Why have my physical energy levels been always so low?

[Worriedmum97]

I’m in my early 30s, but recently realised that I’ve been struggling with physical energy/muscle strength all my life. I hated PE at school and uni, have always been the worst at doing exercises. My MIL is in her 60s and is so much more physically capable than me: she would take all bags, a pushchair with my youngest in it and would be running in the front, with me trying to catch up out of my breath few meters behind. Whatever I do around the house I need to have regular sofa breaks, etc. I’m very bright but struggling to get far in my career because I feel like I’m always tired and not ready for a challenge. My mum is the same as me. Is it just the case that some people are born with more physical reserve than others or is it to do with some health issued (I have PCOS, but slim and my insulin/sugar levels have always been great + I developed hypothyroidism recently, but I’ve struggled with energy levels for many years prior to this)? Anything I can do to lift my energy up? It now really has an impact on my life (struggling to keep up with a full time job, 2 primary aged kids at home and the whole household), feeling tired all the time. Thanks

Have you been checked for hypermobility?

I could've written this.

My mum has boundless energy but I am just as you are. I blame it on my twins but they've only been about the last three and a half years so they can't take all the blame.

I don't have any illnesses- except taking anti depressants which have helped generally. I would love more energy though.

Following with interest.

@Tolleshunt why would this be relevant? Just googled it and don’t think I have it, I’m as bad at stretching/bending as an average 90 years old lady

Watching for inspiration

Do you exercise OP? Do you sleep early and wake up early? M
Are you an organised person ? I found that being mentally overwhelmed makes you go on a mental marathon for small tasks which tires you out.

How’s your diet ?? Healthy ?

Do you drink water?

Do you suffer anxiety or depression?

Vitamin D?

Because it would account for the current fatigue, the life-long low stamina, and the problems with sports - eg slow running speed despite putting maximum effort in.

Have you always been stiff, or is this just more recent years? Joints can stiffen with ageing, and muscle tone can increase to compensate for the loose joints.

I’m not saying it is that - fatigue etc can be caused by many things - just that in your shoes I would want it ruled out.

Thanks for your suggestions @AmbitioslyFit

Yes, while trying to tackle pcos I did a year of regular gym sessions (3-4 classes a week and didn’t feel much difference).

Sleeping 10pm-6am, so fine here. Very healthy diet with plenty of veg/fruit/meat/greens/healthy carbs/oils/etc.

I’m quite organised but random things always pop up given a demanding London job in finance + 2 young kids with demanding schools which assume (and in 95% cases it maybe true) that mums have nothing else to do in their lives than prepare costumes for school shows, do homework with kids, get involved into pta and simply remember all 100s of various new things each week (like don’t forget to send £1 for charity on Friday). My wall calendar bursts with reminders about birthday parties, school concerts, parents evening, etc. although for the sake of my own health I filter all less necessary arrangements out but still left with plenty)

Will by vit D tomorrow and see if it helps

Understood @Tolleshunt. Yes have always been stiff as everyone in the family

You could be me OP. All my life I have been extremely low energy. I am hypothyroid and also found out at age 41 that I have silent coeliac disease which I think has been responsible. I take multi vits, iron and vit d and I'm only slightly more energised.

@KellyMarieTunstall2 glad to hear it’s not just me struggling with low levels. I know I’ve been lactose intolerant since early teens but don’t think it has any impact as over 25% of adults are lactose intolerant. Was tested for coeliac few years ago - it was negative. Cutting out carbs or being on anti diabetic drugs (metformin) didn’t change anything either.

This is me! I'm 53 and overweight now, but even when I was in my teens and 20s and slim I never had any physical strength or stamina. I've been checked for hypothyroidism and iron levels several times and nothing comes back as unusual, part from slightly low iron.