Shortness of breath

[NameChangedForThis2025]

Has anyone experienced this and did HRT help?

I’ve seen my GP a few times recently as I’ve got fatigue, total loss of libido, racing mind, joint achy-ness. She’s recommended lifestyle changes before trying HRT as she’s not convinced it’s peri. I’ve been trying to get back into running and I’m really struggling with it. I’ve been running 3-4 x a week since the beginning of the year and making such slow progress. I feel heavy and sluggish and feel like I’ve just got no puff on even fairly small inclines. It’s feeling significantly different from any other time I’ve tried to up my running fitness.

I’ve read shortness of breath is a symptom of perimenopause as well and just wondering about others experiences.

Sounds like your ferritin is through the floor. Mine was low and I couldn't walk up a hill that I'd previously run up.

Ask GP for a blood panel.

Not heard of that at all. It just sounds like being unfit! Sorry!

But your GP sounds a bit unhelpful too. If you think you have symptoms of peri and want HRT, then ask for it or maybe see someone else at the practice?

Does your GP have a reason to think it's not peri? Are you overweight for example? Just trying to work out why she thinks you don't need HRT yet.

How old are you?

Lifestyle changes are very important too but they can't always deal with peri in the way that HRT can.

Ass PP says it could be anaemia- are your periods heavy?

@Ilovelowry I’ve had my bloods done several times and my ferritin was 32 last time which is in normal range but I’ve been taking supplements anyway for the last month as it’s the lower end of normal.

@JinglingSpringbells i am definitely unfit 😆. But I’ve done the unfit to a bit fitter journey a lot as I’m not good as staying on the running routine but this time feels much much harder than normal and my progression so slow it feels non existent.

I may be clutching at straws re it being perimenopause related.

The main points are how old are you and have your periods gone haywire?

If you're becoming breathless with normal day to day stuff rather than running, your GP should refer you for tests - heart and lungs.

Hi @NameChangedForThis2025 I am a medical professional and trained boxing coach. In short -Yes, shortness of breath can be a symptom of menopause. Hormonal changes, especially the decline in oestrogen, can affect lung function, circulation, and anxiety levels, all of which may contribute to breathlessness.

Possible causes include: Lower oestrogen → impacts lung capacity and oxygen regulation
Anxiety & panic attacks → common in menopause due to hormone fluctuations Heart health changes → oestrogen protects the cardiovascular system, and its decline can affect circulation Lower iron levels → can lead to breathlessness and fatigue
Never ignore SOB particularly if it’s ongoing: When to see a doctor: If shortness of breath is sudden, severe, or accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or swelling, always seek medical advice.

Also re the running low impact exercise is better during menopause. As high intensity causes a spike in cortisol which steals oestrogen and we don’t need more of that being taking away. Consider walking, cycling, yoga/core conditioning. You shouldn’t expect to see sob after you’ve run during of course but certainly not after.

However what I would say as medical professional is never ignore SOB. You’re not clutching at straws so don’t feel bad. You’re making an effort to help yourself which I applaud. What works for us in our 20’s may not work for us in our 30’s and certainly not in our 40’s, 50’s and so on. We are always evolving, our body’s and brains changing that’s the natural progression of life but it doesn’t need to be a negative one. It can be a really intriguing experience getting to know who we are in ever chapter of our lives. We aren’t supposed to stay the same. So please don’t feel pressured or discouraged. X

In short -Yes, shortness of breath can be a symptom of menopause. Hormonal changes, especially the decline in oestrogen, can affect lung function, circulation, and anxiety levels, all of which may contribute to breathlessness.

Could you link to evidence for that? The lung function part. I've never heard of it.

@JinglingSpringbells I’ll leave that to you to source!! Enjoy

I did try before asking you! Nothing came up.😀
Is there a source ? (but not AI as it's not always right.)