Is there any other way around it besides hormones? I've been put on a low dose birth control (taken of HRT). I am not the best hormone candidate either. I need to lay down a couple times a day and yesterday slept for 3 hours in the afternoon. I do have raised lymphocytes that I am being treated for, wich only adds to the triredness but need help getting back to being able to function. I am a widow (at 43) with 3 girls that need a fully functioning Mom.
Any thoughts or ideas? I can't take the fatigue anymore.

Hi girlsmom,

There are anti-fatigue medications. If you've tried everything else and can't stay awake when you need to, you might ask your doctor about these.

Provigil (modafinil) comes to mind, but there are others as well.

Hope you find some relief.

Hi, I have the fatigue too, and a thryoid problem. It can be tricky to diagnos as docs are not always up on the latest on it. If you get it tested, test the TSH and though some say the range goes up to 5, you would want it at 2.5 or lower (down to 0.3)...to be sure about your thyroid status also check the FT4 and FT3 and the antibodies for Graves and Hashimotos...autoimmune diseases of the thyroid....any thyroid troubles can really, really effect the fatigue factor and the symptoms are very similar to peri. Stress (which with your recent situation) can be a trigger for thryoid problems. With medication, you can be feeling better, so good to get tested.

girlsmom

I have had the fatigue for almost 2 years now. It was very debilitating in the beginning and I also had to lie down several times a day. I also had to cut my hours at work because I just couldn't do it. I have really found no way around it except to pace myself and to just do what I can. I am very lucky in that my sons are away in college and I at least don't have to take care of them. I can't even imagine what it is like for you with 3 girls at home. It has been very hard but it has become better for me. I still get extremely tired but I at least don't wake up tired anymore.

My doctor did try me on provigil and it helped a tiny bit, but also made it harder for me to fall asleep and it is very expensive. It makes you feel as though you are tired but it doesn't let the tiredness take over. The few days I took it, I then did too much and ended up worse. You could try it for a few days though and see what it does for you. Anything is worth a try. My thyroid was checked and it was alright. Take care and if you have any other questions just ask. I am right there with you.

Kim

Thanks Ladies....My Thyroid has been checked and I understand that it is tricky in this stage of the game because it does fluctuate with peri. I have low blood pressure which dosen't help.
I had an Iron infusion today, my ferritin was down to 32 (again) and have started to feel better. I have an unknown cause of raised leukocytes, lymphocytes to be specific but am basicaly symptomless. There is a shift to the left which means there is a definate infection somewhere. I am taking anti biot. and no longer have a low grade fever. Dr. said today that I am in complete burn out. Moved into our freshly built home 5 weeks ago, so with the stress of building in the last year, coupled with peri and the non stop stress (school has already started here) I guess I have to expect that my body shut down.
I've never taken so many meds and hormones in my life and hope I can get past this phase.
One day up, next day down, way down.
So glad I found this site. You all have such good insight and never fall short with compassion. If I am not up and running again at full speed soon, I'll ask that my Thyroid once again be checked. Thanks a bunch!!!!!

Yes, one more thing about the thryoid (and I have the medical info to back up if you need) ....within each individual the values may be different but they should vary very little...that is, your own value should stay fairly constant...I am better now and my peri symptoms do not effect my thyroid blood work.....if your thryoid is varying quite a bit, yes worth another check.

Thanks Slowbear :0)

Hi there -

I don't know if this helps, but here's what's up with me on this symptom:

I have also had problems with crashing fatigue. My periods have started to become VERY heavy, too. I just saw my GP today and she is checking to see if I'm anemic. She says that if I am anemic, the lack of iron could cause the fatigue. I had a problem with anemia as a kid, so it's possible. I'm waiting to get my CBC count back, and if it says I'm low, I'll be increasing my iron intake.

Will let you know what transpires, and whether iron supplements help...

-Solla Luna