Extreme Fatigue

[isitme111]

Has anyone got any tips on how to deal with the sheer exhaustion menopause seems to bring. I've had blood tests and my iron levels are within the normal range. I'm on HRT patches which initially seemed to bring an improvement with fatigue for several months but I'm now feeling as tired as ever again.

Do you know what your ferritin is? Within range is not necessarily optimal. They need to be at least 70 which is a lot higher than nhs guidelines. Have you had a full thyroid panel?

Thanks checkedshirts - No - I don't know what my ferritin is and I haven't had a full thyroid panel. Do you know if I could ask my GP for this or more to the point would they be willing to do these checks if I said I was exhausted.

I saw a nurse for exhaustion and body aches. She has given me blood tests for everything. Including all those mentioned above. D, B12, iron, thyroid, diabetes, liver kidneys, rheumatoid, hormones and other stuff I cant remember. I think I was lucky; couldn't see a Dr and she had a trainee with her. Waiting for results.

What was your vitamin D level like? Apparently that has a big impact on sleep quality, as does Magnesium.

How long have you been on HET and what dose?

Agree with others who said a full blood check and ask for an antibodies test for your thyroid and insist on it as doctors seem to drag their heels on thyroid. Do you have any hair loss, eyebrow hair loss, is your skin/hair unusually dry, feeling like you are dragging your feet and things an effort that were not before. Underactive thyroid makes you feel so exhausted and hard to function. Also you may need to tweak your hrt as I had to a few times as your own hormones changes. Hope you get things sorted.

Thanks everyone - Lucifer it's good you are getting a full check - that nurse was very efficient it definitely depends on who you see as to what tests you get - you were fortunate I hope the results help.
Unsync - Vitamin D wasn't checked although I have been low on it before. The doctor told me they don't repeatedly test for it once its been identified...My sleep is fine I usually go through the night without waking.
Cleo - I've been on HRT patches for around 15 months. I seen a huge improvement in energy levels after starting them but now I seem to have reverted back to how I was before. They are Evorel Conti - I'm not sure if they come in different strengths but I guess it's worth asking my Gp.
BOOTS52 - that's interesting about thyroid some of the symptoms seem similar to menopause. I do find it so hard to function.

I will make an appt to discuss with Gp.

Well all my blood test results look completely normal - saw them online - not had the call yet. Will start my own thread to check some towards the lower levels and other peoples experiences.

It's good the results are normal although it still leaves questions as to why you feel like you do - I hope you get some answers soon.

Isitme11 I just got my blood results and my B12 borderline low so that could explain my extreme fatigue.. So have to start taking supplements. Hope you get some answers soon as horrible to feel so out of sorts. I do have hrt sorted now but took a few tweaks along the way as our own hormones change then we have to adjust hrt. So confusing then if you add in other things like thyroid or low deficiency in other things.

@BOOTS52PollyPrissyPants did they advice you to take supplements based on being borderline? I'm concerned ill be brushed off with my borderline ferritin.

@isitme111 I have my thyroid functions results and will wait for the call with the nurse, but no idea if they are borderline etc. Not sure what my hormones levels says either. No idea if I'm peri! Stuck them on another post in the hope someonenwith experience will take a look.Hope you get to have more blood work done.

Do get your vit D checked - I had such extreme fatigue and so they added that and thyroid into a routine test I was having. Despite taking OTC vit D regularly it was down to 13. Six week course of enormous amounts and it made such a difference. Now take high dose OTC year round.

Lucifer yes told me to buy a vit b12, am confused though as do I need a separate feratin or will that suffice. Thank you

What level patches are you on? I had a huge improvement to start with but it waned over time. Hrt needs to be reviewed regularly and adapted to your needs.

@BOOTS52PollyPrissyPants yes separate

What’s your iron levels? Exact numbers please

Also what’s your B12 levels? Exact number please. Get this tested if not already done. Do not take b12 vitamins until bloods completed as the results can be skewered and falsely look healthy

My ferritin was 38. Told normal by Gp as official low is 38. So bought tablets myself.

Mine is 11, but is says bottom number is 10.

Thank you for help on here, everyone so kind and helpful and get more help here than the bloody arrogant doctor. Weird get tests done but it kills them to give you the time to explain results.

Check your patches strength. I started on the lowest dose of hrt and over a period of two years I progressed to the highest dose. You may need to increase your dose.

I agree with the others about reviewing your oestrogen dose. Also it might be worth having your testosterone checked, this has really helped me with energy.

I have an appointment next week and I will definitely make sure I ask about a higher patch strength. Thanks to all.

Also ask about testosterone. That has done more for my fatigue than anything else

@isitme111 Awful chronic fatigue-
Am on 125 micro grammes of Levothyroxine but still exhausted.
Had Shingles in lockdown that wiped me out and still feel post shingles pain at rash site.
Not overweight, but just have no physical energy or sparkle.
Have a dog , but a Whippet as their energy levels aren’t as full on as my old Lurcher ( she needed 16 mile walks)
I used to have SO much energy.

Following this topic . ( am post meno)