Surviving Menopause

A Resource for Mature Women who are going through menopause

Crashing fatigue

crash fatigueToday I am writing about extreme fatigue during menopause because I am experiencing it right now and it is horrible.  Women often will experience extreme lethargy or fatigue just out of the blue on any given day with no warning.  This actually takes place more often in pre menopause or peri-menopause as the body is trying to get used to its new chemistry created by the changing hormone levels.  There is actually a specific term for this extreme fatigue and it has been labeled by many researchers as “crashing fatigue”.  This is by no means an actual medical term, but there is a lot of literature out there that uses this exact terminology. Typically, crashing fatigue is defined as sudden and overwhelming feelings of weakness, exhaustion and reduced energy level, which can strike at any moment of the day and is not linked to recent physical exertion.  Often times crashing fatigue will strike right before the menstrual period for those women who are still in peri-menopause and are still having somewhat regular periods.

Crashing fatigue can be so debilitating that some women are unable to function with their daily routines, some cannot even get out of bed in the morning.  Crashing fatigue should not be confused with chronic fatigue syndrome, which is a totally different diagnosis. Crashing fatigue can be both physically based and psychologically based, and the two can intertwine.  The changing hormone levels cause many disturbances that throw the body out of whack.  Particularly when sleep is affected, it then of course makes sense that fatigue follows.  Therein lies the physical component to crashing fatigue.  Then there is the psychological portion wherein a woman is dealing with anxiety, emotional stress or generally overdoing things just to keep up with life that has gotten out of control due to other menopause symptoms and issues.  Unfortunately, psychologically caused crashing fatigue can lead women to feeling less emotionally stable which can then aggravate other symptoms. Fortunately, crashing fatigue may only be temporary and can be managed with many supplements and mainly lifestyle changes and in extreme cases with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  Refer to the section on survival tips for detailed information.

Comments

  1. I finally found information on what I believe I’m suffering from. I have had this ‘crashing fatigue’ for about 7years – right after I had a partial hysterectomy. Except my symptoms also include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, hot/cold spells, and dizziness. My symptoms usually start late at night and continue into the next day. I am debilitated to the point I can’t get out of bed. The symptoms would not subside until late in the day around 5:30. But now they’re continuing into the next day – so getting worse. When I get up the next day I feel like I’ve been hit by a transport truck cause my whole body aches & I’m exhausted. At first I thought they were migraines then panic/anxiety attacks then I found this website and everything I read was exactly what was happening to me. I’m on hormone replacement therapy and seeing a naturopath but so far nothing has stopped these episodes. I am very concerned about what they are doing to my mind and body. Does anyone else have the headaches, stomach/headaches, nausea I’ve described above. Does anyone have any suggestions/advice as to how to stop these episodes. Please let me know.
    Thank you.

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    • Ang, I’m suffering from the same symptoms you are….crashing fatigue, weakness, water retension, migraines, hot and cold, bouts of depression, the feeling of pressure in my head…and more symptoms than I can list. I’ll have a few good days then I crash! I feel like I’m made of lead. I don’t have the energy to shower or brush my teeth. I feel like I can’t relax nor can I sleep. I’ve gone as long as 9 nights without sleep. I’m just starting to look into all the possible causes and treatment. I just turned 52. On top of all of these symptoms, I have a severe back injury and have had three back surgeries so I’m constantly in pain. I don’t know the exact causes or causes…I know my pain contributes to a lot of these symptoms but I also have to deal with the pain. You’re not alone in what you’re feeling. I hope we can find the answer and proper treatment. I’ve tried hormone replacement therapy but it made it worse! Hope we can find help. Lyn

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      • Girls, I have it too. I’m 52 and have always been very physically active. The last 8 months or so I’ve experienced tiredness like never before in my life. It actually interferes with my functioning, and daily routine. I’m fortunate not to have your extreme pain, TigerLyn, but I do have some old injuries that seem to be causing me more pain and stiffness than usual. I do hope we can all find help of some kind.

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      • Hi Tigerlyn, we are almost twins! I two have a long term back injury and partial paralysis – I am 50 years old and Im guessing I am having very strange menopause symptoms. I have been suffering from disequilibrium 24/7 along with the feeling of weakness when walking and unsteady, foggy head, unable to concentrate, the need to lay down all of the time, hands and feet rapid temperature change and nausea. Not the usual symptoms hot flashes, night sweats etc. GP sent me to Neurologist as thought I might be having symptoms of a stroke etc. MRI all clear so I am assuming it must be hormonal. I have done heaps of googling on this hoping to find anyone having similar episodes. Also trying to find out if anyone suffering this also suffered Hyperemesis when they were pregnant and unable to take the pill (i.e. highly hormone sensitive). Was hoping that I could find a post from a fellow suffer of Hyperemesis to see how they are transitioning into menopause. Any info would be really appreciated as am going slowly mad!!

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        • Hi,

          I had severe Hyperemesis when I was pregnant and was in hospital for treatment throughout my pregnancies. I am 50 years old and suffering with extreme crashing fatigue. It began 8 months ago, I can go to bed at 9pm and need to be pushed out of bed at 8am. I could easily stay in bed all day and sleep 14 hours plus uninterrupted. I manage my household chores with great difficulty as I feel incredibly sluggish and exhausted all the time. I sleep soundly but rouse feeling unrefreshed. I wonder if there is a correlation between women who have had hyperemesis during pregnancy and this crashing perimenopausal exhaustion. I have tried yoga and found it a little helpful.. I find the day flies by and I have only tackled half of the chores I had hoped to do. I wish you all the best of luck with this crushing debilitating exhaustion and appreciate your postings. I know I am not the only one struggling.

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        • I too had HG during all pregnancies and am one day away from officially hitting menopause. I’m 47. If you still are looking to compare notes, I’m glad to discuss.

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      • HRT has been great for me. But it took a while before I got used to it. I’m on bio identical gel and a small amount of progesterone. Have a look at Dr Studd’s website. Don’t give up on HRT too quickly.

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        • I’m 65, post menopausal
          and in the same boat with the rest of you gals
          Every symptom you all speak of, I’m reading about myself
          I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired.
          Too tired to brush my teeth, take a shower, stay in the same clothes and sleep in them including my bra, because I don’t have the energy in the morning to put them back on. What’s the solution, ladies. Medications don’t work long term.
          I refuse synthetic HRT.
          My.sister took them. They gave her breast cancer.

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          • sue have you tried medication for depression ?
            65 seems late to still be suffering post menopause symptoms

          • Hi Sue,

            Just read your post..Wondered how you are?

            I have been suffering crashing fatigue,migraine ,anf breast pain(which is severe)..due to breast liumps ..I am 68..and fed up of all these symptoms….No you are not to late to be suffering from post menopausal symptoms..My gynae told me they can last into old age and beyond….My mum had the same problems..It seems to be all caused by a hormonr imbalance…best Wishes Pauline x

    • I have been going through menopause for about 7 years. I am 54 and have no periods for about a year. Have always suffered with fatigue especially before a period. Now I seem to get it all the time, plus I have colitis on top of it. I can get up and feel fine then all of a sudden I start getting dizzy a headache and then totally drained to the point that I feel like I am just going to drop. I can,t take it anymore.. Even if I try to lay down I seem to go from fatigue to overwhelming anxiety. Help I can,t do this anymore. It,s ruining my life

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      • Hello, Pat. Im desperate like you. I cant take it anymore. Your comment is a year old. Im wondering if you are feeling better and what you did to feel better.

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        • I had crashing fatigue. I thought I would never get my life back. I was always a workaholic and I turned into a tired person overnight. I purchased Maca tablets from i herb in America and they have been my saving grace. It took a couple of months to work and I took them for 18 months. Now I’ve stopped I’m back to my normal self. Hrt didn’t work for me and I really didn’t want to use it anyway.

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        • I have te same problems. I have Premature Ovarian Failure and for the last 4 weeks I crash all the time. I think my menstruation are stopping. Someone in a similar situation? Besides that symptoms for years…..

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      • Hi pat I’m new to this forum but I could relate to your post I’m 53 years old and feel so horrible with every symptom of the menapause apart from hot flashes.im anxious restless and feel so odd ? And not myself.i had a stroke 14 months ago and have recovered well but my Gp not really helped as they just state I’m complicated!! This has helped reading posts as I felt alone.lots of ladies suffering as well.

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    • Yes im 41 nearly 42 and was perimenopause since last yr. I had no periods for 7 mths then 5 mths of periods then none again last 3 mths. Im horrendously ill with extreme nausea diarrhoea headaches and exhaustion. V hard going with 3 young kids all under 6. Ive tried hrt but i seem to be hypersensitive to it and im even sicker. You are not alone. Hrt could be making it worse if dosage incorrect or wrong format for you.

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      • Hi louise, I´m now 42 and my periods stopped at 39. At that time, I had my two kids aged 3 and 1. In the beginning, I was quite happy that the periods stopped for good, as my pms has always been tough on me. But I gradually started to hate the menopause condition, as the hot flushes, incredible mood swings, tiredness, lack of concentration, forgetfullness and skin and hair changes started to affect me very negativelly in a very scary way. I went on HRT as I got to a desperate point, and struggled with the first treatment try for more than 1 year, as I would bleed and have pms symptoms continuously for up to 20 days a month and no gyneacologyst seemed to care at all, which was another shock for me in this horrible stage of life. I then started a second type of treatment about 5 months ago and things stabilized somewhat. However, I am constantly exhausted to the point it is highly difficult for me to get out of bed on the majority of the days. I keep forgeting my kid´s school responsabilities often, no matter what I do. I have no energy whatsoever to keep up with my kids normal expectations. And the house work, which is left all for me to do, as my husband, who is the economic provider (and his family) think they do enough by giving me a house to live in and also resent me for not bringing in any money, so to speak), has been killing me. Too much dirt in the house, as the kids are boys, very energetic, bring many friends in, too many clothes, too many dishes, just a lot, a lot of stuff to clean constantly. I have always worked out of home and, in fact, used to earn more than my husband in the past, having contributed financially more than him to the couple´s stuff up until the kids were born. We have always split the housework and done everything ourselves, until the kids were born. Due to not having who to leave my kids with (as all four grandparents it was my choice of having kids so I need to cope with all this alone, without any help whatsoever – literally) and not trusting any nanny to do it, plus wanting to be close to them at this stage of their lives, I quit work and have been out of the market for 6 years now. And, although these have been the most enriching years of my life, they have alway been the years I lost many things that I had achieved., I haven´t had any social life and I´ve been only doing housework and kid´s stuff, all by myself. I don´t have a career anymore nor I feel productive as I had always been. I have been isolated due to not working out of home and due to having gone into the menopause so early. It has been pretty difficult not to go into depression, as it´s now been too long in this situation. In the past year, my energy levels have dropped rock bottom, and I really feel there´s no hope to get out of this. I eat well, I exercise, I have vitamins. My blood exams are all fine (tyroid, etc), all fine. The fatigue seems to be part of the menopause and there´s nothing that will make it better. If decided to work outside of the house, I´d still face the problem of having to go home early and do all the housework and kids stuff, as my husband is now earning more and thinks he´s not supposed to do it. And I cannot cope with working from home + doing all the physical housework, as I just don´t have the energy I had before, when I multiastked at lot.. I do feel extremely alone and misunderstood, as people around me see me as a lazy person because they don´t recognize how physically demanding is housework for a person in my condition, don´t help, don´t want to know, don´t empahyze. Sometimes I feel like leaving everything behind, but keep thinking that my kids are definitely not to blame. It is the adults around you that are to blame. I never, ever thought I´d be stuck in such a situation and for so long. I really feel people see no worth at all in me because I don´t have a career anymore nor the physical strength that I always had before, and that is really sad to face. Menopause has been a real nightmare for me. I cannot see this as a normal stage of life. I feel it´s a sickness, rather than a phase. But because it´s not a disease per say, people around you expect you to be like them and treat you as sh… because you cannot be. Very depressing.

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        • Chris – I totally get your situation. I am in about my 5th or 6th year of perimenopause, but haven’t missed a period yet. I had the worst nausea last night, probably linked to my ovulating. It started at 7pm and lasted throughout the early morning. I don’t know how I was able to get any sleep! It was just a bad day yesterday overall. That’s why I went online looking for support today. They say there’s about 36 possible perimenopause symptoms, and I think I experienced half of them all in one day! I’m 45, have 2 teenage boys, and quit work about 10 years ago. I had a good career, and it wasn’t easy for my husband to “let me” stop working. I struggle like you with the inability to keep up with the housework, hubby not pitching in and thinking I have it easy, and his family’s resentment of me not returning to work. He’s not completely insensitive with what I’m going through, but I feel I can’t really ask him for help b/c he’s out there earning a living. He asks me from time to time “when are you going back”, but I can’t see how I could manage that + the house, like you said. And, I wasn’t in love w/ my career choice anyway, so I’d be starting over with something else. I get anxious just thinking about it! The worst is the emotional toll these hormonal changes take on me. I’ve had 2 panic attacks in the last 3 months, and that has NEVER happened to me before. I was hyperventilating, couldn’t stop crying – it was awful. And my memory is bad, like yours, and I often feel like I’m just trying to keep my head above water with all the family responsibilities. It does make me feel alone. I rely on my mom for emotional support, but she lives across the country. I call her almost every other day. It’s hard to maintain any other friendships right now b/c none of my friends understand what I’m going through. I know I should exercise more, but I feel so agitated and irritable that it’s hard to find the energy to focus on anything for more than 5 min, I don’t find enjoyment in the same things anymore that I used to. I’ve never been diagnosed with ADD, but I feel like I have a touch of that sometimes. I finally just had to go on youtube yesterday and find funny video clips so I could at least release endorphins through laughter. It actually did help a little bit. I hope your situation gets better, Chris.

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        • Hi there,
          Sounds as if you’re in a really bad way. Have you tried talking to your partner about how you feel physically and towards your responsibilities at home. Support from a partner can make a huge difference and if this is lacking maybe you need to think about a way forward with this. Do you have any other support network you can call upon. Perhaps couples counselling might work as it would enable you both to express how you feel in a managed environment with someone who can offer guidance. That way you can both learn to understand how the other is feeling and hopefully work towards a solution. Family therapy is also good. Whilst this doesnt directly help with the physical symptoms it can help tremendoulsy psychologically and hopefully make you more able mentally to cope with the physical which in itself can have a positive effect. I hope that things work out for you.

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    • You describe me to a T ! I am feeling very scared this makes you feel like you have some deadly illness and the Drs missed it. Too call it perimenopause seems so light it should be called your life is gonna be hell! Did you find help for the crashing fatigue I’m desperate also on bhrt! And see a naturopath I’m super fustrated

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    • Yes I feel comfort in reading these posts because I’m having a crashing fatigue moment right now! It happens on a regular basis, I could sleep all day and at night I very often have sleeplessnes. It’s so annoying because I was such an energetic person and have so much to do somedays. I also find I’m craving sugary foods during these episodes. I’m on hrt ten years and these tiredness episodes are worse in the last year…I wish someone could give me a solution to finding something that might counteract this fatigue

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  2. I also feel both of your pain. I am in surgically induced menopause and I’m only 35. I had a complete hysterectomy at 23 because my reproductive system was glued together from ovarian cysts and endometriosis. I have to stay on HRT the rest of my life because of how dangerous it is for my body to be in menopause at such a young age, but when my hormone levels drop, I get all the symptoms you describe above. I get migraines, nausea, occasional vomiting, hot flashes, depression, weepiness, sweats, achiness, weakness, water retention, but then the hormones adjust and I pee nonstop. I just received my HRT, but it takes 2 to 3 weeks for my body to absorb the meds so I’m currently in the “crashing fatigue” state. As I type this I can barely keep my eyes open, but I have no choice but to continue to fight though it because people see my age and think you should not be tired, but they have no idea what I’m going through.
    I receive estrogen pellets, which are bio-identical hormones that are inserted under the skin in your abdomen and the pellets release over time. It lasts 4-5 months. Unfortunately, it is not FDA approved, so it costs me $240 each insertion, but here’s the crazy part, the testosterone pellets used in men are FDA approved. (conspiracy? lol) The controversy according to the FDA is that the pellets are too hard to control, but apparently they can control the testosterone pellets just fine. As long as your doctor knows what he’s doing they are completely safe. They keep my hormones levels constant and steady. I feel fabulous and “normal” until I’m due for them again and that is when I start feeling the symptoms above, but those only last one to two weeks. I recommend the pellets if you are miserable. They are much safer than other HRT because they do not filter through the liver, but absorb through your blood stream. I’ll be thinking of you ladies. Good luck.

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    • Good luck getting off sotto pelle, it is impossible. I was using and gaining eight like crazy, if you are gaining weight something is really wrong.

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  3. Hi. Thank you so much for putting a name to this.

    I am 51, and get this during the 3-4 days before my (increasingly slight) periods. I’ve had an iud for the last 5 years, so have become accustomed to very light periods. I also had virtually no PMS for 4 years. About 6 months ago things changed.
    Now I am in bed for the 3-4 days leading up to my period with crashing fatigue, massive headache, aches and chills. The first couple times I thought it was the flu. Now it’s happening twice a month.
    In hindsight it makes total sense that it is Menopause. The M word never came up at the doctors office.

    In addition to the article, thank you ladies for sharing your stories. No one else seemed to understand what I was talking about.

    I have found that healing massage and Acupressure help. Last week I went to bed Thursday. By Saturday I was still unable to move. My husband drove me to an acupressure clinic where I described what I was feeling. I won’t say I was dancing after the hour, but I was able to sit up and eat some dinner. The next day I felt considerably better. It has usually taken till Monday.

    Hoping this will help someone.

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  4. Thank you for affirming all my symptoms. GPs look at me like I am a freak, bosses think I am trying to skive, and gynaes can only consol you – hrt may work.

    Thank you for setting up this site.

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  5. I have also been struck down with crashing fatigue and debilitating aches and pains. After taking foods that have antiinflammatory properties, I have significantly reduced my physical agony. At least now I only have the fatigue. Of a night I take 1/2 teaspoon of tumeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of minced ginger, 2 tablespoons of Apple cider vinegar in a glass of water with two fish oil tablets. It is horrible but has helped me so much, that there is no way that I would miss one dose. 2ild combination I know, but you will try anything when the pain is bad enough. I have also ordered Benagene and am going to take this in the hope that it helps with the fatigue by healing from cellular level. Will let you know how it goes…..here is hoping …..so sick of spending my life in bed.

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  6. I am suffering from debilitating “crashing fatigue”. I had ever since I went into menopause in 2012 (53 years old) and then I went into post menopause in 2015. It never ending. Not only do I feel like lead, but I cannot get out of bed even after sleeping 13 hours. I have weight gain, though I am a health nut who watches calories, eats super healthy, run, yoga, sit ups, and I work out with hand weights.. My waist is 45 inches. I lost most of my hair and I have sever premature aging of the face. In the year 2000, my progesterone was way too high and I had the exact same symptoms as going into this menopause and almost died from it. Right now, all my doctors refuse to test my estrogen and progesterone even though I know something is wrong there and causing my life to be utterly useless. I am suffering. My proof is that the doctor put me on Prempro (estrogen & progesterone) which caused my symptoms to get much worse. I went off of it cold turkey on a Monday and lost all my weight within 24 hours and felt like a powerhouse for the rest of the week. This is my old self. I suspect that my estrogen and progesterone are very screwed up, but my doctors all refuse to test both my estrogen and progesterone and to give my estrogen unopposed with the progesterone. Help!

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    • I am so glad I am not crazy! I have such crashing fatigue, I came home from work yesterday, fell into bed with all my clothes on at 5 p.m.; slept until my alarm went off in the morning and still felt exhausted, dragging myself out of bed just to get dressed, and was still late for work. I slept 14 hours! During this time I never move, I never wake up and if I do for just a brief moment, I do not care that I am wasting the day away, that I have all my work clothes still on, I need to brush my teeth or shower. Luckily, I know I get this once a month lasting one to two days and miraculously later on I am OK. The only problem is, I never know when it will strike me.

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      • OMG I feel so much better
        I am 50 and still having periods but they are starting to be all over the place and I’m writing this from bed. Two days ago really tired, yesterday barely made it home and went to bed with clothes on. Today feel Ike lead, also full feeling in head, sore muscles, I thought I had the flu or meningitis ha but no fever, just went to bathroom – started period then saw this board – hoping it’s the answer

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  7. Hi ladies I am 56 and have just been told I am in perimenopause. This came as a shock as a doctor told me 18 months ago that I was done and dusted as I had a hysterectomy at 40 years of age, with the ovaries left intact. My blood test indicated it was all over for me. So as you can imagine a new blood test last month revealing my hormones were alive and well but dropping was a mouth dropping open event. I had asked for the blood test because I felt like I was run down and falling apart!!!!! So here I go down the road I guess. It now explains the disturbed sleep, the weight gain grrr, and the weak bladder issue. But yesterday, I got slammed out of the blue by what I now know was crashing fatigue. I was that debilitated that I couldn’t even prepare dinner or mAke our lunches for work. It just arrived as I was driving home. I left work feeling great and wLked inside my house feeling exhausted and broken. I hated it, I will hate it the next time it comes, and I hate thinking that others will go through this too. We all need to stick together through this girls as I think support is going to be something we all really need. PS I hope someone is going to read this post hehehehe. All power to you girls. cheers.

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  8. Hi Sally,
    I have just read your post. I think support from other women is crucial. I have just developed crashing fatigue, i will be 50 in april. It is awful. It is like a sleepy sickness.

    Christina 49

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    • Hi,
      It’s such a relief to know that I am not going crazy, it’s not like as a woman we have enough to deal with with everyday responsibilities, i.e. kids, work, house work, etc but to deal with this!!!!!
      I took am a very physically active person, have been my whole life. Had a total hysterectomy last October just leaving me w my ovaries. I knew having it would get rid of the horrible cramps and heavy bleeding but the hormonal symptoms would still rear their ugly head and boy they have. I am 49 and lately I feel like I’m 90. My job is physical, mail carrier, I work out 4-5 days a week, swimming and yoga. When crashing fatigue hits I can’t even do my job, let alone anything else as simple as getting out of bed. It’s so frustrating. I do take vitamin supplements, I also take DHEA, I use estrogen and progestin cream and those have worked wonders for the foggyness and forgetfulness, now if I can discover something that will help with the crashing fatigue, is such a disruption in everyday life.
      I can only wish each and everyone one of us going thru this that we know it’s only temporary but to hope to be over these symptoms sooner than later.
      Blessings to you all
      ~Michelle

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  9. Hi all,

    Fantastic site. Hugely appreciate everyones comments! Really feeling exhausted, lethargic and as if I am living in a hazy slow motion dream! This began very slowly at 48 years of age and it has recently cranked up in the last 10mths. I barely make it through the day and have had to cease working. I was always a three jobs a week, refurbish a new house top to bottom every three years type of woman. I began working after school and weekends at age 12 and held a full time night job every evening through out University. I never took drugs in my youth and was nicknamed ‘speedy’ when I lived in New York, London, Dublin and San Francisco! Now I am a shadow of my former self! Admittedly I have two very lively, well behaved children and a very very patient partner. I wake up after 10 hours sleep, feeling as if I had not slept at all. My bodies aches with periodic nausea and GERD. I have been to a Doctor as these symptoms also coincided with my first UTI. Throughout the day I am a zombie, easily irritated and all I want to do is crawl back into bed and sleep. Invariably there is homework, housework, extra curricular classes for my children to attend. All of which are tended to but with enormous exertion, as if I am going to drop with each step. I can only measure it to hyperemesis gravidarum which I had with both pregnancy. I must be a hormonal nightmare. I wonder if there is a correlation with women suffering with menopausal crashing exhaustion and other symptoms with a previous history of difficult periods, cramps, profound vomiting during pregnancy resulting in hospital admissions etc. Surely this menopausal exhaustion etc is not the first indication that we respond to hormonal changes! I had tried for seven months to walk 3km briskly three times daily and managed it with enormous difficulty. I eat healthily, gave up alcohol 11 years ago when I became pregnant with my first child and I never smoked. Prior to my first pregnancy I always weighed between 110-120lbs up to 38 years of age. I am now 195lbs as a 48 year old woman. Doctors in Ireland are somewhat overworked and look worn out themselves that I don’t press them for solutions. I have tried antidepressant to no avail and assume I just have to ride out this sheer body shattering exhaustion. I just have no idea how long it will last. Would hugely appreciate if anyone has fully recovered from it and what was it’s duration before cessation. Any help hugely appreciated. Thank you

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    • Hi Carolyn, I have posted above and just reading your post – I too am a HG sufferer and have been trying to find any correlation between HG and transitioning into menopause – it seems a nightmare for me and GP unable to help, naturopath trying his best and I am constantly researching. Would love to hear if you have found anything that has helped you – stay strong!

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  10. Yes I have this. It started with occasional bouts in early peri. Reached it’s peak of awfulness just over a year ago. When I was shopping I was just looking for the next bench or cafe where I could just sit down for a while. I always used to enjoy a clothes shopping trip with my daughter, a few times I have just had to sit it out in a cafe and let her go on alone.
    I started HRT in November, had a shopping trip with her just after Christmas and for the first time in a few years I managed to just about keep up with her, I made her carry my bags though because my latest symptom is painful arms and shoulders.

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  11. I have been experiencing symptoms of perimenopause since I was in my early 30s. I have been feeling very fatigued pains in my shoulders and burning in my shoulders and arm pain aching. Was diagnosed with a frozen shoulder in my left shoulder. I eat healthy. And I am in on a Advo care food program with a lot of supplements. I am so tired literally feeling like this. I am going to see my gynecologist this week and hopefully will find some answers.

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    • Hi Lisa, How did you go with the gynecologist?

      I too get pains in my left shoulder and burning in my shoulder and arm pain aching. This all happened during my recent episode with peri menopause.

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  12. Hi everyone
    I find it so comforting to read about all your experiences. I have been feeling crushing fatigue for about six months now. There are times when this fatigue hangs over me like a blanket. I’ve reached the stage where I’m afraid of when the fatigue will hit. No male doctor has addressed this. I went to a lady doctor on Thursday last week and she was very sympathetic. Booked me ofd work flr two days and told me to rest and rest and sleep.
    First thing she recommended is that I have a blood test to check my hormone levels – I will be seeing her tomorrow to get the results.
    I’m almost hoping that the tests will reveal a hormone imbalance, it will be a relief to know that There is an actual physical caused and that I’m not just being a hypochondriac.
    I will keep you in the loop.
    Wishing good health and more energy to all.

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  13. Hello all,
    I thank the Lord for this message board, I was one step from going to urgent care. I am 46yrs old and I had a partial hysterectomy when I was 39yrs old. I am in full blown “peri” at this point. My lower back, hips and legs ache so bad. The fatigue is interfering with my normal daily activity. I was thinking if I feel this bad now, how am I going to function when I turn 60 and up! But now that I have read all the different experiences, there is light at the end of the tunnel (and HRT). Thank you all for sharing.
    Blessings
    Andrea

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  14. My mother always called it “the black sack”. Like waking up with a black sack over your head. I hadn’t heard of crashing fatigue until this site today! I wake up 50% of the time OK, but the other 50% is aweful. I am nausiated and feel like “lead” as others have described above. Usually the “fog” blows off in a few hours, but sometimes it stays around for a few days. I am perimenopausal and am simply dealing with it the best I can. I would love to hear from women who have survived this. Sleeping 10 to 11 hours per night seems ridiculous, but teenagers need that sleep when going through their hormonal changes. Maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves and let our bodies do what they need to do.

    Reply

    • LOL! I’m giggling like crazy at “black sack”, but wow, that is such a perfect description of what I’m going thru. I’m going to borrow that term from you when I need explain to my husband why I can’t seem to get thru Walmart without feeling like I’m going to succumb to a total collapse from exhaustion.

      Reply

  15. Thank you to all the ladies posting on this site , i have found people who understand. I am 50 years old and started to feel many of the symptoms you describe at the age of 48.
    I have a very unsympathetic male doctor who fobbed me off with a “you are under a lot of stress” line and a few tablets which are not helping.
    I too had to retire from my high pressure job , which i loved, as i couldn’t cope with the long days due to the crashing fatigue and i lost my ability to concentrate due to numerous migraines (something i never suffered from before).
    I used to be a smiling , energetic , confident person but i feel that has all been taken away and i just want to hide and be invisible.
    My friends and husband think i am a hypochondriac so i don’t talk about how i feel ( was starting to
    sound like a broken record) but i know i am no fun to be around.
    I am struggling to deal with it but knowing there are others feeling the same is a blessing. I am hoping that once i reach the full menopause things will improve … would be happy with 50% of the old me back

    Reply

    • Running into crashing fatigue again, found this post and all my ‘new friends’ who seem to understand how awful this feels.
      I have never been a great sleeper so many years ago I started a benzo drug for sleep. It’s called Klonipin, much like a longer acting Valium. It was my dream drug for quite awhile until my body became tolerant and wanted more. Long story short, I finally tapered off and it took forever and a day to get off of that horrible drug. But I started feeling VERY fatigued in the morning and now I just lay in bed until 10am still feeling like crap. I don’t know how much of this is just a very poor sleep pattern or whether it’s all hormonal. I did have my hormones tested and they are off, especially my progestrone levels. It’s awful to wake up and not want to get out of bed because you just know that you’re still so brain fatigued. I’m thankfully not in pain like some of you, I’m sorry to hear about the pain. Nonetheless, waking up like this and feeling this crashing fatigue most of the day is no way to live! I’m due to see my natural doc tomorrow and see if she would suggest seeing my gyno and trying some bio hormones. I have tried them in the past but didn’t really feel much better since I was tapering off the Klonipin at the same time. Now that I’m fully off that drug I will try again to see if getting my hormones balanced is what’s causing poor sleep and all of this exhaustion.
      Thank you for listening.

      Reply

  16. Would it be possible to hear more solutions? I have an appointment with a hormone specialist. Any luck with Chinese herbs? Nice to have a name for this syndrome.

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  17. Thank you so much ladies for sharing your stories. I had my last period at 45 and now at 50 still suffer occasionally from that intense fatigue around the time of the month when I used to have my period. There’s so much I want to do but it requires so much willpower and determination to do it. I find myself reaching for sugary snacks which don’t really help, but at least they are of some comfort psychologically (not recommended by the docs I’m sure). All that helps is knowing it will pass, riding it out and having a good rant with a fellow sufferer.

    In case it is of any use to anyone out there, the other symptoms I have felt are hot flushes, insomnia, extremely dry skin in patches on my face, ankle arthritis, very occasional rheumatoid arthritis in my elbow or finger, flu like aches and pains, dizziness when very tired. Symptoms are def worse around when my period used to be. Its as if my body is saying – no, I dont want to get old! All of the above is the backdrop to some very lifechanging circumstances that we all go through at this age. It’s so good to have a whinge lol! Thank you for reading!

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  18. My story starts about 6 years ago when I felt quite dizzy most of the time. It was so bad I could barely go and get myself a cup of coffee from a shop whilst out about for work. To stand in a queue was a no no.
    I had no idea what was going on. I was put on a medication for vertigo.
    3 years later I kept getting a really bad pain in my right groin.
    It took months to get a diagnosis of ovarian cysts.
    I had a full hysterectomy in 2013, I couldn’t have HRT as they found an early cancer in my womb.
    The dizziness finally disappeared about 6 months after my op.
    I have quite a demanding work schedule and two weeks ago it hit me. Chronic fatigue! After 23 years in the same job and having very little time off in that time I find that I can barely make it to the end of the working day. My GP has signed me off for a week in the hope the rest will help me recover. I’m now terrified that this condition is going have a real impact on my ability to work.
    I’m now take Menopace and berrocca to hopefully give me some much needed energy. Failing that I might have to look into the HRT but I know they don’t want me to have it because of increased risk of cancer.
    Good luck to you all. xxx

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  19. Thank goodness for this site tonight! I have had mild feelings of this fatigue on and off over the last few years…however, today was a true nightmare! Sounds dramatic, but it is true. I was feeling tired in the morning, but by the time I reached work, I felt awful…overwhelming fatigue, brain fog like I have never had, mild dizziness…all coupled with the anxiety that comes on as a result of these feelings. I thought I would drop at some points. Getting through the day was horrendous….and my one hour drive home was beyond painful. I had to actually slap myself in the face to keep focused. (Really not exaggerating here.) It’s now just after seven, and I am finally sensing it lifting. Left me feeling very grumpy (what an understatement! LOL)
    Good Lord…what a day! It is so comforting to read that other women are experiencing the same thing. At least I am not alone. I know I need to get a blood test soon to determine my levels etc. Plan to try some vitamin B12 and B6 for now. I have been a full year now without a period, but I think this is the time I would have gotten it….so perhaps this has brought on this nasty episode today. I can certainly relate to it effecting one’s ability to work. It is so scary.
    I too was a step away from going to an urgent care today. It really is debilitating. Hoping someone can post more on ways to cope. I know exercise usually helps …. and I have missed the last week of my normal workouts.
    I am actually afraid now that I will get this again…don’t know how I will cope if it becomes a regular occurrence.
    All the best to all of you here on this site. It’s a tough go at times.

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  20. When I discovered this term I had to giggle a little as I can go from being awake to asleep in the time it takes traffic lights to change. I’m 44 and not officially peri- meno . I find that I get swollen & sore breasts, HUGE sugar cravings and I’m less patient before this hits. Usually it’s followed by a migraine. I’ve tried the natural progesterone route – that didn’t work as I swelled up like a balloon even on small doses. I have some oestrogen cream but that seemed to have no effect. All of my blood tests come back in the normal range BUT I think that some of us are very sensitive to oestrogen level changes. I have always had very heavy painful periods. No endometriosis luckily but I do get debilitating cramps and I can flood a super plus tampon in two hours. Until there is a test to check my sensitivity to my hormones I guess I’m going to have to ‘manage’ this. I’m thinking of getting a Marina coil to sort out the periods but I have no idea what to do about the fatigue other than go back to bed. Any tips folks?

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  21. SO glad to know there is a name for this. I am 50 years old and have experienced many of these symptoms, but most recently they hit me right AFTER a period. The only thing is, I have no idea WHEN a period will come lately. Will I skip it this month or will I have two periods? So frustrating!

    I do find that homeopathy helps a TON. I do not want to use HRT. If you are interesting in homeopathy, be sure to find a CLASSICAL homeopath only.

    Just glad we are not alone . . .

    Blessings to all of you.

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  22. Hi. It’s such a relief to read everyone’s comments here, and feel that I’m not alone and useless! I thought I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as I had all the symptoms, but when I eventually had an FSH test, it revealed that I’m well into the peri-menopause. Sadly, the general reaction to this is, “Well you’re a woman like millions of others. Deal with it!” Whereas had it been CFS, I would have been offered a great deal more support!

    Those who are considering HRT, please be mindful that you are basically giving yourself artificial hormones. I chose not to take it as my mother and grandmother had high blood pressure, and I didn’t like the idea of increasing my risk of heart disease and breast cancer! From the research I’ve been doing, it seems that herbal supplements that naturally balance the hormones would be far more beneficial. I looked at Promensil and Macafem, but neither are available in the UK and are extremely expsensive to buy from the US. Has anyone here tried either of them? I’d really appreciate hearing whether they have made any difference.

    Big hugs to all of you. We’re not alone!

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  23. joining you all here today with what I hope is the same issue as you all have: I have had most of the symptoms you have all described at various times over the past few years. I stopped having my period 4 years ago with no big deal other than occasional hot flashes and some fatigue similar to what I had experienced in PMS. Hot flashes got worse but not terrible- especially since i had suffered from a couple of fainting episodes in my 30s which were much worse! In 2014 I had a bout of vertigo so bad that I couldn’t sit up in bed, Went to doctor and specialists but never got a true diagnosis, just a clearance that it wasn’t something like a brain tumor or inner ear infection, etc. I have lived fairly easily with depression/anxiety for many years, with Prozac but I still tend to blame all unexplained issues on my anxiety and depression. I do most of the things one does to deal with depression- lots of close relationships, pets, meaningful volunteer work , exercise ( I’m a runner – get out on trails almost every week with friends and run a few times a week in between)
    Work is hard but pretty fulfilling, boyfriend is supportive of me.
    The past few weeks I have had this crushing fatigue that is uninfluenced by the amount of sleep I get or what I eat or how much exiercise I get. For example, last weekend I ran a half marathon, coming in 9th in my age group out of 139: today I could barely run/walk a few miles in spite of about 10 hours of sleep. After run, we went to brunch, came home and I promptly fell asleep again. I wake up tired, foggy, occasionally headache, stiff neck often. Bloodwork was “normal” but nurse friend suggested I be tested for Lyme disease. I am also intrigued by the idea of a naturopath. I started taking some natural hormones but have not taken for long enough to see if they help..
    I feel as though I am always always always tired, could fall asleep any time any where, worried again that something serious is going on. Has anyone tried meditation?

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  24. I just discovered the term “crashing fatigue” which seems to be what I’ve been suffering with for the past five years. I’m 52 and BRCA 2 positive, so I’m not an HRT candidate. I had an elective oophorectomy, which I now regret, fives years ago and have not felt well or slept well since then. I mention how I feel every time I see one of my doctors, but none of them have provided any solutions. I’ve tried acupuncture, but didn’t notice any change. I don’t know where else to turn. I have been thinking about seeing a therapist because feeling physically ill on a daily basis has affected the quality of my life.

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  25. OMG! I am so excited! I am 52 years old and I have had what I have been calling “episodes” for approximately 2 years now. I thought I was going crazy! I have been to Dr. after Dr. and not one could tell me what was wrong with me. My obgyn told me that I had extreme menopause. My general physician ran test after test; mainly due to my stomach issues. I even started seeing a naturpath, because no one could figure me out. My episode come and go; one of them lasted for 2 months. I would try to get up and go to work; and sometimes I would go out and sleep in my car at work! Then I would go home and go to bed and sleep until the next morning. I lose all desire to do anything. I can’t eat, I can’t clean my house, I can’t cook, I can’t even do something as simple as watch TV. This is a horrible, horrible disease and it continues. I don’t think I can go through this for 10 years! I am on hormones now; they were reluctant to give them to me because I smoke, but I can’t function at all during my episodes. I never know when they will hit me and how long they will last. I just have no energy and I can’t do anything. It is nice to know that there are more folks out there like me and that I am not crazy. I am going to show this page to my Dr today and hopefully we can figure something out. Thank you!

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  26. I am 50 yo, no period since March of 2015 and I am losing my mind. Doctors attribute all to mental illness and will give me any Big Pharma drug I will take (which is non now because they make all worse). Now doctor refuses to treat me because I wont follow their directions (2 doctors). I was robbed last September in the grocery store pkg lot and have had crippling anxiety 24/7 since- getting worse in Feb of 2017. No one thought being a victim of crime was any big deal- again blamed my reaction on mental issues??? I have just about quit driving- too anxious to drive my 6000 lb truck anymore. Dont trust any doctors and all getting worse. Selling my house in June and moving somewhere small and quiet- with my cat 🙂 thank god I dont have to work- Id be homeless if I didnt have money. Devastating no one will listen and take me seriously. I have become a statistic- and not a good one.

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  27. Crashing fatigue. I seem to be just starting to experience this symptom. I also have the brain fog..can’t seem to get the simplest word out of my brain to my mouth. I am walking 3 to 4 times a week. Making myself do this..Cleaning is now a chore when I used to crave doing it. Dishes in the sink. Praying this doesn’t get worse. Thanks for breaking this one down. We are not insane.

    Reply

    • Thank you ladies, I am 61 and have been working 12 hr shifts, the fatigue sometimes hit me in the middle of the day and I sometimes wonder how I am going to finish the day,I also get nausea and very jittery, I feel like my inside is going to jump out. LOSS of appetite. The feeling is like such anxiousness inside you don’t know how to control it, also the foggy feeling sometimes. I thought I was going crazy. And I never get a full night sleep, does anyone feel lonely and depressed? It’s so hard to smile sometimes, but being around people and talking help a lot sort of diversion. I am so thankful for all your comments it opened my eyes. I will be praying for you all, walking helps me very much, a relaxing walk. GOD BLESS YOU ALL

      Reply

      • Your symptoms are exactly what I’ve been dealing with for the past year. I am 59 and finding this website has really opened my eyes that I’m not the only one dealing with all these issues. I’ve been to several doctors who downplay menopause and say I just have to tough it out until it passes. I have always been positive and happy and very active but I understand when you say it’s hard to smile sometimes. Thank you all for being so open and honest as your posts have helped me not to feel so alone in this unique time of our lives. Blessing to all.

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      • I’m using a product called Cortisol Calm for the extreme anxiety/panic attacks I was having. You can order it through Amazon. It has helped me TREMENDOUSLY(sp?). I’m 54 and have been struggling w/bad fatigue…never know when it’s going to hit. Had a hysterectomy because of fibroids over 7 yrs. ago but they left ovaries. Started noticing the crashing fatigue a couple of months after. Anxiety/panic attacks started about 5 mo ago. I know it’s hormonal and trying to deal with it via natural remedies, good quality multi, b vitamins, d vitamins, magnesium glycinate, and have recently added coq10. May the Lord give us all wisdom on how to heal!

        Reply

    • Brook, Ive been having the same issue of foggy brain and not able to get the words from my brain to my mouth sometimes and I feel like such an idiot when it happens, I thought I was having brain issues.
      Im 53, just starting out with this crashing fatigue, like so many others I have been so active with yoga, pilates, gardening, you name it and now it doesn’t matter how long I sleep my batteries run out after being up about 3-4 hours, its aggravating, I try to push thru but sometimes it makes me more irritable and its better to just take a nap, a whole new concept for me.
      I have thyroid issues and hoped it was that, so they could just adjust my meds but after testing it came back in the norm range. and then I knew it has to be menopause. No periods now for 3 months and my FSH was 88.
      Good to know Im not alone,

      Reply

  28. I have been on HRT since my full hysterectomy about 20 years ago (I am now 61). G.P has now said I have to come off it due to my age…I have been weaning myself off gradually but also experiencing this terrible crashing fatigue. Everything I do is a full on chore and working (I am a writer) has become much more difficult as it feels like my head is full of cotton wool and my arms and legs feel as if they have weights on the ends.
    Has anyone else come off HRT successfully at my sort of age?

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  29. So I Googled extreme tiredness in menopause today and discovered “crashing fatigue”. Phew – I’m not alone and this really sums it up!

    I’m 47 and I think I’ve been in peri-menopause for around three years. I thought I’d had most symptoms, but this is a new one.

    Having started HRT (Tridestra) four weeks ago because my hot flushes and night sweats became too debilitating, I was hoping I’d begin to return to my my normal happy, fun self. Yes, my flushes and night sweats have gone – which is brilliant – but I’m constantly feeling tired (even though I’m having the best sleeps I’ve had in a few years!). Tired, but then this morning I came over REALLY tired on the train to work. I actually didn’t think I’d be able to pull myself out the seat to get off, but I did. I then started to feel a bit sick – I felt horrible. I decided I was going to have to get on the next train back home. Then the feeling started to pass, so I’m at work now. The feeling came again though within an hour. Not sure it’s going to be a very productive day!

    I can only assume it’s the Tridestra that’s causing this, so I’m going to have to persevere with it I think. If it continues after a few months I’ll have to speak to my doctor about trying something else.

    It’s just crazy this menopause malarkey. It’s completely changed my life. I’ve gone from being a very friendly social person to a complete bore who’d prefer to stay at home alone. My family and friends are shocked at the change in me. Don’t get me wrong, I have my good days here and there but I don’t know how I’m going to feel from one day to another, so making plans to do anything fills me with dread 🙁 It’s just rubbish!!

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  30. I keep coming back to this page and re-reading all the comments. I am so glad I found this site!

    You all gave me an answer to what I most likely suffer from – a crashing fatigue syndrome. I am 45 years old, in good shape, I never had kids, and I still have my periods (although they are getting lighter and closer together). My full blown symptoms started about four months ago and are extremely debilitating. However, I think that it all started a while ago since I have been suffering from night sweats for a couple of years now (which I have been contributing to my love for wine).

    I was always very energetic, always just go, go, go! I think my crashing fatigue was brought on by an extreme workload (I pretty much work seven days a week running my own business) and by stress. I have not had a vacation in two years! And due to my condition, I had to cancel my upcoming vacation. I was/still am devastated. My fatigue is so extreme and debilitating that I feel like I am under a house arrest. Luckily I run my business out of my house. I can not imagine having to go to work somewhere else. I had to give up my hobby (golf), I rarely have the energy to take the dogs out. Watering outdoor plants and my garden is a huge chore! And cooking? Don’t get me started! I used to cook a homemade, healthy meal every night. That’s no longer happening. I am a shadow of what I used to be. And it is very depressing. The fatigue can be so extreme, that I would spend the whole day on the couch unable to function. My partner and I would go out a lot, eat out, have fun. Well, that’s no longer happening.My social life is pretty much non-existent. I just physically can’t do it! On the top of that my sex drive is now pretty much down to zero from me being exhausted all the time.

    I have been going from Dr. to Dr., trying to figure out what’s wrong with me – the diagnoses is a C-diff (not fun, a draining illness on its own) and a low progesterone level. I will most likely start natural progesterone supplementation after one more blood test. But I am suspecting there is more than that to my condition. My Dr. wants me to see an infectious disease specialist and a rheumatologist. But how about if it truly is a just a crashing fatigue? By the way, my gynecologist does not believe in that.He said I am not menopausal. I think it is time to find a new one!

    I just want for this hell to end! I want to get on with my life! Right now, I can not even plan what I will be doing the next day, yet alone next week! Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? The thought that this could go on for years is simply unacceptable!

    Here are my symptoms:
    • extremely low energy level
    • lethargy and fatigue
    • insomnia
    • night sweats
    • weight loss
    • occasional nausea
    • occasional joint paint
    • feeling like I am made of lead
    • low-level depression
    • inability to concentrate
    • not interested in hobbies/activities
    • low sex drive
    • “fuzzy” brain
    • lightheaded
    • elevated body temperature (>99 F, >37 C)
    • sleepiness
    • loss of appetite
    • extreme heat intolerance

    I am glad I could share all this with you. I am glad I am not alone! Good luck, ladies!

    Reply

  31. Medicare docs could care less. What a joke! My Thyroid so bad I cant leave the house or drive and they blame all on mental illness, and want me doped up on Big Pharma meds. Big Pharma puppets wasting tax payer dollars$$.

    Reply

  32. I’ve come back to this page several times… The saddest part, reading the comments, is that it doesn’t feel like anyone has had any resolution.

    I’m 45 yo, diagnosed early menopause a year ago after starting with severe fatigue. Prior to this, I was the fittest I’ve been in my life. I was crossfitting 5-6 days a week, doing competitions with girls half my age (and beating many of them), walking 3-4 miles a day, and being incredibly productive. A facebook post just came up today where I was so excited about how great I was feeling.

    And then it was like it all went downhill overnight and has only gotten worse. I’m now a year into this mess, trying to figure out why I cannot recover from anything. Why I always feel weak and tired.

    Why I’m typing right now and my forearms just want to stop…

    I have NO other symptoms. I have no aches, pains, headaches, GI stuff, nothing. I occasionally feel woozy or a little dizzy.

    I’m currently under the care of an Electrophysiologist (Pacemaker doctor) following cardiac workup. My heart looks great on paper with a few minor age-related things that don’t concern him.

    I’ve always had a low heart rate (bradycardia), but it appeared to go lower when I went into menopause… It’s back up again now (to mid 50’s), but I still feel awful.

    I’ve had a thousand tests done and I’m the picture of perfect health on them.

    I’m thankful my doctors are listening and trying. I’m just sad to be a year into this and no answers.

    I was a sun-up to sun-down, active, energetic person up until a year ago.

    Now I feel like a lardass that just has to lay around all the time or I will only make it worse. 🙁 I haven’t figure out a way to moderate it, but I’m still trying… I can do things a few days and then feel it creeping in until I crash and then it take 4+ days to not feel miserable.

    I’m so frustrated and trying not to be depressed and hopeless. I’m so sad there are no answers here.

    Praying for each of you and for me too!! <3

    Reply

  33. I am 51 you and on disability. Medicare docs, counselor, and 1 private pay counselor all blamed most on mental illness and acused me of lying, or just plain ignored all. Plus I was robbed in the grocery store pkg lot in 2016 and they wouldn’t even discuss with me- counselors too. I truly believe they think I am lying about EVERYTHING! I am Big Pharma free since May 2017, those drugs were killing me. I will NEVER return to any Medicare doctor or ANY counselor. Medicare wasting taxpayer $$. I will live a short, HAPPY life Big Pharma free, and free of their constant criticism of everything I do and say. Remodeling my house to sell asap. Thank goodness I can chose to live anywhere I want- just me and my cat, and my big truck 🙂

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  34. Hi everyone. i aim new here. I am glad i found this site. I am 46 w1ll be 47. My journey stared when I was about 39. However, it just got progressively worse. I have chronic anemia, fibromyalgia, sjogren syndrome and left hip bursistis and chronic fatigue and lower back pain not to metion I fail gettin out of the shower a week ago and bruised my left knee. I am praying that it heels completely because the last thing I need is a messed-up knee. Sometimes I feel like im living in the body of an 90 year old, Now a days some 90 year olds get around better then me. I haven’t worked in 5 years. I’m a disabled vet with no husband 3 grown sons and a beautiful granddaughter. Unfornately, because of the chronic fatigue and pain I can’t spend a lot of time with her like I want to. Some people have said I don’t want to spend time with her I’m making excuses but that can’t be farther from the truth. I have decided yesterday I will not concern myself with what others think of me. I have to take care of me. Oh did I mention I have a dog that demands daily walks. I guess that is good at least I get some kind of movement in my day. Even though I have to stop and take breaks during our walk either from the pain and/or the fatigue. My housework also suffers. I use to be able to clean house from front to back until I was satisfied. Now, if I get through one room a week I’m doing good, I have terrible mood swings. I even lost good friends behind the mood swings and the fact im to tired to hangout so they thought I was just lazy and unmotivade. Or maybe they were not true friends in the first place LOL. Anyway, I tired of typing I am surprise I had the energy to type this much. Oh one more thing does anyone here sweat profusely. I do if I just shift from one side to the other I will start to sweat. It is embarrassing when I go out in public and I am sweating buckets for no reason. I guess this stuff has been inside me so long I feel as if I finally found a place to vent without being judge or being told get over it. Blessings to everyone here : ).

    Reply

    • I sweat like crazy just doing my hair. I don’t even wear a winter coat outside. No drs. help. I could sleep all wkend and still crave sleep. I watch a lot of YouTube on adrenal fatigue and fatty liver disease hoping to come up with a relief.My husband doesn’t get it. Am trying Bvitamins.

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  35. I have experienced SEVERE hormonal problems since I entered my forties (I am now 54). I have always taken care of myself with no other health problems. This is what I have finally found that works for crashing fatigue. With the Lords help He helped me to find healing. CoQ10, L-Carnitine, D-Ribose, Magnesium. I take a product called Cortisol Calm in the morning by Pure Encapsulated for the extreme anxiety/panic attacks that started a year or so ago. IT WORKS! I’m finally getting my life back. The above items are what they recommend for Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia. As we age we become very deficient in nutrients. Give it a try!

    Reply

    • Thanks CJ
      This is really helpful information. We all have to try so many different remedies and herbal supplements.
      I too have had anxiety and exhaustion but didn’t really know what it was. We all need some kind of supplements for sure but do they really work for us individually, (I ask myself), and they also cost so much!

      You must be so happy!

      Reply

  36. This is exactly what I’m going thru…it’s horrible…I went to sprouts and bought some us . pharmaceutical grade bio identical cream hormones …they have progesterone and estriol and the testosterone I order online ( testrocare for women) …I’m playing around with dosages and I’m also taking rhodiola rosea….I started this whole nightmare in my early 40ties and am now 48 ..immediately now in menopause..no period for over a year ..the fatigue is exactly the way everyone describes it….along with weight gain mood swings depression carb crqvings lack of motivation and libido…some days I feel great…along them bom it hits ..typically lasts all day..so sick of it..I’ve had no side effects from the bio identical cream hormones some days they seem to work… other days it’s more of a struggle to get the dosage right…full blood work shows very low in all hormones…maybe some of these hormones could work for some of you..??

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  37. It is such a great relief to find this site and to read all the comments. I was sure I was going crazy…. Fatigue is taking a huge toll on my life and I am struggling with all my responsibilities. My husband and friends are getting tired of me being tired all the time.
    Thank you for sharing all your situations and how you feel. It really helps me understand what the hell is going on with me.

    Reply

    • Hi Katia
      Yes it is really helpful. But hey we will get through it somehow by being able to support each other.
      Exercise, walking in nature and getting out of this for a while is so helpful. Meditation too.

      Reply

  38. Glad I found this sight. I thought I was dying. I’m 54 years old and still regular periods but my life is a living hell like most of you have stated. The first few days of my period I am exhausted. I lie on the couch all day and usually fall asleep many times. When I get up, I just feel like I have to sit down. Also a lot of anxiety that is coming from my body and not my head even though doctors keep on telling me it’s in my head. I have a good stress free life and have no reason to feel anxious. The worst part of this sh** is that I was never like this before. I always was interested in doing all sorts of things. My mind still wants to but my body doesn’t agree. I feel useless and angry. Why do we have to go through this time in our life (for sooo many years) with these disabilitating symptoms and for doctors to say there’s nothing wrong with you. YES THERE IS. What about research and studies to find treatments that will help us. No one seems to realize or care how difficult and life changing it is for some of us. All of the comments above but as you can see, no solutions. I just hope that by the time my daughter will be going through menopause there will be more solutions.

    Reply

  39. I have recently had a stroke caused by a blood clot. I took HRT Premarin following hysterectomy for 27 years then my GP made me come off it when I was 60. After constant UTI’s and joint pain and 3 years under the gynaecologist, I was put back on HRT 0.625 at 64. I had been on it for a year when I had my stroke. It was stopped immediately and I came off HRT ‘cold turkey’ a month ago. Apart from the flushes and a couple of night sweats, the worst thing is crash fatigue. I have had two each day over the last month. It’s just like someone has hypnotised me with a click of their fingers! One minute I am fine, next can’t move or make it upstairs. I have had lots of support from nurses at home and they suggested lie down with feet high on pillows for 20 minutes until it goes off. Also to take a couple of glucose sweets to boost sugar levels. So far, it’s worked but it’s really frightening when it happens!

    Reply

  40. It astounds me that this article nails the issue and yet offers no solutions.

    I read all of the responses from you lovely ladies and I feel the same way. 100%. I also have returned to re read the comments to feel i’m not alone and to be amazed at the similarities.

    I bookmarked this page 1 year ago and vowed i’d return with some answers and here I am.

    My hormone crash happened about a year ago, aged 45 right after a stressful work related breakdown. I’ve spiralled over the last year into the full horror of oestrogen madness and crashing fatigue, but in the last three months I’ve gotten on top of things and here is how I did it. I’ve cut my anxiety/estrogen madness by 80% and my fatigue by 3/4s

    My symptoms: heart palps and flip flops; tachycardia (up to 200bpm) regularly but mostly around ovulation and pms time; severe chest/solar plexus tightness; dizzy, faint, weak. Severe anxiety, not from my mind but from my body – important distinction here. I’ve never had anxiety like that ever before, which is how i knew it was body response; feelings of madness and despair (pms); shortness of breath; body aching all over like the flu; swollen glands, aching behind my eyes before period. Crashing badly every night between 5-7 pm, tremors. Shaking. Numbness and tingling in extremities. Crawly skin.

    I want to keep this fairly short I’ll post some must read links, but I know this can help you as its helped me.

    Potassium deficiency super common at middle age. This was my in my top 3 biggest issues. It wont show up in a blood test, as that only show serum potassium, not what’s in the cell. Hair mineral tests are a good indication. Mine was almost zero in the HMA but within normal range on blood test. Potassium gave me my energy back, Its been 3 months and i’m a different person, full healing and restored levels can take up to a year so I expect to keep on improving. This article is a must read an excerpt says’ explores all the research relating to dietary potassium deficiency leading to a functional deficiency, and how it applies to many chronic disease processes (he essentially includes chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia as well). In some cases these correlations have not been examined before, in part because conventional medicine overlooks the role of potassium, and the labs that are typically used to assess potassium and electrolyte levels don’t give the entire picture. 
If a person is very deficient (at the cell level), then it can take a long time for general healing to occur… maybe 6 months to a year or more. However, if you’re supplementing – say 1 gram with each meal (~3 grams/day) – then you should be able to correct the deficiency state in a matter of weeks, assuming you lower sodium appreciably and otherwise eat a decent diet and you’re getting enough magnesium, taurine etc (according to Wikipedia, “In cells, taurine keeps potassium and magnesium inside the cell, while keeping excessive sodium out” so, supplementing with taurine is important.’

    The article here:
    http://howirecovered.com/understanding-potassium/

    Also this story of someone who recovered from CFS by correcting a potassium deficiency: http://mycfssolution.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/cfs-and-how-i-found-my-way-out.html?m=1

    And a clinical trial of women’s taking potassium where 100% were free of pms symptoms in 4 months.
    http://orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1998/pdf/1998-v13n04-p215.pdf

    Moving on, there is a common gene called COMT gene and if this causes women to have great difficulty flushing out estrogen. I have been tested for this gene which made it a lot clearer why I am suffering so severely through perimenopause – a time of crazy spikes and dips in all hormones especially estrogen.

    A spike in estrogen feels like madness to me. Unbearable tension. Wanting to crawl out of my own skin. Unable to find pleasure in anything and episodes of physiological panic. Physical. Not mental. My body becomes sensitised and filled with terror and it has nothing to do with my brain and everything to do with hormonal fluctuations. It’s not you. It’s your body. The freaking long slow death of your reproductive system.

    What takes the edge off?
    Firstly diet. Get clean. Get rid of gluten. Dairy and sugar. Getting rid of dairy significantly helped my general anxiety.

    Second. Take DIM every day. I take 50mg x3 per day. DIM is a phytonutrient made from cruciferous vegetables. It removes the bad estrogen in your body. Making the ratio between oestrogen and progesterone more acceptable. Remember its not always the hormone itself but its relation (ratio) to the other hormones that causes the problem. I use 30mg of bioidentical progesterone cream am/pm as I know those progesterone levels are bound to be low as they start dropping from your mid thirties/early forties. (also i had blood work show it was a bit low)

    Thirdly. Take Calcium D Glucarate. But not every day. This amazing natural supplement has been shown to drop oestrogen in rats by 23%. If your anxiety/madness/tension is hormone related like mine, and you feel a ‘surge’ this tablet will help flush the oestrogen out of your body and for me within an hour of taking it I can go from despairing and off the charts anxious to absolute peace. It can make you go to the toilet, which is how the oestrogen leaves your body, through number 1’s and 2’s 😀
    Take magnesium too, this takes the edge off of panic. I take two 200mg tablets of elemental magnesium.

    Im not out of the woods yet, but I am seeing significant improvements, and I hope my experience might help you.

    Reply

    • I use to take potassium but I stopped. I have a high heart rate and palpitations. I will discuss with my doctor about starting potassium supplements again. Thanks for sharing your information.

      Reply

      • Hi Leone
        Thanks so many times for this amazing post. It is real sad that we have to help each other, self diagnose as G.P.s are to overworked, stressed and don’t seem to know the answer to something that how many women have to go through for years with so little relief!

        After a while you do start to think you are loosing it and your mind is no longer functioning as it did before all this nightmare.

        I have read so much contradictory information from so many so called professionals.
        It is so back to front this and makes life so stressful and demanding for those of us who have had such unpleasant ongoing symptoms for years.

        I will definetely look into this for sure very soon. Where are you based?

        Reply

  41. Omg I have been suffering for nearly two years with chronic fatigue, At first I thought I was anaemic so went to the drs and described all my symptoms. Due to my age ( I will be 47 next month ) she thought it could be the start of the menopause. I had bloods taken and they came back normal. I wasn’t offered any solutions in how I was feeling.
    I have been fairly active for the last eleven years, gym 3/4 times a week and the occasional run. Since this has started I am lucky if I can get to the gym once a week.
    I found that it is worse at this time of the year too, after September and it gets steadily worse. It has really got me down that I am so tired and less active which in turn has led me to put weight on. I can’t believe how many of us are suffering with this problem and yet there seems to be little on offer in terms of a solution.
    I have been taking adrenal support supplements which seemed to help for a time but I will definitely be trying Potassium.
    Keep well everyone

    Reply

  42. I am 44 and had a nasty interstitial cystitis flare plus fatigue last week, was fine for 4 days and then have crashing fatigue now, and realise that was what I have had on and off recently, but attributed to ‘flu’. My doc has confirmed that my FSH is in the menopausal range. These symptoms coincided with my periods becoming erratic, every 3-4 months. So I know I’m in perimenopause. I knew this problem was hormonal, because I was bedridden for a year with extreme fatigue and insomnia when I stopped Depo Provera 9 years ago and it felt very similar.

    But I have nearly used up all my sick leave, because the crashing fatigue leaves me bedridden. I’m scared I am going to lose my (well-paid) job, and because I am single, no income means I could lose my flat.

    I tried oestriol cream and was using it when the cystitis flared and the fatigue worsened, so I’m not keen to continue it. Besides, the cream has chlorhexidine in it, which I don’t think is good for my vaginal microbiome.

    Some of the comments here are very helpful, with respect to supplements that have helped others. Interesting about the COMT gene, I’m going to tell my doctor about that and I am going to refer her to this page too.

    I agree that the medical establishment refuse to deal with this ‘invisible’ problem, sidelining it as ‘mental illness’ or ‘stress’ despite sufferers knowing it isn’t. No wonder everyone is going to naturopaths – the medical establishment continues to fail in this area, and it exacerbates the inequality in earnings that women experience the world over. I think it is because the male-dominated medical research establishment have no interest in women after they cannot have babies. We could make a film together, like the “Unrest” one about chronic fatigue, to raise awareness.

    We need to find out how much this all costs in terms of economic impact. Are there any economists or statisticians amongst us? Can we use the internet to quantify the extent of this problem? Would Google Trends be a good source of data on this? I am a scientist, so am happy to help with anything science-related.

    Reply

  43. I’m so relieved to have found this page today. I feel like I’m loosing my mind and who I am. I wish we could make a Fb group to talk freely and offer each other support through this ongoing hell. Now I’m new to this to be honest I’m 42 Pre menopausal been having hot flushes for months but still have periods. Started taking a bi identical trouch which made me have a bleed every other week. I then got swallon glands and inner ear pain so stopped taking the trouch thinking it was adding to my symptoms 21 days on and I have dibilitating fatigue. I had nine hours sleep got up took my 3 and 5 year old to school and then went back to bed at 9am and slept till I had to collect them at 3:30pm. I have terrible adrenaline bursts in my tummy which cause anxiety, nausea, no interest in food, tingling in the backs of my hands the day after the fatigue I have a light bleed so totally fits wth what everyone is saying here. I don’t know how to cope with my children feeling this way is ruining our lives. I feel so anixious as the tiredness makes me so sick and my husband works between 1pm and 2am so I have no help at all as we moved to Australia. My doctor doesn’t seem to know what they are doing and I feel like a guineepig. My glands and ear pain are still prolonging and now an array of blood tests are being done which causes me more worry ! I will be looking at the above mentioned supplements straight away but how do you know what you can take with everything else your taking.

    Reply

  44. I’m resting as I write this…..in October 2017, I got my first attack of Vertigo and was extremely ill with it, it seemed to be a trigger for this crashing tiredness which has hit me like a tsunami…..I actually thought I was getting Alzheimer’s because suddenly I had lost interest in my personal hygiene, my hobbies, walking, reading, gardening. I had neither the energy nor the inclination to do anything….. until I read this post. On Monday I am gathering myself together and going to a health food store to buy potassium and whatever else it takes to put myself back on track….I’ll let you all know by the end of August how I’m doing….I’m also going to get a course of acupuncture….. perhaps there are blockages which need to be cleared..

    Reply

  45. 6 years of menopause hell and quality of life is zero. I am 40 now, have POF, and want more awareness. I think we must stand up as women. GP, Gyn. look at us as we are making this up. Years of frustrating because the only symptoms studied are hot flushes, mood problems, low libido, muscle stiffness. I was a good student and now live with my parents because all of this. I studied and now I cannot think straight, get daily hormonal migraine attacks/symptoms and constant pmss when using hrt.

    Reply

  46. I am 50 years old and suffering with extreme fatigue, dizziness , brain fog and, aching muscles. It is ruining my life and I am not sure how long I can keep working for. I am a teacher and feel that my health is interfering with my work. I am so happy that I have found this site. I share some of your feelings about Doctors. My Doctor has not been able to help either.

    Reply

  47. I’m so glad I have seen this. I’ve been having this for months. I can be fine one minute, next I feel like I’m being pushed down into the ground from the head up and I feel like lead. I usually sleep it off and it goes away but it’s coming more and more now with no let up after rest. I thought I was dying. I’m def peri as did Fsh test and came back positive. Sore breasts can’t get to toilet on time, crying, memory loss, nausea, crepey skin and only mild hot flushes. But this tiredness is scary and makes my anxiety worse. Thank god for other women to talk to. I won’t go to the Dr as they don’t know shit. Sorry but they make me so angry. Big hugs to u all x

    Reply

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