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[Sulfate]

Any one experienced extreme tiredness and occasional low mood,not wanting to be to work or even speak to people!

[jaypo]

Think most of us on here sulphate,good days and bad,are you getting all the right vitamins and supplements?you definitely need more going through menopause

[AG]

Hi Sulfate,

Yes, I have been extremely tired at times, exhausted and feeling pretty terrible some days. Then "out of the blue" I could be almost ok again for some days (or hours), and all this in random order for about a year now. Never had anything like this before (now nearly 49 and in late peri, periods many months apart if at all by now). I keep exercising as I enjoy this but had to cut back due to peri, and also being in full time work still. I have had days when I really did not want to talk to anyone, low mood etc. I can now slowly see a slight improvement, so it must at some point get better (if 2019 is worse then it is HRT time for me). If you have not had a blood test it may be worth checking for thyroid, vitamin D and iron levels in particular. It is counter intuitive but sometimes a brisk walk or even a run can improve things and I feel less tired afterwards. All the best, Anna

[sheila99]

Yes. Peri undiagnosed for 2 years. It has slowly improved now I am on HRT & testosterone but energy levels are nowhere near what they were when I was younger. Are you on HRT? Also need to check thyroid & Vit D levels as fatigue can have many causes.

[Sulfate]

No I'm not on HRT . Saw my GP a few days ago, she advised against  HRT unless I have very severe symptoms.  Advised an increase in amitriptyline which I take daily for low mood.

[sheila99]

How much more severe does it have to get? What is beyond 'extreme tiredness'? Have a look at the 'Advice for Husbands' pinned post as you may have other symptoms you hadn't asociated with meno. I hope your GP isn't as ignorant as mine, they failed to diagnose it twice because I didn't have hot fluhes. I was aged 56 and 57 which should have been a pretty big clue. I was offered ADs instead of HRT. Quality of life is important, please don't be fobbed off if the increased dose doesn't work.

[crazycatlady]

Yes, sulfate!
Me too.
Good advice by AG and sheila99.
GP did blood tests and put me on regular B12 injections to help with the fatigue, and I take Spatone for iron every now and then if I feel iron's low. But everyone's different and it might not be that for you, so worth getting a diagnosis/plan of action that's specific for you.

[Dierdre]

I've just started taking vitamin d with magnesium as was starting to feel like I wanted to hibernate. Perhaps this might help you too.

[Hurdity]

No I'm not on HRT . Saw my GP a few days ago, she advised against  HRT unless I have very severe symptoms.  Advised an increase in amitriptyline which I take daily for low mood.

Hi Sulfate

I don't think I've done so before so just wanted to say

Re your comment - this is so wrong! Your doc is so out of date!!! Did your doc advise you to take amitryp due to low mood caused by menopause or have you been prescribed it for many years due to long standing low mood/depressions? If the former then you should not have been prescribed this over hRT unless there is a medical reason not to take it.

I urge you to read more about menopause and HRT and think about the latter rather than increase a medication for which is not indicated for menopausal symptoms! Please try to find a doctor that is not anti-HRT - she is so out of date!!!

I agree with the others that you should ask for background blood tests for all those things to rule out other causes. How very dare she fob you off with an increased dose of Amitryp rather than investigate further?!!

Personally I would not increase the dose and do some research - we can help you. Is there another doc in the practice that specialises in menopause?

How is your diet overall as well as exercise? A good diet with plenty of fresh rather than processed food, and exercise especially outside is very good for tiredness and low mood - but if the fatigue has other causes then these need to be addressed first rather than more pills pills pills!!!  I do despair at some of these docs sometimes

Let us know how we can help any more - if we can?

Hurdity x

[Sulfate]

Thanks so much Hurdity for your thoughtful reply. I still really don't know what to do with regard to HRT.
I have been taking amitriptyline for a couple of years, mainly for my interstitial cystitis and to help me sleep. I was on a different trycillic  anti depressant  for a good few years before I swapped to the amitriptyline.
I can only get an appointment on the same day for emergency only! Or I have to wait for weeks.

[Hurdity]

This does seem to be a problem with some surgeries - but many have an intermediate timescale - ie not an emergency but not routine. Can you discuss with receptionist (if this is what you feel) that  your recent consultation was not satisfactory and you need another one ( preferably with someone else) - sooner rather than later, in the circumstances? After all this doc was not giving you the best advice - if you are medically able and wish to consider HRT with someone knowledgeable.

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

If you have been on an antidepressant medication for years then stick with that for now and maybe keep a mood/symptom/food diary to chart feelings.  Something you can discuss with your GP/Practice Nurse to see which symptom is bothersome enough to think of easing.

Get your VitD levels checked.  18 months ago I would do 20 mins. weeding then have to sit still for 2 hours.  I had no energy.  Blood tests showed low VitD and capsules eased symptoms.  I'm tired and of low mood now due to it being 'that' time of year  I have less motivation then ever B4 to sort cards/paper/gifts etc..  The very thought leaves me headed for the duvet though I am better if I get up and doing.

Many Surgeries across the UK have a 4-5 week wait for a consultant with a GP of choice.  Trainees simply are not signing up to be GPs and those that I worked with in the 1980s are now retiring.  There is a huge gap as well as a gap in Dental services.  If your Surgery has a Nurse Practitioner it might be worth having a chat with her.

Let us know.

[CLKD]

OH! and 

[LellyM]

Hi,

can definitely identify with this one. I can have days when I struggle to keep my eyes open. GP has suggested Vit D tablets as they are supposed to help with energy levels. She is also checking my B12 levels just in case.

Feel low most of the time as well. Not depressed (been there, not the same) but just feeling generally meh.

L

[CLKD]

How's your diet over-all?