How can I get better stamina? I don't have the energy I need.

[PickledEggBackwards]

I used to be able to do anything. Now I'm menopausal I might as well be living in a concrete suit. Doing anything wears me out & feel despondent. I'm eating a brilliant diet & I walk daily, only a stone overweight & I'm addressing that. What can I do to have the energy I need to be able to tackle the jobs I've got? I start things & think, fuck it, I just can't manage it. Re-decorating the spare bedroom feels like painting the Forth bridge & that makes me give up. I used to do all this stuff so easily...

Hopeful bump because I can barely function, even with HRT.

Is it really lack of energy that's the problem (as you're walking daily), or lack of drive/enthusiasm? I think in your position I'd start with blood tests to rule out a physical cause, such as hypothyroidism, anaemia or diabetes.

If they are all normal, could you be suffering from depression? This doesn't necessarily manifest itself as feelings of sadness - sometimes it's loss of enthusiasm/zest for life.

I’ve had all the blood tests, I’m on thyroxine, ferrous fumerate and prescription vitamin D. My levels are now normal. I want to do so much but can’t physically do it, that’s what depresses me! I can’t even go for a walk, I’m struggling to work part time.

@Disressingtimes there is a difference between "normal" and "optimal".

Are your levels in all of them merely "normal" or are they "optimal"? It makes a big difference.

This "brilliant diet" you refer to

It's not low carb by any chance?

I have hormonal depression, and have lost energy too, just do what you can.
I work 30 hrs too, no medical reasons either

Oh dear, it sounds hard. I think, as PP suggests, check that your levels are optimal rather than simply within range. For example, "normal" TSH levels can be up to about 5, but many patients with hypothyroidism feel dreadful unless their TSH is closer to 1.

It sounds like you do need to go back to your GP and ask for more help, OP. Assuming you're in your 40s or 50s, this doesn't sound normal and must be very limiting.

Late 40’s under Endo so on T3 as well as T4 & the lovely man has agreed to slightly over treat me so TSH not simply ‘normal’ because of how exhausted I am. Vit D optimal, ferritin is the only one I struggle to get above low end of normal (surgical menopause) but Drs not interested in why, they are sick of me saying I’m TATT Oh & I also have b12 injections regularly.

Hmm. Do you suffer from any other symptoms, such as muscle pain or headaches? I'm just wondering about some sort of chronic fatigue-type disorder, in which case there are CBT courses that can help you structure your day to make best use of your energy, and this can lead to a gradual improvement.

Or, have you had a virus recently? It's common to feel very tired and lacking in energy after certain viral infections. Is there any chance you had covid, and are now suffering from long covid?

No headaches or muscle pains, Lyme disease & coeliac tests negative, unfortunately this has been going on for the last 5 + years
Sorry op -didn’t mean to hijack your thread. Just so desperate.

I assumed you were the OP, Distressing, with a name change fail! Ah well, my advice would be similar for you both. However, I've run out of ideas for you now, I'm afraid! I hope somebody comes along who can help you.

@theconstantinoplegardener

I assumed you were the OP, Distressing, with a name change fail! Ah well, my advice would be similar for you both. However, I've run out of ideas for you now, I'm afraid! I hope somebody comes along who can help you.

So did I. Hope OP comes back and finds some helpful advice.

One other idea for you, OP (or Distressed), although it's a rare condition, so a bit of a long shot. Are you finding that your muscles seem less strong than before? Do you accumulate fat around your middle? Is your concentration/memory poor? Growth Hormone deficiency (as a result of a pituitary gland disorder) can cause fatigue and reduced stamina, as well as the symptoms listed above. As I say, it is quite rare, but may be something to consider. It is treatable with growth hormone injections.

1 stone outside of recommended BMI can make a significant difference. It's like adding ten years to your age in terms of the body having to work harder. I say that as someone with a condition that is significantly affected in this way so I may be biased. However losing a stone is probably the easiest thing in your control.

Sorry but glad I bumped so the op had some useful suggestions.

constantinople up until 5 years ago I was doing Hiit, weights, running etc so didn’t have weakness then, can it suddenly come on? Off to google but thanks for the suggestion.

8090s I’ve always been within normal BMi, I was creeping towards the top but reined it in so am now closer to the bottom range but I agree, weight can make you feel sluggish & tired.

It sounds like you are trying to do the right things with losing weight and walking op.

I'm perimenopausal and struggling to lose the weight I need to (about 1.5 stone) in spite of eating more healthily etc. and walking daily. I can't seem to shake it which in turn doesn't inspire me to get fitter. Foggy brain and at time problems sleeping etc. and no end of vitamins which don't seem to combat the horrific pmt I experience (longer between cycles now but pmt lasting longer too). I currently don't work and I seriously wonder how I would manage it. I need to make an effort in this regard and with meeting people socially but it is difficult when you feel like this. Unable to take HRT. Wondering if it will get better when I actually enter the menopause. Currently feeling a lot older than forty something.

User I am 45 and beginning to wonder why I bother with vitamins. It seems to be a complete lottery how I will feel on any given day.

[quote RedMarauder]@Disressingtimes there is a difference between "normal" and "optimal".

Are your levels in all of them merely "normal" or are they "optimal"? It makes a big difference.[/quote]
This. Normal doesn't mean anything. You need your levels to be optimal.