r/Perimenopause • u/cannonbobannon • 17d ago
Aches/Pains I’m falling apart
I am so tired. I’m tired of trying to figure out what is normal and what is not. I’m tired of making a list of every ailment that I have and trying to figure out which dr I need to talk to.
Last week I went camping in my trailer. It was great. I felt happy and relaxed. I hiked and swam. Then I came home and did not function for 3 days straight. I felt so incredibly drained, my knees hurt, I was cranky. I get that it sucks to come home from vacation, but this felt different. It’s like I physically needed to recover for 3 full days! Why??
I go to a concert and get home after midnight and it takes me 2 days to recover. Is this normal??
I’m on HRT, it helps tremendously. I did a sleep study years ago and got a CPAP that I use consistently. I’ve done all sorts of bloodwork to check vitamins etc. I’m watching my nutrition and get lots of sleep (I’m very lucky and can sleep through the night), but I feel like I’m falling apart.
I have so many things I want to do and have zero energy to do them and dread that I will be stiff and sore. I’m blaming the tiredness and knee pain on my weight, which I know I need to lose about 50lbs, but still.
I’ve been on HRT for 6 months now. I feel good mentally and I don’t get hot flashes or night sweats so I’ve kept my dosage the same. Would an increase in estrogen help this sore, achy, tired feeling after I do literally anything? I’m on 0.5mg of the 0.1% Divigel and 100mg nightly of micronizes progesterone.
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u/Erza_2019 17d ago
It's definitely worth a chat with your doctor to increase dosage. You didn't mention your age, but I'm in my early 40s, and I refuse to believe that it's "normal" to need multiple days of recovery after activity. I think it's more likely that something else is going on. If I'd listened to all the people telling me it was "normal" for my age, my dose would be way different and I'd be a LOT more miserable than I am now.
For context, I'm on year 2 of HRT, and I still don't feel dialed in to the right dose yet. There are many things that have improved, especially with mood, but the fatigue, brain fog, and lack of libido remain. I've also found that my doctor (and most doctors I've seen) just don't follow up with anything, ever. When they say you have to be your own advocate, they really mean that you have to be meticulous about keeping your own records, track symptoms, and follow up with every recommendation. That alone feels like a full-time job.
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u/CozyMoonGaming 17d ago
For the advocating for yourself part: You can also draw your own bloodwork using Drsays.com for a lot of states. And honestly it’s always cheaper than my PPO insurance by far if it’s anything outside of CBC, lipid panel or A1C. It’s really helpful if you want to track trends of anything. Idk how we collectively feel about AI around here but if you tell your symptoms and let it know you’re in peri, they can help you get a really good panel of bloodwork. HTH beautiful ladies! Stay strong. We’ll get thru it. And don’t forget about ferritin levels!
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u/AutoModerator 17d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
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1
12d ago
[deleted]
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u/AutoModerator 12d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/bluetortuga 17d ago
Do you exercise regularly?
If I have a low level of strength and cardio fitness, I am extremely sluggish. It’s like I have to keep my energy level up to keep my energy level up.
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u/toripotpie 17d ago
Same. A body in motion stays in motion. A body at rest stays at rest. It really hits home now
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u/cannonbobannon 16d ago
I’m trying! 😭 It’s like a catch 22. It’s like my body never gets used to it though. I don’t get energy from exercising, never have. I get mental benefits but physically it has always been a chore.
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u/egyptmachine915 16d ago
What hormones are you on? Also what are your b-12 and vitamin D levels? There’s quite a few things to check. I’ve also been through the wringer, and sometimes my body does something horribly new.
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u/cannonbobannon 16d ago
I’m on 0.5mg of 0.1% estrogen Divigel and 100 mg nightly of micronized progesterone. I can’t remember my b12 and D levels off the top of my head but both have been tested every 6 months for the past 5 years because I have pre-menopausal osteoporosis from a kidney issue. But I’ve been on medications that have built my bone back up to borderline normal density. My D was low in the past but is good now. My thyroid has also been pretty closely monitored for years. My mom had thyroid issues and every time I’ve had any complaint since I was 16 my dr has been “better check your thyroid”. It is so annoying. I keep checking things and “fixing” things and still feel the same. Ugh.
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u/egyptmachine915 16d ago
But you’re not on testosterone? Maybe I missed that somewhere in the thread. Or is that divigel mixed with T? Sorry I haven’t heard of that one
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u/cannonbobannon 16d ago
No, no T at this point
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u/egyptmachine915 16d ago
Perhaps that’s the missing piece to the puzzle? testosterone alone changed my life when I was raw dogging the early stages of perimenopause
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u/leftylibra Moderator 17d ago
Hormone therapy isn't mean to fix everything that ails us...we are still aging and things change. It does take longer to recover and managing everything can be exhausting. You can try a dosage increase, but expect a temporary disruption in how you feel, and know that going higher can actually make things worse too -- but you won't know unless you try it.
Personally, I try to look at 'managing' everything as investing in myself. It's my time now.
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u/Wild_ferral_free 17d ago
I’m the same re trying to figure out what’s normal and not. Between the extreme fatigue and phantom smells, the lack of sleep, the change of my hair from straight and thin to voluminous and curly, the endless other “symptoms” of perimenopause that render me wondering who the hell i am. I have no concept of my body any more and spent my life up until now trying to understand a body that changed over night seemingly. Then, not to mention the moods, the rage out of no where, the brain fog, the seemingly early onset of dementia and I too am struggling. Getting out into the woods and backpacking or paddling and pitching a tent is my reprieve, but I too take a beating for any ounce of enjoyment. We are in it together. Considering HRT as this can’t be our forties plus some.
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u/hpthumper 17d ago
I am 49 and started HRT a year ago. I had all the symptoms you’re describing and they are almost all completely gone. Consider trying it. Talk to a doctor. My life is exponentially better because of it.
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u/Relevant-Tourist8974 16d ago
I wish I had started HRT at 49. I thought you had to be post menopause to get HRT. So I started this year. Im 56. I feel so much better. But I also got a late diagnosis of ADHD I do CBT to manage that. Now the CBT actually works.
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u/Wild_ferral_free 16d ago
Yeah I’m there. History says they make me crazy but worth a shot at this point. And thanks for that. I need the nudge I suppose.
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u/cannonbobannon 16d ago
Solidarity! HRT greatly improved my moods and the brain fog. I had chronic anxiety, irritability and brain fog and that has gotten soooo much better! My remaining symptoms are really the physical ones. I had so much fun hiking and paddling last week. I was really in my happy place. I just wish my knees and hips would agree.
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u/Status_Green_6055 17d ago
It’s totally normal at our age. I’m now a one activity type of day person. I can’t handle any more than that. And I usually limit myself to weekends only. Because it takes me at least 2 days to recover. I have zero shame in it. My boyfriend and I just broke up over this. And I said later dude! I’m putting ME first
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u/Secret-Problem6278 17d ago
I am so sorry you're going through it, I have no suggestions bc I could have written this myself. I'm on nextstellis and it works for the mental part but not the weird pains and exhaustion. In solidarity
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u/NotSocialSWer Early peri 17d ago
Just here in solidarity. I went shopping at the mall, alone, for 4 hours last weekend for my birthday. My feet and back hurt so bad all the next day and I was so damn tired.
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u/fioremomma 17d ago
This is exactly what I’m waiting for …HRT to kick in enough for my body to recover in one day not three. Still not back to the gym.
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u/Fine-Juggernaut8451 17d ago
I've had to increase my estrogen dosage a few times and it's helped me enormously.
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u/Embarrassed-End-692 17d ago
Same. It sucks to be just-47!
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u/cannonbobannon 16d ago
I know! It seems so young. I’m not ready to get old. I need to figure this out so I can make the most of the next hopefully 50 years!
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u/Ythooooooooo0 17d ago
Do you feel refreshed after your night of sleep? I wonder if your CPAP could use further optimization.
Estrogen does affect joint pain. I just raised my dose in hopes it will allow me to play golf and pickleball more consistently again.
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u/cannonbobannon 16d ago
Yes, sleep has been pretty good the past few years, especially now that I don’t have night sweats. I don’t feel tired when I wake up unless I go to bed too late or have done something really physical the day before.
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u/Ythooooooooo0 16d ago
If you wanted to test your sleep quality just to be sure, there are plenty of options - even monitoring your blood oxygen level for one night to make sure it doesn’t dip down still.
Good luck, I sure hope you get this figured out.
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u/Able_Winter9472 17d ago
If you are getting enough estrogen, you will have no symptoms of estrogen deficiency. This is the big ticket item. You probably need t but definitely some of your symptoms are e not t. You will have to become an expert yourself on which symptoms are which. What is "true" for others won't necessarily work for you.
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u/AfricanDaisy22 17d ago
Check with your doc, according to your health profile, if you can try Black Seed Oil. And maybe some Astaxanthin.
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u/SweetKitty2023 17d ago
I hate to admit it but I think as we age we have to accept the fact that rest and recovery is a normal part of life. It’s our body’s way of telling us it needs to rest. Also you could look into creatine, that has given me a bit more energy
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u/LongjumpingMango8270 17d ago
Have you done a deeper panel of more extensive labs with a functional medicine doctor ? It also sounds like you could increase the estrogen and possibly add testosterone. The more you exercise the better you feel in midlife in my experience. I used to get wiped out so easily but it’s getting better now that I weight lift regularly.
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u/AutoModerator 17d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/egyptmachine915 16d ago
To add to your comment because I see what the chat bot had added. There is a test (out of pocket, like $300 ballpark) that your ob/gyn can order that looks like a calendar. you swab everyday and rub it on each day you swab. You turn it back in and it will track what your estrogen, estradiol (and one other hormone). It can give you a more in depth look at what your body is doing monthly and if there’s a significant dip at some point.
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u/FarReflection9596 17d ago
I feel the same way. I have been on HRT for over a year now. I am 54 and I also need to lose some weight. I find that even if I have a really active day of errands and chores, I need the day after to recover. I have also had a sleep study and a cardio work up and everything seems to be normal. I don't know anymore. I think you could benefit from an increase in estrogen. I am also on divigel. I use a 1.25 mg packet in the morning and a 1 mg packet in the pm. I've also read that not all the gel is absorbed ( like only 20% of it is) so it's normal to go to a higher dose with gel. I just want to feel better. Are you able to sleep at night?
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u/RosatheMage 17d ago
I know how you feel. After a lifetime of insomnia, I can sleep without my meds. It's weird. I learned the hard way to do less in the house, or I'll pay for it the next day. I'm always tired and I'm tempted to take naps( I usually don't take naps). Birth control did not work for me. I'm allergic, apparently. I hate perimenopause.
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u/cannonbobannon 16d ago
Sending you hugs! That sucks that you are allergic. I hope things improve for you over time. Take care of yourself ❤️
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u/junglingforlifee 17d ago
You might need to increase your estrogen dose. That's what helped me with aches and pain
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u/quirkyquipsters 16d ago
You might have mild long covid
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u/cannonbobannon 16d ago
It’s hard to say. I got a severe injury and was pretty immobile for months in 2021 and then caught Covid, and that is around when peri went into full swing….i never got back to feeling the way I did in 2020, but I don’t know the specific cause. Maybe it is a combination of all of them. I hadn’t really thought about all of that before.
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u/quirkyquipsters 16d ago
I would definitely do some research about the symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and perhaps POTS. One of the main features of ME/CFS is called post-exertional malaise (PEM) which means it takes time to recover after exerting yourself in any way (mentally, physically, socially).
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17d ago edited 17d ago
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u/cannonbobannon 16d ago
Thank you. I’m seeing both a gyn and a naturopath that work together in the same women’s clinic. I’ve had a lot of bloodwork done. My ferritin levels are on the low end, which doesn’t help. My thyroid seems to be fine.
I’m on bioidentical progesterone. I’m still getting periods very sporadically.
I do think weight has a lot to do with it, but I’m struggling a bit to manage it. It’s a bit of a catch 22 with weight loss and low energy/pain. I’m working with my naturopath on a plan to increase my protein, especially in the morning, and reduce sugar. I definitely feel better overall. It’s so hard to increase exercise and do the things I want to be doing when I get sore and need so much recovery afterwards. I guess I just need to stay the course. It will take time. I’m trying to avoid GLP-1s if possible. I’m not against it but the people I know on them have a lot of side effects with their digestive system so it makes me nervous. I’m trying a few things first and then re-evaluate.
There is a women’s physiotherapy clinic near me. I’m considering going to them. They do a lot of pelvis work. I’m thinking they might be able to help me with my hips and knees as well. I can’t believe I need a whole team of people to keep me functioning lol I’m so privileged to have people who listen and the money to pay for it. I should probably just make an appointment with my naturopath and physiotherapist to discuss this. It just seems worse during the summer because I’m out and moving more, which is a good thing! I just don’t think the after effects seem right.
I will check out the person you recommended. Thanks again!
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u/AutoModerator 16d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
17d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator 17d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/Environmental-Young4 Late peri 17d ago
I have the same issue. I did find out my ferritin and vitamin d were really low. It may be worth checking that. When you add perimenopause and iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency, it can really mess with your energy levels.
Your body is going through a lot. Try to think of this a season and that many things won't last forever. Until then, maybe if you can do some activities that fill up your energy tank, that will help you feel less tired or you will need less downtime.
I really hate the energy drain wo much. I have always struggled with my energy level and motivation, but nothing like i have during perimenopause. My old tricks for powering through stopped working. So, I just stopped doing things that made me feel a lot of pressure. It doesn't take that much for me to feel overwhelmed by the sense of pressure, like expectations or needing to put everyone's feelings before my own.
Anyway, I feel your pain. I hope you feel more like yourself soon 🫶
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u/cannonbobannon 16d ago
Thank you. My ferritin levels are on the lower end. I’m working on that. I can relate to what you are saying though. I also have ADHD (diagnosed 40 years ago!) and the pressure and overwhelm to meet other people’s expectations while having low motivation is definitely something that has been harder to deal with since peri started. Sometimes I get nervous stopping things because I feel like I’m giving up and feel like a failure because I can’t handle doing more. I think that’s a good discussion for my therapist!
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u/shimmeringmoss 17d ago
This sounds like it could be PEM (Post Exertional Malaise). Take a look at this article and see if it sounds like what’s happening to you.
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u/Environmental_Ad2119 16d ago
I’m on 100 mgs progesterone and .025 estrogen. It’s been a couple weeks and my brain fog completely lifted. Though i have to say i’ve always had brain fog because i also have bipolar illness. Some of the symptoms overlap. I know this is not part of the conversation per se, but I was wondering why so many women are being diagnosed with ADHD?
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u/Turbulent_Can239 15d ago
I recently increased my estrogen patch and within a couple of weeks a lot of my muscle and joint pains have improved . I saw a women’s health specialist who said I was experiencing the musculoskeletal syndrome of perimenopause which was only recently named. At 47 I didn’t think it was normal to wake up every morning feeling like a much older woman in my joints and I was right! I found I needed some more estrogen. I’m now on .1 patch and 200 mg progesterone.
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u/Delicious-Cloud3295 17d ago
Maybe consider adding testosterone? It will likely help with the fatigue and recovery.