sleep’s important too. If you’re not getting enough, adding a good supplement such as magnesium or melatonin might help. Like some other comments here pointed out, fatigue can also be related to other health issues, so be sure to connect with your doctor if you feel things aren’t improving!
Susan6 years ago
I never knew that I would feel so tired either to the point I can’t keep my eyes open and my body aches and no matter how much sleep I get I still feel the same everyday is an effort.
MP6 years ago
I so relate to this. I am anaemic due to heavy flow for years and fibroids, taking iron but still fatigued. I found that fresh air makes me tired lol! I’ll get up tired, start to feel ok eventually and then go outside. Instant fatigue. I want to hibernate! I have found when I exercise a bit that I do get to sleep and sleep well but I need the energy to exercise in the first place! Glad I am not alone.
Azi6 years ago
I can relate to the last comment made, I thought it was just social anxiety but after reading the last comment that’s exactly how I feel.. I’m also glad to know I’m not the only one that feels like that.. I thought I was going doolally.. lol
Anonymousreplying to Azi5 years ago
I am 51, active, healthy and fairly fit. Last Saturday afternoon I was hit by a wave of all consuming fatigue, literally could not force myself to move for the rest of the weekend. I dragged myself to work (Year 1 teacher) and just made it through mon and tues. Tuesday night I had a frightening episode of feeling totally out of it, palpitations and clammy skin. Convinced I was having a heart attack we called an ambulance. ECG and blood test followed with a night in a&e but all was normal. I was told to take the rest of the week off. Thank goodness as I have been unable to move, the fatigue and palpitations continue. My work arranged Covid tests for all staff on fri. I went in but regretted it as the short walk across the car park made me feel really unwell again. The team doing the tests were a private ambulance group. Wired me up to their ecg and checked blood pressure. All normal again. So pretty sure it’s not my heart. I had a summer of joint pain which disappeared when a long lost period arrived (it had been 5 months). No period since but these new symptoms have left me reeling. I was negative for Covid by the way. I cannot believe how terrible I feel and how suddenly it came on.
Anonymous6 years ago
Hey, I feel the same at times, but since lockdown I started to do yoga. Never done it before. It’s a very gentle mindfulness in motion. It has helped me enormously. So if you don’t feel like a big workout give yoga ago. YouTube have many Beginner’s videos to start you off. Also more water fresh fruit and veg. Not always easy I know. But Ive noticed a big change. Good luck.
Anonymous6 years ago
Hi All, I am 50 and two years prior to my 50th, I started having severe pains in my one knee , no heavy drugs helped and I could not walk and the doctors could not find anything wrong with me, I also started feeling depressed, tired and moody and then sleep issues. I had skipped my period for 3 x months and was convinced I was pregnant- did a pregnancy test and it was negative then my period returned and was back to normal and carried on life as normal. About 9months later, I started getting brain fog, feeling dizzy and anxious! I then started getting very painful breasts and my Doctor booked me in for a scan, blood tests etc and again they found nothing wrong with me! A few months on, I was shopping and picked up a heavy bag of goods and my left wrist suddenly gave way and I was in agony - I thought I had fractured my wrist And it swelled up and I could not use my had at all! I was booked in for X-rays and again, they found nothing wrong!!!! The Radiographer who was scanning my breasts chatted to me and suggested that my symptoms were pointing to menopause and I should speak to my Dr. I then started to get so hot at night that I had to sleep naked and kicked my poor husband out the bed as I could only sleep if the windows were open and heating off (in the middle of UK winter)! I then asked my Doctor to prescribe me with HRT as I was so desperate at this stage and exhausted from lack of sleep and explained what was happening to me to my Dr. she started me on HRT patches. The hot flashes took about 3 months to go after they increased the doses and I then started to get severe headaches and exhausted however the good news was that my hot flashes had stopped. I started to do a lot of research on menopause and how to improve my symptoms as I was desperate and almost at the verge of suicide it was so debilitating- and the key elements that kept on coming up were as follows; (Get enough sleep, exercise, Diet, cognitive thinking, and avoid things that will stress you). So I started the 7 min Daily exercise routine, cut out alcohol completely, healthy strict diet, more water, more sleep as well as breathing exercises (Vim Hoff method) with freezing cold showers every morning - I can tell you that this has helped me so much and I would recommend this to all woman with hectic symptoms. I have more energy and feeling so much better and am able to get through the day now. Hope this will help you.
Rosie6 years ago
Thank you for sharing your story and what worked for you! Your journey sounds so challenging, I'm happy you're feeling much better now.
Jules6 years ago
Hi I am really struggling with Brain fog, fatigue and heavy bleeding. I had polips and cyst removed last year, my periods had stopped then reduced to one every 3 months. I am doing WW and exercising, managed to lose 1 stone, but it’s feels like a huge battle against my hormones, witch also affects my exceme. Is anyone else having heaving bleeding ? Thanks in advance
Hanna4 years ago
Sleep had been elusive for over a year until I was able to turn things around little by little. The first step I took was to track my sleep via an app — only around 4-5 hours per night and rarely without intermittent waking. My GP referred me to a sleep specialist, who advised strict sleep hygiene with regular bed time and no screen time at least 90 minutes prior to bed. She also suggested taking Benadryl every evening, which I declined. It wasn’t for almost another six month until I worked out a good routine. My winning formula is taking a magnesium supplement at the same time every evening at 8pm. That also starts my evening slow down. No tv, no computer, and preferably no phone or kindle. I also drink a mug of chamomile tea every evening and avoid all caffeine during the day. The biggest change came when I embraced mindfulness training. I highly recommend the book “Mindfulness. An eight-week plan for finding peace in a frantic world.” It includes audio recordings. So I often fall asleep to the guided meditation of Mark Williams’ soothing voice. It’s been a process. Now spiced up with waves of heat flashes. But I now have tools to get an adequate amount of sleep and to accept the process my body is going through. Stay the course! It will get better.
Anonymous3 years ago
i take B12 vitamins works wonders for me with energy