To be a bit concerned about my lack of energy (in the evenings)

[JMSA]

Hi. I’m a single mum of teenage girls who works full-time. I am overweight but currently losing weight sensibly. I have lost nearly 3 stone. I turn 51 in a couple of weeks. I take top notch vitamin supplements daily (I usually remember to, anyway!). I could very well be menopausal but still have an implant in, so don’t get periods. This means I can’t really say for sure if I’m menopausal, though some of the symptoms do certainly fit.
I work hard at my job and keep a clean and tidy home. Through the day, my energy levels are fine. But I’m not exaggerating when I say that my evenings are a complete write-off. I am embarrassed to say this, but I generally come home and nap for 3 hours. At the weekend, I also nap. I cannot get through the day without them. I feel really guilty about this.
I was just speaking to my sister on the phone and she said that this really isn’t normal. I am just so used to soldiering on that I hadn’t really given it much thought. But now I feel concerned.
Both my sisters get B12 injections for energy and would struggle without them. Again, they’re super hardworking in case anyone thinks we’re a family of lazyarses! Is this likely to be genetic?
I’ll make an appointment with the GP and see what’s what. I suppose I just wanted to ask you Mumsnetters if anyone is going through the same thing, and what it might be.
Thanks 🙂

Hello.
Well done on the weight loss.
I would get your bloods done. When I've felt like those my Vit D, B12 and Iron were ridiculously low

Thank you. And will do!

Join the over 50s club! We are all knackered and need an early night.
[ Nevertheless we keep all those plates spinning and put ourselves last]. Don’t feel guilty about those naps but get some bloods done in case.

Thanks for your reply. I’ll get booked in ASAP. I’m never at the doc’s, but honestly can’t go on like this, especially if it could be a simple-ish fix.

Nap for 3 hrs- that would take me to bed time - what is your sleep hygiene like?

Another thing I need to do is increase my water intake. I am very guilty of not drinking enough.

Not great. I leave the house in the morning at 7.30 and home by 4.30. I nap soon after and this does affect my bedtime. But I generally sleep through. Obviously the ideal would be to stay awake until bedtime, but I cannot do it.

Hello, I was so tired just like you, im 43 with a 10 and 13 yo. Always on the go with things but had to push through. I've been on hrt for 4 months now and feel loads better. More energy, that on top of my many vitamins like yourself have helped me so much. The tiredness didn't push me to go to the Dr's and ask about peri, it was more the crying at everything, anything actually, lol. Maybe worth doing a symptom check of peri menopause online and see if you have any, ive loads, certainly fit the mood swing one, so my husband says, lol. Xx

HRT solved this for me

Have an earlier bedtime
make sure it’s the same at he weekend
eat well
exercise when you get home
try hrt

Yeah, I have a similar problem. I have a new job which is very tiring and work an 8.5 hour day (with lunch). On work days, the late afternoon and evening are usually a total write off (although I usually start waking up again at bedtime!!)

I was diagnosed with mild hypothyroidism last year so am taking Levothyroxine. But I’m still lacking in energy… I have another blood test next week which will let me know if my thyroxine needs increasing.

But, yeah, as PPs have said, getting a blood test is the first step (as well as working out if you’re getting enough sleep at night).