Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: thegregs52 on October 01, 2020, 02:49:30 PM

Title: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: thegregs52 on October 01, 2020, 02:49:30 PM
I have been in menopause for a year and a half now and am currently using Evoril Conti Patches which I have been using for over a year.  During peri-menopause I always had flu like symptoms, i.e. headache, aching limbs and excessively tired before my period was due.  I got so exhausted that I had to sleep straight away.  In the last year this has started happening again randomly but it is happening more and more, at least 2-3 times a month.  I have been back and forth to the doctor and had so many blood tests done but nothing is showing that there is a problem.  Part of me thinks it might be hormone related and therefore I was wondering if anyone else experienced these symptoms? I also have an underactive thyroid but an endocrinologist checked my levels and has said that they are all fine. Help  :'(
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: CherrySG on October 01, 2020, 03:19:00 PM
Exhaustion was a big one for me, but I didn't realise until I had to go on HRT for other reasons....and then I didn't need to sleep in the afternoon any more. The more potent form of HRT I take, the less fatigue I get.

Recently when I came off HRT for a couple of weeks I woke up aching all over, and was excessively tired. So yes, if you've had all the tests in all probability this is it.  :)
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Mrs asky on October 01, 2020, 03:38:16 PM
Have been going through the menopause for 2 and a half years now. Recently all my joints have started hurting, in so much pain, had to stop going to gym, just don’t have the energy. Had blood tests done for inflammation and arthritis, both came back negative. Doctor said it’s down to the menopause and to take vitamins B12 and D daily, have been for 3 weeks now. Still in pain. Anybody got any advice. Thanks
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: suzysunday on October 01, 2020, 07:11:15 PM
I took b12 and vit D for ages but it didn't help at all.  I feel tired and achy all the time too. I just use local hrt as had bad experience on full hrt. Don't like to think I will always feel like this. Sorry I can't be more helpful Mrs asky, just know how you feel.
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: CLKD on October 01, 2020, 07:37:11 PM
Unless your blood tests showed low VitD levels they won't help.  Over the counter pain relief may well ease symptoms.  As oestrogen levels drop so muscles may become lax = aches and pains.  Crashing fatigue is common.  It was a symptom of my low VitD levels 3 years ago.

Be kind to yourself.  It's The Change, does what it says on the tin.
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Ms Peak on October 01, 2020, 08:55:27 PM
Hi ladies.
I take tumeric capsules. Its the natural relief from joint pains I have found
Ms Peaks x
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Itwillpass on October 02, 2020, 08:08:49 AM
I've had fatigue & achy muscles\joints for months now it's all totally exhausting. I'm talking every single day no let up, also had bloods done all fine. It's an effort to even wash up & climb the stairs. I was fit & healthy then it hit me like a train! I've been taking vitamin d & b vitamins for months with no significant improvement. Started evorel sequi a week ago but some way 3 months before it helps fingers crossed
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: CLKD on October 02, 2020, 08:21:58 AM
You may feel benefit B4 3 months ItWillPass.  Do any of you keep a mood/symptom/food diary to chart progress?  Some find it useful.
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: suzysunday on October 02, 2020, 09:56:44 AM
I've tried turmeric capsules and they gave me a weird vaginal discharge, orangey colour like the turmeric.  It was a bit like blood, which it probably wasn't, bit it put me off.  I stopped the turmeric then tried again and it did the same.  Put me off.
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Taz2 on October 02, 2020, 10:12:06 AM
Thegregs a lot of women have your symptoms when on progesterone. Could it be the fact that you are on continuous progesterone that's causing you to feel so horrible?

Taz x  :-\
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Babspiglet on October 02, 2020, 10:23:30 AM
Hello ItWillPass (and other ladies), I raised this in a similar thread recently to which you kindly replied. I’m experiencing exactly the same as you at the moment, waiting for the HRT (Evorel patch and Utrogestan) to kick in and do something magical. I’ll have to wait and see how the continuous progestogen affects me-I know it is itself known to cause grogginess etc. Yesterday I also bought some A.Vogel Menopause Support tablets which have received rave reviews. A lot of the women report increased energy/reduced tiredness on them. The active ingredient is magnesium (good for tiredness and nervous system) which few of us have enough of apparently. The good thing is they can be taken alongside HRT. If I start leaping around with boundless energy I won’t quite know what’s made the difference but I’ll be so happy I won’t mind!  All trial and error at this stage. :)
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Itwillpass on October 02, 2020, 11:13:56 AM
Gosh I do hope so CLKD, Babspiglet I have been taking the menopace tablets since start of year which hopefully just keep everything topped up can’t do any harm I suppose, haven’t looked into those ones you mention. I’ll try anything at the moment to get the old me back  :'(
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Babspiglet on October 02, 2020, 12:18:15 PM
Ah, maybe there’s not too much difference between the two brands. I may’ve got my hopes up too much if the Menopace hasn’t done much for your energy  : We just do what we can! I’m just having to take a break during the hoovering. Previously I would’ve powered through it all without thinking. Now I have to pace myself. So bewildering! x
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Itwillpass on October 03, 2020, 08:28:35 AM
Babspiglet I really hope they work for you, maybe it's all placibo, also what works for one doesn't always work for another. Does anyone find their heart rate goes sky high even climbing the stairs or when eating?! Everything is such an effort  :-\ Also CLKD I write a general diary each evening ( usually says the same struggle of a day) I might try the food one though because I started to get digestive issues not stop from June & ibs running to the loo every morning. Pretty sure alot is caused by my health anxiety.
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Babspiglet on October 03, 2020, 09:29:21 AM
Itwillpass, thanks for your encouragement. I can relate to so much of what you say, particularly the racing heart after quite minor exertion and exercise, walking up stairs and walking for any length of time. I have to incorporate rest stops into my walks now whereas I could charge ahead as recently as March! I’m advised by doctors that this is probably anxiety which I can accept but also firmly believe the demon hormones are playing their part.  I also think that as my problems seemed to start just after lockdown the pandemic has introduced and heightened anxiety symptoms and has made everything worse. Even when I think I’m not particularly anxious, a doctor will attribute my lack of stamina and self-diagnosed ‘heart problem’ (!) to anxiety leaving me floundering around as to the best way to treat my symptoms. I think that the HRT (recommended by one doctor) will help us over the coming weeks/months and we should just be kind to ourselves. I’m so fed up with being constantly fixated on how I’m feeling all the time but this forum is a Godsend and I’m glad I’ve found it!  :)
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Rosie63 on October 03, 2020, 11:19:47 AM
Hi ladies.  I’m probably quite a bit older than most of you, now 66, but I remember when I first started going through the menopause around 50, the first symptoms I had were aching muscles and joints. I kept thinking I had a virus but after speaking to an older lady at work, I realised it could be hormone related.  Anyway, long story short, I saw my GP and was started on HRT and within a week, my symptoms had all but gone.  I’ve been on HRT ever since and whenever I’ve tried to stop or my oestrogen levels drop, I always get the aches and pains, together with palpitations.

Not sure if this helps but hope you soon get some relief.

Rosie63 x
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Itwillpass on October 03, 2020, 03:30:57 PM
Rosie63 I remember a gp telling me my aching joints were probably from a virus, I’d had them for months was unbelievable what she didn’t know about symptoms I was so frustrated. Babspiglet I agree about the anxiety & lockdown I’ve got so used to not going out I now find going out incredibly stressful. I certainly can’t plan ahead it’s a take each as it comes now. Felt okayish today then 3pm complete wave of exhaustion came over me & real anxiety can’t even put my finger on why having a rest now before I have to start tea  :(
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: sed on October 03, 2020, 03:37:43 PM
Itwillpass, thanks for your encouragement. I can relate to so much of what you say, particularly the racing heart after quite minor exertion and exercise, walking up stairs and walking for any length of time. I have to incorporate rest stops into my walks now whereas I could charge ahead as recently as March! I’m advised by doctors that this is probably anxiety which I can accept but also firmly believe the demon hormones are playing their part.  I also think that as my problems seemed to start just after lockdown the pandemic has introduced and heightened anxiety symptoms and has made everything worse. Even when I think I’m not particularly anxious, a doctor will attribute my lack of stamina and self-diagnosed ‘heart problem’ (!) to anxiety leaving me floundering around as to the best way to treat my symptoms. I think that the HRT (recommended by one doctor) will help us over the coming weeks/months and we should just be kind to ourselves. I’m so fed up with being constantly fixated on how I’m feeling all the time but this forum is a Godsend and I’m glad I’ve found it!  :)

It seems as though we are the same....my diagnosis for anxiety came just after lockdown too and GP focused on that instead of my raging hormones.  I agree that Covid has played its part in heightening this symptom of my meno journey and am still holding on that HRT works.  I see it seems to work for hot flushes (the well known symptoms of meno) but haven’t had much proof that this works for anxiety.  Can only but try - good luck
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Itwillpass on October 03, 2020, 04:03:31 PM
Hi sed, this Covid situation has certainly heightened my anxiety no end, I cannot/do not even watch the tv now if anything Covid related comes on. My gp said she hopes hrt will help my anxiety if it doesn’t might have to try a low dose SSRI  :-\
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Babspiglet on October 03, 2020, 04:09:41 PM
Thanks Rosie, for the reassurance. Itwillpass and Sed, it seems that we shouldn’t underestimate the negative effect that the pandemic can  have on our emotions and general wellbeing. I often wonder if it had never happened, how would we all be feeling now? External factors like that can wreak havoc on us, even at a sub-conscious level. We’d be feeling a little more relaxed at the very least, I’m sure.  All the natural rhythms of our lives have been disrupted.  I did take an antidepressant for three months recently which really helped but it left me feeling lethargic and all I want is some energy again! I can live with a little bit of anxiety and am so much better than I was in April/May. I think collectively we’re doing everything that we can to deal with our symptoms. I also think that the placebo effect can be powerful enough to suggest that medication is working even before it kicks in properly. I think you have to believe that it will work. We can do no more other than wait in hope and relax and be kind to ourselves.  :)
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: suzysunday on October 03, 2020, 06:08:36 PM
Babspiglet,. I know just what you mean when you say you are fed up of being constantly fixated on how you feel.  Also, my anxiety has really escalated during this pandemic. So tired all the time.
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Babspiglet on October 04, 2020, 09:41:09 AM
Agree SuzySunday. We’ll just have to look forward to brighter days ahead-whenever that may be. We’ve had non-stop rain all weekend. If ever there was an excuse to stay in under the duvet it’s today!  ;)
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: thegregs52 on October 06, 2020, 01:54:33 PM
Thank you everyone for your comments although its pants to know that it sounds like its another joy of the menopause and it might be like this for a while yet.  Unfortunately I also have Hypothyroidism which probably doesn't help with my hormone levels. 

A lot of you are saying that they felt better once they started to take HRT and I've been using Evorel Conti for nearly 2 years so no I am wondering about trying another patch, anyone got any ideas?  :-\

Would also like to know how you get on with the Menopace Babspiglet  :)
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: sed on October 11, 2020, 06:29:33 AM
Hello ItWillPass (and other ladies), I raised this in a similar thread recently to which you kindly replied. I’m experiencing exactly the same as you at the moment, waiting for the HRT (Evorel patch and Utrogestan) to kick in and do something magical. I’ll have to wait and see how the continuous progestogen affects me-I know it is itself known to cause grogginess etc. Yesterday I also bought some A.Vogel Menopause Support tablets which have received rave reviews. A lot of the women report increased energy/reduced tiredness on them. The active ingredient is magnesium (good for tiredness and nervous system) which few of us have enough of apparently. The good thing is they can be taken alongside HRT. If I start leaping around with boundless energy I won’t quite know what’s made the difference but I’ll be so happy I won’t mind!  All trial and error at this stage. :)

Hi Babspiglet

I just wondered if you are still taking the A Vogel supplement?  I have been taking this for a week and even though I had minimal nausea which lasted a short time in the morning, it is lasting now all day and comes with vomiting.  Just trying to trace my steps and the only new thing is these tablets started on Monday 5th? 

Hope you are well x
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Babspiglet on October 11, 2020, 08:42:17 AM
Hi Sed, I’m so sorry that you’ve been feeling sick and vomiting since starting taking the A.Vogel supplement, that’s miserable. I’ve been ok so far and haven’t suffered adverse effects which is surprising as I have a sensitive stomach. If you’re certain it’s these tablets just stop taking them as there’s no point suffering through taking a herbal supplement. Not sure how long you’ve been on HRT-could it be at all possible it’s a side effect of that still settling? Still, you say you’ve done nothing differently other than start taking the supplement so it probably is that. I, as yet, haven’t felt their benefit as it’s only been just over a week and it has to build up within you first. I haven’t felt any worse though. I’ve just started applying a full patch now so am monitoring that. Try another supplement maybe or call their helpline on side of box? So sorry. Hope you can still have a nice day. x
Title: Re: Ache all over and excessively tired - Menopause?
Post by: Babspiglet on October 11, 2020, 09:06:58 AM
Sorry Sed-just read your other post giving more context for your nausea. I was prescribed Cyclizine before when I was getting bad nausea taking an antidepressant. It’s highly effective in stopping it within about half an hour. I can thoroughly recommend it. Really hope you can get over it-there’s nothing worse. x