Exhausted after period

[JSEA]

Does anyone else feel absolutely shattered the day their period stops? I get PMT before hand, quite heavy bleeding (or at least heavier than it used to be- I don't know what constitutes heavy to a medic) but not too severe pain, but the day the bleeding stops I am wiped out. Any ideas what might be the cause? i have had tests for underactive thyroid and anaemia but both clear. I had an ovary removed 6 years ago so don't knoew if that's relevent. Just wondered if it's me or if it happens to others.

[nannyL]

id get another aneamia test, soon after the end of next period as that is what it sounds like

[JSEA]

Do you think so? Thanks for your reply nannyL. I'm not sure when in my cycle the last test was done. Or it could have started after that test. Presumably if it is that i could take an iron supplement during my period to keep the fatigue at bay.

[MirandaG]

I had exacly the same last week although I felt exhausted half way through - like I could barely function. I took some Pregaday tablets (very high iron content) that I had left over from pregnancy and felt better within about two days and went from ghostly pale to a reasonably normal colour. I am always being sent for anaemia tests and they never find anything but taking iron definitely helps me so I think maybe its transient, only happening around my period so that by the time I get tested my iron levels have picked up again or something really scientific like that I would definitely start taking an iron supplement maybe even the day before your period is due. Hope you feel better next time!

[JSEA]

Thanks MirandaG. That's a top tip as I think i have some left over pregnacare tablets somewhere too! I don't know how frequently the iron level fluctuates but its certainly worth a try. It'll be great if it's that simple. i have been dragging myself about and even physically shaking in my hands. I'll give it a try and see. Thanks again for responding

[MorocconOil]

I always feel exhausted just before it starts. Day one leaves me wanting to stay in bed. Obviously with 3DC it's not possible. I wondered whether it was the perimenopause, because I never felt this tired pre-children.

Will try some iron as you recommend.

[JSEA]

I have wondered if it's perimenopause too. Especially with the periods getting heavier. I am 38 so I guess it's not impossible.