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Original poster

43 ache all over and feel so tired!

74 replies

QueenMabs · 02/03/2023 22:24

What I wrong with me? Is it just aging?

I feel well and truly knackered. Plantar fasciitis in one foot, aching knee joints, arthritic big toe , sciatica. My legs just ache. For no reason.

My wrists and hands ache and I struggled to hold a regular pen today when using the visualiser at work.

The list is endless and I also feel knackered. But then I'm a nearly full time teacher so it's kind off expected? Lethargic.

I donated this week blood and they had to take a second sample to check for iron on a machine m. Came back with enough reserves to donate but still puzzled.

I'm overweight (very overweight but that is relative my BMI is 31). Do no exercise at the moment and have been a "gym addict" in the past. No kids can't have the and that has really defined my last 6 years. Period now erratic.

Stuck in a cycle hell of yo yo dieting. Don't have the energy to exercise. I want to feel like I did at 31 when I went to gym for the 6.30 spin class, did a full day at work and went out in the evening three times a week.

What can I do - yes I am on a diet need to lose 2 stone and then another 2 stone.

Can all this just be down to being overweight?

OP posts:
Motherhubbardscupboard · 02/03/2023 22:26

Are you sure you don't have some kind of inflammatory arthritis? The wrists and hands thing sounds like it. Also fatigue. Have you seen your GP?

FrostyFifi · 02/03/2023 22:27

Do you know what your Vitamin D levels are roughly? Do you supplement?

AloudAlot · 02/03/2023 22:29

At 43 I’d say sliding into peri could explain a lot of your symptoms but being over weight won’t be helping.

patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-ease-joint-pain-during-the-menopause

One reason menopause impacts the joints is these changing hormone levels. There are estrogen receptors in your joints; estrogen protects bones and helps keep joint inflammation low. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause (the first stage of menopause), the joints can swell and become painful.

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Exercise & fitness Fitness Weight management
ellerman · 02/03/2023 22:32

Get your Vit D checked. I always ache at this time if year if I don't take supplements

StellaGibson2022 · 02/03/2023 22:34

QueenMabs · 02/03/2023 22:24

What I wrong with me? Is it just aging?

I feel well and truly knackered. Plantar fasciitis in one foot, aching knee joints, arthritic big toe , sciatica. My legs just ache. For no reason.

My wrists and hands ache and I struggled to hold a regular pen today when using the visualiser at work.

The list is endless and I also feel knackered. But then I'm a nearly full time teacher so it's kind off expected? Lethargic.

I donated this week blood and they had to take a second sample to check for iron on a machine m. Came back with enough reserves to donate but still puzzled.

I'm overweight (very overweight but that is relative my BMI is 31). Do no exercise at the moment and have been a "gym addict" in the past. No kids can't have the and that has really defined my last 6 years. Period now erratic.

Stuck in a cycle hell of yo yo dieting. Don't have the energy to exercise. I want to feel like I did at 31 when I went to gym for the 6.30 spin class, did a full day at work and went out in the evening three times a week.

What can I do - yes I am on a diet need to lose 2 stone and then another 2 stone.

Can all this just be down to being overweight?

No. You are peri menopausal. Your hormones have started to fluctuate and this is affecting your body.

Original poster
QueenMabs · 02/03/2023 22:35

I'm avoiding the GP as it's not really accessible but I think I have to give in!

I don't know my vitamin d levels.

Was fearing the peri menopause but how is it treated?

OP posts:
Original poster
QueenMabs · 02/03/2023 22:37

Sorry @AloudAlot clicked you link which is fab!

OP posts:
StellaGibson2022 · 02/03/2023 22:39

QueenMabs · 02/03/2023 22:35

I'm avoiding the GP as it's not really accessible but I think I have to give in!

I don't know my vitamin d levels.

Was fearing the peri menopause but how is it treated?

Well it’s hit and miss. And absolutely shockingly managed in the NHS. Stupidly over 45 you could go to your GP and say you want HRT which would help I suspect. Under 45 you will be sent for test upon test until you are then 45 and can then ask for HRT without being written off…

Needingacoffee · 02/03/2023 22:39

Sounds a lot like perimenopause to me. It really can take the energy out of you. It can also make you feel so achey.

StellaGibson2022 · 02/03/2023 22:40

Needingacoffee · 02/03/2023 22:39

Sounds a lot like perimenopause to me. It really can take the energy out of you. It can also make you feel so achey.

And hurt!!

Pixiedust1234 · 02/03/2023 22:44

Nearly everyone in the UK has low Vitamin D levels in winter as we need sunshine to make it naturally. Start taking one a day, I'm on 3,000 ug(?) with added Vitamin K2 for better absorption. Its surprising how much it helps.

DramaAlpaca · 02/03/2023 22:47

I agree with those suggesting perimenopause. I think you might find that HRT gets rid of the aches and pains. It certainly did for me.

AuntieSoap · 02/03/2023 22:47

Get your thyroid checked. Sounds exactly like my symptoms, tuned out my thyroid was doing bugger all apart from causing me misery. I've now got meds to regulate it and it's life changing, literally.

Silkierabbit · 02/03/2023 22:56

I found swimming and taking menopause vitamins helps the Wellwoman ones, help take bone pain away and give more energy. I find with swimming you feel too tired to go but if you do you get more energy but need to do at least once a week ideally more, doesn't need to be swimming, any exercise works but swimming is gentle on joints. I can't take hrt due to cancer. I think teaching full time would be tiring and as you get older you do get more tired.

FrostyFifi · 02/03/2023 23:18

Honestly at a similar age I thought I was in peri then corrected a raging vitamin d deficiency I hadn't known I had and my bones stopped aching.

imnotthatkindofmum · 02/03/2023 23:32

QueenMabs · 02/03/2023 22:24

What I wrong with me? Is it just aging?

I feel well and truly knackered. Plantar fasciitis in one foot, aching knee joints, arthritic big toe , sciatica. My legs just ache. For no reason.

My wrists and hands ache and I struggled to hold a regular pen today when using the visualiser at work.

The list is endless and I also feel knackered. But then I'm a nearly full time teacher so it's kind off expected? Lethargic.

I donated this week blood and they had to take a second sample to check for iron on a machine m. Came back with enough reserves to donate but still puzzled.

I'm overweight (very overweight but that is relative my BMI is 31). Do no exercise at the moment and have been a "gym addict" in the past. No kids can't have the and that has really defined my last 6 years. Period now erratic.

Stuck in a cycle hell of yo yo dieting. Don't have the energy to exercise. I want to feel like I did at 31 when I went to gym for the 6.30 spin class, did a full day at work and went out in the evening three times a week.

What can I do - yes I am on a diet need to lose 2 stone and then another 2 stone.

Can all this just be down to being overweight?

All of this is how I was right down to the plantar fasciitis. Took me 4 years but finally realised I needed hrt. Asked the doctor to try it and im not joking when I say within a week my pain has subsided and I felt much better.

I still have flare ups now and again abd had to increase and adjust dose a bit but life is so much better!

I also have rheumatoid arthritis so exercise is tricky. I used to run marathons and now I'm so overweight and unfit. I do struggle with exercise, I had a brisk walk today and then suffered ankle pain for the rest of the day.

Seriously though consider hrt.

Redtuliproo · 03/03/2023 05:42

At under 45 you will have to fight for HRT. I am now 47 and just got HRT for anxiety and hot flushes. However at 44 I broke my leg and the surgeon told me the best thing for joint pain is vitamin D. Omega 3 oil which acts as a lubricant and magnesium.
But he was very honest that overweight ladies will struggle with peri menopause. Exercise is key. I swim and walk. I was not overweight but BMI 25 now down to 23.

HRT is not the quick fix if you are over weight. Your body is having to work so much harder and your joints will suffer. Lose 2 to 4 stone before you think of adding artificial hormones. Any GP will encourage weight loss for joint pain initially. Plus excess sugar causes inflammation in the body.

Justmeandthedog1 · 03/03/2023 06:00

You really need full bloods done and to see the results yourself. GPs will often say you’re within range when your result is one or two points within but needs to be much higher for optimum well being.
You can get private blood tests. Look at Blue Horizon.
or Medi Checks www.medichecks.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAr4GgBhBFEiwAgwORrWNPxFHijaAElhh-MMwPGcGtm2XkaNLkoS-z8wD4jgLLUjHyRO06LxoCDDcQAvD_BwE
Google Private blood tests your area and you might find a walk in place.
Look at Vit D, Thyroid, B12 and oestrogen, progesterone in particular.
Complete thyroid is worth doing , not just TSH which is what NHS relies on.

EspeciallyDedicated · 03/03/2023 06:15

I'd agree with blood tests, don't just assume its peri. Vit D, thyroid both need checking out too.

Redtuliproo · 03/03/2023 06:18

For those saying OP should get private blood tests etc. The OP has said she is at least 4 stone overweight. The answer is usually the most obvious one. Your body shows you visually first what is wrong and it has stored excess fat which will be affecting her joints and be causing inflammation and be tired by hauling around excess fat.
Why do people tie the self in knots looking for complex causes when in reality the answer in most cases is looking back at them in the mirror.
Get your weight sorted and be kind to your body and then it will be working for you not against you. Pain is a way of your body saying it is struggling. With a BMI of 30 that surely is not a surprise.

imnotthatkindofmum · 03/03/2023 07:16

Redtuliproo · 03/03/2023 06:18

For those saying OP should get private blood tests etc. The OP has said she is at least 4 stone overweight. The answer is usually the most obvious one. Your body shows you visually first what is wrong and it has stored excess fat which will be affecting her joints and be causing inflammation and be tired by hauling around excess fat.
Why do people tie the self in knots looking for complex causes when in reality the answer in most cases is looking back at them in the mirror.
Get your weight sorted and be kind to your body and then it will be working for you not against you. Pain is a way of your body saying it is struggling. With a BMI of 30 that surely is not a surprise.

This is true, it doesn't help.

In my case im 4 stone overweight due to suicidal depression, chronic pain and chronic fatigue caused by perimenopause. Im losing weight now but there's no way I could have done it before hrt.

I was literally running marathons then within 6-8 months could barely complete 5k.

OPs post seemed to really reflect my experience which I why I suggested it. Of course she should try and lose weight for her health. But that doesn't mean she shouldn't also check out other causes. No point trying to lose weight if you're setting yourself up to fail.

Skiphopbump · 03/03/2023 07:29

I felt like that a few months ago, I’m 44.

I started low carbing and within a few weeks felt like my inflammation had improved. I lost weight too, have the same amount to lose again. I do feel better. I also started swimming a couple of weeks ago and I feel like that’s helping too.

Redtuliproo · 03/03/2023 07:30

Bur the OP has said she used to have a gym routine. My opinion may be harsh but incorporating good nutrition and even moderate exercise into her day would be a start.
Chronic fatigue is lack of nutrition and exercise. Exercise however small will help with depression.
HRT is not a quick fix to enable a person to carry on liveing an unhealthy lifestyle.
You do not become 4 stone overweight by at least eating a good diet for a good percentage of your diet. It's about moderation.
Too many people want a quick fix or magic pill.

Barefootinthecarpark · 03/03/2023 07:35

This happened to me at 43. Hip and knee pains. Burning hot soles of feet began a couple of years before.
Magnesium cream on both before bed really helped.
Symptoms will often last for a few months, sometimes longer, and then something else will replace it.

Redtuliproo · 03/03/2023 07:38

My opinion is not unhelpful, it is based on scientific fact. Its only unhelpful to those who are in denial and will find every excuse they can to keep eating crap and are too lazy to exercise. When my surgeon encouraged me to lose weight at a BMI of 25 I was shocked and it hurt. But he was right and I'm glad he told me straight rather than trying to be kind. Sometimes the truth is the hardest pill to swallow.