Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want to know why I feel so tired/ill all the time!!

235 replies

Bamboozle30001 · 12/09/2026 18:22

I'm 41, 5ft 7in 12 stone and I strength train for half an hour 4 days a week. I do under 20k steps due to being a cleaner 5 days a week. I eat very well and log my food on myfitnesspal.

Last week doctors thought my gallbladder was inflamed but, bloods, urine and a further physical exam all came back fine. Then why for the love of God am I am ALWAYS tired?Energy drinks or black coffee do nothing. I sleep for 8 hours.

I'd had a previous blood test a few weeks back as I suspected perimenopause but apart from high reading of b12...which I have no idea where that came from as I don't eat much in the way of the foods mentioned that are fortified, or take vitamin supplements either. I do have fibroids, but still I constantly feel tired and just generally unwell. Like the feeling that you're coming down with a cold, just run down all the bastard time.

Would it be worth getting a private doctor and see if there's any other tests or something because I am fed up of feeling like this.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 10:15

beaglescurleduplikebagels · 13/09/2026 10:09

Is that a typical diet for you? What about lunch and dinner? Snacks?

Because on the face of it, you're having energy drinks and UPF nonsense for breakfast - so it's not really surprising that you feel like shit and that your stomach isn't very happy with you.

Show quote history

I don't know what to eat then 😭 i need to have protein otherwise I wont be full up and then ill get fat again. Ive already been told im overweight its only by about 16lbs but still im trying everything but without glp i just cant lose the weight. Im always hungry. Always tired and im at my wits end. Im so fed up.

OP posts:
beaglescurleduplikebagels · 13/09/2026 10:09

Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 09:30

I dont drink alcohol regularly. One or two glasses of bucks fizz on Christmas day maybe but apart from that nope.
My breakfast that ive had is 2 protein waffles, one scoop of protein powder with 0% fat greek yoghurt and a sprinkle of granola along with my energy drink.Totaling at 673 calories. Today is rest day as I did 30 mins cardio yesterday which was just a turbo walking workout on youtube.
Daily my carbs are in total about 45% fats are 37% and protein is in 30s or just under. I have checked and my sugar goals are under for the daily allowance.

Show quote history

Is that a typical diet for you? What about lunch and dinner? Snacks?

Because on the face of it, you're having energy drinks and UPF nonsense for breakfast - so it's not really surprising that you feel like shit and that your stomach isn't very happy with you.

VividDeer · 13/09/2026 10:08

In boots ask for ferrous fumerate or just iron tablets. Pharmacy will know what you need

Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 10:08

Imdunfer · 13/09/2026 10:04

No, ESR is erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It's raised in rheumatic diseases and those can make you very tired. Your CRP says you've got no unusual inflammation so ESR probably wouldn't help.

Show quote history

So my crp is ok? I am being retested in a few months for the b12 and thyroid. I was told this via text message. I then called and told the receptionist to pass on a note to say i dont take supplements for b12 or have any fortified (that i can think of) foods. I dont eat much dairy but again im not very clever so perhaps i am.

OP posts:
backformoreofthesame · 13/09/2026 10:06

Too much water
too much processed junk

Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 10:05

ItsABatFaceThing · 13/09/2026 10:02

I’d halve your water intake - 1.5 to 2 litres a day is plenty. It’s also fine to drink when you’re thirsty… we really do not need to be continually pouring water down our necks!

halve the strength training and halve the steps you do (appreciate this is tricky when it’s your job!)

just sounds like you’re overdoing it to me.

The step count when I'm cleaning is very slow pace. I only show as brisk walking when I'm going to my morning job or afternoon job. Both those times are 23 mins or 10 mins for the afternoon walk. Whilst I'm cleaning I'm not over exerting myself and sweaty at all.

OP posts:
Imdunfer · 13/09/2026 10:04

Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 10:00

Crp is 0.7
I can't see anything for esr. Is it called something else?

Show quote history

No, ESR is erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It's raised in rheumatic diseases and those can make you very tired. Your CRP says you've got no unusual inflammation so ESR probably wouldn't help.

ItsABatFaceThing · 13/09/2026 10:03

Also menopause at 41 would be considered early - no matter what people on mumsnet will try and tell you. Yes, some women experience early perimenopause but it’s not the norm

ItsABatFaceThing · 13/09/2026 10:02

I’d halve your water intake - 1.5 to 2 litres a day is plenty. It’s also fine to drink when you’re thirsty… we really do not need to be continually pouring water down our necks!

halve the strength training and halve the steps you do (appreciate this is tricky when it’s your job!)

just sounds like you’re overdoing it to me.

Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 10:01

Imdunfer · 13/09/2026 10:00

How stupid is that?

Surely what she means is that nobody goes to the doctor complaining that the menopause is making their periods lighter, so she doesn't see them ?

Show quote history

Well im just a cleaner so I just thought i have no leverage to argue with a qualified doctor 🤣

OP posts:
Imdunfer · 13/09/2026 10:00

Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 09:58

My periods are starting a few days earlier and are heavier and a day or two shorter now. But when i told the doctor this i was told no periods get lighter when going through perimenopause%menopause. Again young female doctor....

How stupid is that?

Surely what she means is that nobody goes to the doctor complaining that the menopause is making their periods lighter, so she doesn't see them ?

Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 10:00

Imdunfer · 13/09/2026 09:57

What were your CRP and ESR scores? Raised vitamin B12 can be a result of systemic inflammation but I would have thought they've tested your CRP for that.

Crp is 0.7
I can't see anything for esr. Is it called something else?

OP posts:
Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 09:58

My periods are starting a few days earlier and are heavier and a day or two shorter now. But when i told the doctor this i was told no periods get lighter when going through perimenopause%menopause. Again young female doctor....

OP posts:
Imdunfer · 13/09/2026 09:57

What were your CRP and ESR scores? Raised vitamin B12 can be a result of systemic inflammation but I would have thought they've tested your CRP for that.

Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 09:56

Jopo12 · 13/09/2026 09:50

Another one here who suffered fatigue with normal blood tests, serum ferritin 12, just above reference range of 11, and GP agreed to supplements and I finished at 17, which was also too low and symptoms barely improved.

This was about the age I hit peri menopause, my periods were heavy and my cycle was shortening, so of course I got tired again very quickly.

So after a couple of rounds of what the Dr prescribed, which played hell with my digestion (if you're constipated they will make it worse), I tried iron bisglycinate with vit C every other day and I'm feeling fab now!

I found the best time to take it was at bedtime, when I had no food or drink which can affect absorption, and I get no digestive assumptions from it at that time of night.

You'll need to take it for at least 6 months to build your iron stores

Can you tell me if I can get it at Boots?

OP posts:
Ashmoleum · 13/09/2026 09:52

All that water is washing out all the good things going in. Far too much and can lead to Hyponatremia, which can cause all sorts of symptoms and is seldom checked out.

Apart from that, a lot of people are hyper focused on diet, steps, water, gym and so on. Most people wouldn't know the % of carbs/protein/fluids they are taking per day, well I wouldn't, it's just avoiding crap and monitoring portions, and that's not rocket science.Trying to get the balance right and relax as much as possible is better for you in the long run.

I suspect it's the residue of GLP1. But others who are using it might help with that one.

Jopo12 · 13/09/2026 09:50

Another one here who suffered fatigue with normal blood tests, serum ferritin 12, just above reference range of 11, and GP agreed to supplements and I finished at 17, which was also too low and symptoms barely improved.

This was about the age I hit peri menopause, my periods were heavy and my cycle was shortening, so of course I got tired again very quickly.

So after a couple of rounds of what the Dr prescribed, which played hell with my digestion (if you're constipated they will make it worse), I tried iron bisglycinate with vit C every other day and I'm feeling fab now!

I found the best time to take it was at bedtime, when I had no food or drink which can affect absorption, and I get no digestive assumptions from it at that time of night.

You'll need to take it for at least 6 months to build your iron stores

Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 09:48

Whoddathoughtit · 13/09/2026 09:40

If he getting tested for coeliac and also want to trial HRT, my own doctor said the hormone tests are useless as everyone’s fluctuate so much and also they have no idea what an individuals normal baseline is to see if it’s dropped
push for a 3 month trial of HRT and see how you go
other than that, how are your stress levels?

Show quote history

Fine i think. I have anxiety anyway so.on the highest dose if sertraline. I'll get fobbed off at the doctors asking for hrt I just know it. All the doctors are young and freshly trained now. Unless I can buy it online I have no.idea of it would help.

OP posts:
Whoddathoughtit · 13/09/2026 09:40

Bamboozle30001 · 12/09/2026 18:22

I'm 41, 5ft 7in 12 stone and I strength train for half an hour 4 days a week. I do under 20k steps due to being a cleaner 5 days a week. I eat very well and log my food on myfitnesspal.

Last week doctors thought my gallbladder was inflamed but, bloods, urine and a further physical exam all came back fine. Then why for the love of God am I am ALWAYS tired?Energy drinks or black coffee do nothing. I sleep for 8 hours.

I'd had a previous blood test a few weeks back as I suspected perimenopause but apart from high reading of b12...which I have no idea where that came from as I don't eat much in the way of the foods mentioned that are fortified, or take vitamin supplements either. I do have fibroids, but still I constantly feel tired and just generally unwell. Like the feeling that you're coming down with a cold, just run down all the bastard time.

Would it be worth getting a private doctor and see if there's any other tests or something because I am fed up of feeling like this.

If he getting tested for coeliac and also want to trial HRT, my own doctor said the hormone tests are useless as everyone’s fluctuate so much and also they have no idea what an individuals normal baseline is to see if it’s dropped
push for a 3 month trial of HRT and see how you go
other than that, how are your stress levels?

OneLilacHedgehog · 13/09/2026 09:36

Blood tests for peri menopause are not reliable at the beginning. As all your blood tests are fine, I think this is peri menopause.

Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 09:33

SunSparkle · 13/09/2026 09:02

Start with an iron bisglycinate with vitamin c - take it every other day and take it an hour before or after caffeine (caffeine hinders iron absorption). Give it 6 weeks and see how you feel.

Show quote history

Can this be bought in Boots?

OP posts:
Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 09:31

Mysticguru · 13/09/2026 08:24

Sorry I pressed too soon,
I think you may have overloaded and over stimulated your self and have kidney strain as well as caffeine overload with the energy drinks and coffee. Not forgetting the insulin spikes. Cut everything out and drink 2.5 litres a day 3 if you're active and see if there's a difference in a week. I'd also check out the protein content in your diet.

I have posted above, my diet details.

OP posts:
Original poster
Bamboozle30001 · 13/09/2026 09:30

SmallandSpanish · 13/09/2026 09:24

How, just how? I want to cut out sugar but I can’t even imagine it. I’ve already cut out booze (which I love) sugar is my last treat. I’m genuinely interested how you did it and when you started feeling benefits please? X

Show quote history

I dont drink alcohol regularly. One or two glasses of bucks fizz on Christmas day maybe but apart from that nope.
My breakfast that ive had is 2 protein waffles, one scoop of protein powder with 0% fat greek yoghurt and a sprinkle of granola along with my energy drink.Totaling at 673 calories. Today is rest day as I did 30 mins cardio yesterday which was just a turbo walking workout on youtube.
Daily my carbs are in total about 45% fats are 37% and protein is in 30s or just under. I have checked and my sugar goals are under for the daily allowance.

OP posts:
SmallandSpanish · 13/09/2026 09:24

SummerHolsFinished · 12/09/2026 20:26

How much sugar do you eat? I cut sugar and upf out of my diet and I feel amazing. So much more energy. So much happier!

How, just how? I want to cut out sugar but I can’t even imagine it. I’ve already cut out booze (which I love) sugar is my last treat. I’m genuinely interested how you did it and when you started feeling benefits please? X

Blondeshavemorefun · 13/09/2026 09:21

Low levels here. I’m always shattered and bruise very easily and they stay for weeks

I take tablets but tbh gong think thru go much

def more tired since divorced and become a lone parent and do everything and dd always with me. Tho dad is z very good girl but im so tired daily

Swipe left for the next trending thread