Bad leg cramps at night and feeling rundown?

[Ohnoherewego62]

Has anyone else had this and there been a cause?

I've been feeling under the weather and more tired than usual but assumed it was winter kicking me into touch but now I'm getting bad leg cramps at night and my legs sore in the morning.

I'm just wondering if it's enough to warrant a GP appointment.

[Caramel78]

I had his and turned out I was anemic. Painful leg cramps and restless legs at night are a common symptom.
Other potential causes could be b12, magnesium or vit d deficiency which can all cause fatigue and cramps etc.
Do you get enough sleep and is your diet good?
What contraception are you on as I was changed to a different pill and that also gave me leg cramps. They went away when I went back on my original pill.

[Ohnoherewego62]

I have the coil. Have been bleeding for longer since I got it in. Periods used to last between 4-6 days and now it can be 2-3 weeks in the month. Not always heavy but enough to change lines frequently.

My diets fine and I sleep between 5-7 hours which pre child I never did. I used to function off a couple hours but I sleep well now.

Thanks so much for replying. I'll make an appointment just a check up. Just dont want to waste their time if its nothing!

[Caramel78]

If you are bleeding heavily for that long every month then I bet you’re anemic. Ask for your ferritin levels to be checked (the range is 12-200 but anything below about 50 will make you feel exhausted with lots of other symptoms such as leg cramps, pins and needles, twitching muscles, thinning hair, dizziness etc). Good luck

[GoFiguire]

Drink more water. You could be dehydrated.

[Ohnoherewego62]

All great advice. Thanks so much!

[Techway]

could be b12, magnesium or vit d deficiency which can all cause fatigue and cramps etc

Completely agree with this. Vit D deficiency is very common in the UK and this time of year and has quite significant side affects.
Magnesium deficiency is the reason I get leg cramps, could try Epson salts in a bath.

If the coil has been in for a while and bleeding is still heavy and lasts long then I think you should see a GP for that.

Also I am not sure 5 hours is enough sleep, generally with children we are more active so I think much more sleep is needed.

[MadamePewter]

It was B12 deficiency for me but a course of tablets from doctor sorted it

[Caramel78]

My GP once told me that regularly having less than 7 hours sleep per night will cause neurological issues. I know it’s difficult with young kids though

[Ohnoherewego62]

Ok so I'll try more water and bed earlier to start with and see if that makes a difference!.

Thanks so much