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Menopause

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Original poster

Crushing fatigue around period

63 replies

WarriorN · 29/10/2021 16:19

I've started to be in a chronic fatigue like state for around a week or so around my period. My lower back is also very painful and joints generally v stuff in the mornings.

The rest of the month isn't much better though I can have a few days of high energy here and there, only to then crash.

Periods are regular (24-27 days, mostly 25.) they're quite short, 2-3 days with second day v heavy and the others not much to notice.

Occasional brain fog but Better since I took some b12 and iron. I feel generally very low motivation but mood is ok otherwise.

I had a few hot flushes in the summer not long after jabs. Seems to have settled now.

Does this sound like peri and could hrt help?

OP posts:
DinkyDaisy · 31/10/2021 06:52

Are people getting hrt or other menopause treatment through their gp or privately?
If privately, do you have to let gp know for records ,etc? Feel should be linked?

I have had feeling period going to start for days. Also, anxious. Have things I seem to obsess over. Based on things that do need to be done [render repair/ house maintenance this week's worry] but think spiralling... Hard to work out what is worthy of worry and what I need to calm down about. Not productive worry! Horrible feeling of dread...

inininsomnia · 31/10/2021 07:19

@WarriorN

Do you notice a pattern In? I carried on using the free fertility friend app to track and I do see a clear pattern. Sometimes ovulation is hell joint wise!

Hope your private appointment goes well.

I don't notice a particular pattern with joint/muscle pain but that may be influenced by tiredness - I spend so muc time resting in bed that I'm getting very stiff and unfit. Really hoping that HRT will give me enough energy to start exercising again. Hope you can feel better soon.
inininsomnia · 31/10/2021 07:21

@DinkyDaisy

Are people getting hrt or other menopause treatment through their gp or privately? If privately, do you have to let gp know for records ,etc? Feel should be linked?

I have had feeling period going to start for days. Also, anxious. Have things I seem to obsess over. Based on things that do need to be done [render repair/ house maintenance this week's worry] but think spiralling... Hard to work out what is worthy of worry and what I need to calm down about. Not productive worry! Horrible feeling of dread...

The usual way is for the private practitioners to write to your GP and they can prescribe from then on.
GoodnightGrandma · 31/10/2021 07:25

I remember, when I was in my 40’s, having a day or so of absolute exhaustion in my period. I can only describe it as walking through porridge, every step and movement was such a lot of effort.
It did go as I headed towards peri, and was replaced by many other things !

ItchyHeadNitOrNot · 31/10/2021 07:29

I get this, the day before and day 1 of period. Not so much joints, but legs are so heavy I feel as though I have weights strapped to my thighs and wading through wet sand. Lower back pain too, but like a constant dull ache. I'm 38. Tried discussing it with GP but she couldn't have been more disinterested. Saif it will be linked to anaemia, and basically go away, take the iron pills, you should feel better in a few months Sad

thelegohooverer · 31/10/2021 07:33

This is me. Organised blood tests 6 weeks ago and I’ll have to chase the gp for them. I’m too tired and foggy to remember that I have to.

My gp told me it was hormonal but not peri when I discussed symptoms, and suggested fitting coil but I’m terrified of having something inside me and then having to battle to get it taken out if it’s not working.

I’ve very little confidence in doctors

inininsomnia · 31/10/2021 07:46

@thelegohooverer

This is me. Organised blood tests 6 weeks ago and I’ll have to chase the gp for them. I’m too tired and foggy to remember that I have to.

My gp told me it was hormonal but not peri when I discussed symptoms, and suggested fitting coil but I’m terrified of having something inside me and then having to battle to get it taken out if it’s not working.

I’ve very little confidence in doctors

Can you see a different GP if they won't give the help you need? I've been seeing different doctors at my surgery for over a year and not one has suggested perimenopause as the (fairly obvious) reason for my problems but a couple have listened now I've suggested it. (My surgery is chaotic though, with a revolving door of GPs, so I'm going private).
Branleuse · 31/10/2021 07:57

I think it is worth trialling hrt

Original poster
WarriorN · 31/10/2021 08:09

@didihearthatright123456 yes it's having a 3 yr old and v bouncy 9 yr old that's the hardest thing. I can't imagine how hard it is with twins! I would urge blood tests incase its thyroid etc.

I have the opportunity to have an appointment with Dr Newsons clinic but I doubt myself whether this is peri or other things and whether it's best to stick to my own Gp, who aren't bad as this is an area where there's lots of hcps so they're used to treating other gps (not that it should makes a difference!)

I have had blood tests. My iron could have dropped again though, I'd assumed it was ok. But that was may I think. But it's the cyclical nature and how it's v bad for the first week of my period.

OP posts:
Original poster
WarriorN · 31/10/2021 08:12

I spend so muc time resting in bed that I'm getting very stiff and unfit. this is an issue. I know I have to stay active for my joints to be good but when fatigued it's impossible.

The other symptom that comes and goes is very achey feet first thing in the morning, including when I've hardly done any walking etc. So much worse if I have, especially when at work. I've have to switch to super soft trainers. And I used to enjoy martial arts barefoot, and skipping.

OP posts:
Original poster
WarriorN · 31/10/2021 08:13

@Burntoutbarbara may I ask what you're taking and how easy it was to get? And how old; I know when I'm 45 it will hopefully be easier.

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GoodnightGrandma · 31/10/2021 08:24

@WarriorN

I spend so muc time resting in bed that I'm getting very stiff and unfit. this is an issue. I know I have to stay active for my joints to be good but when fatigued it's impossible.

The other symptom that comes and goes is very achey feet first thing in the morning, including when I've hardly done any walking etc. So much worse if I have, especially when at work. I've have to switch to super soft trainers. And I used to enjoy martial arts barefoot, and skipping.

Creaky feet - yes, that’s peri.
Original poster
WarriorN · 31/10/2021 08:55

Ugh. Ok thanks!

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Original poster
WarriorN · 31/10/2021 08:56

I'm heavier than I was in the past but still only just under 9 stone so I don't feel it's a weight issue.

OP posts:
Burntoutbarbara · 31/10/2021 09:04

I’m 46
There is no magic age at which HRT is acceptable it’s an assessment process to decide if the symptoms are peri menopausal in cause but I can see that becomes more likely as you progress into 40s

I’m taking uterogeston tablets half the month and oestrogel daily (run gel into arms).
Easy to use and start and my GP was very happy to prescribe -I asked specifically for this combination as it’s the safest and best (other than a mirena and gel which is a good option too).

GoodnightGrandma · 31/10/2021 09:19

I’ve had the Mirena fitted for heavy periods causing anaemia.
I’ve just got to add the gel if I need HRT

Original poster
WarriorN · 31/10/2021 09:55

Thanks barb. I've read around it but wasn't sure if my symptoms fit. I'm worried about progesterone as I know it makes joints looser. But Also know it can be taken vaginally.

I've only had c sections so am concerned about a coil. I seriously think I'd have to have GA!

I've not tried soy isoflavones yet either. But that can be an issue with thyroxine I think.

OP posts:
SophiesMummySaid · 31/10/2021 09:59

Sorry I can’t read whole thread (fatigue!) but have you had Covid? I have long covid , and I think I have hEDS, and my joint pain and fatigue is much worse around my period. Also have constant low ferritin unless I supplement. Apologies if I’ve repeated anything already covered

Original poster
WarriorN · 31/10/2021 10:56

No I haven't had Covid. It's been going on for a few years

OP posts:
Original poster
WarriorN · 31/10/2021 10:56

I was better at the end of my last pregnancy and for a while afterwards. I'm assuming the pregnancy hormones bumped me up for a while.

OP posts:
Bettybantz · 31/10/2021 16:31

I train with a PT once a week to try and keep my joints strong. This week coincided with the first day of my period and I was so weak. I had to drop the weights and number of Reps down on every exercise.
He has read up about hEDS and hormones and said he wasn’t surprised at all - my muscles were having to work so much harder.
The fatigue can be because of the extra work we have to do when the joints loosen.

Original poster
WarriorN · 31/10/2021 16:44

Sounds familiar. No where seems to know about hEds and hrt.

OP posts:
Allthelols · 31/10/2021 19:57

Pregnancy itself with soften your cervix even if you don’t have a vaginal delivery so you might find a cool easier than you expect.

Yes you can use uterogeston vaginally although for HRT it’s the oral tablets you need and it is off licence so discuss with your Gp or a menopause specialist.

Original poster
WarriorN · 31/10/2021 21:53

Ok thanks, I may ask, but they're always saying how tight it is in an slightly surprising way when I have a smear...

OP posts:
DinkyDaisy · 01/11/2021 17:04

GP has suggested a low dose of Femoston for a 3-month trial.
Nervous but said ok.
Should get tomorrow if in stock...
I hope I am doing the right thing...