Hello former and new friends!!

I am 57 and have been struggling with peri- and now menopause for almost 5 years. My worst physical symptom is NO STAMINA! Sometimes just lifting a heavy object can set me back for two days. I can't do anything aerobic and even a trip to the grocery store is an adventure--will I have enough stamina? Or will I end up having to rest for two days?

My diet is and has always been excellent and I get plenty of rest.

I have tried all kinds of HRT. Have been using bioidentical cream (estrogen + progesterone) since January. But my stamina and energy are still low. Everywhere I read, people seem to benefit from HRT, and I know the bioidentical kind is recommended. But nothing has relieved my symptoms. I also have anxiety/depression, dizziness, nausea, foggy brain and achy joints.

I am contemplating going to Mayo Clinic to see if there can be anything else wrong. I have had very good doctors examine me, and everything is "normal" and I'm told I am in perfect health. How can that be when I feel so lousy and had to quit my job because I'm so tired?

Any of your comments would be very welcome!

Hugs to all,
Libbett

Libbett, this is a big problem for me, I have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalia.
But both are diagnosis of exclusion, so can't really say I'm please with either. My problem first started with a thyroid problem and after peri hit, I was slam into a wall.
I can not stand long or walk far, been to many doctors, had tons of tests. I can't shop without a electric scooter.
Now I'm becoming decondition, only hope I have is everything will settle down with my hormones.

Are you mostly fatigue or do you have pain too?

Snow, Libbett-

I'm with you. I too have been told to go to the Mayo Clinic, just yesterday in fact. Problem is, I'm on an HMO, and my GP really isn't helping me. Thought he was good, but he now is starting to "rush me out". Too complicated for him now.

I too have been to tons of doctors- find some scary things, but can't get the help I need.

I have asked over and over is there nowhere a person can get worked up in one place and I'm told teaching hospital- but I don't know exactly how to do this within insurance. I'm 48 t have had odd things happening most of which I don't think I can blame on hormones. I wish I had some answer- I can only commisserate. This is unacceptable - to lose our lives for no
reason. For me, its more pain than tiredness, I'm still fighting to get to the bottom of this.

If you ever watch Mystery Diagnosis it is instructive. It shows people struggling for years being shunted from one stupid dr to another- then finally someone smart gets it. A woman the other day simply had Cushings and had to struggle 7 years to
get answer. I could even figure it out in the first 1/2 hour! I wish I could do it for myself and all of us.

Libbett:

Have you ever been to a sleep center and had a sleep study done. You may not be getting the refreshing sleep you think you are. I bring this subject up frequently when I see someone on here with fatigue, because I to had horrible fatigue, brain fog, and flat out tiredness no matter what I did. I finally went to a sleep center and they found that I had sleep apnea. I did not fit the "mold" of the normal sleep apnea patient as I did not have excessive snoring, did not wake up gasping for air, was not excessively overweight and so on so I was misdiagnosed for about 18 years. It turns out I was waking up 39 times and hour. I was beyond exhausted. If you have had all kinds of tests and everyting is normal you sure should consider a sleep study.

Though it has not been fun having to use a CPAP machine it has changed my life dramtically. Hope you feel better soon.

Shakin'

Hi Libbitt

I have found some sound advice for natural cures at this website, called www.earthclinic.com ... sometimes our bodies are deficiant in certain vitamins or minerals or both.. there you will find all kinds of natural things to do for a host of issues........There is also a place at the website where you can post a question if you want..
It has A to Z ailments,, and cures and remedies. I visit there often and have learned so much..it may be worth a try .I have found that organic unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar as weird as that sounds gives me energy.

Hugs
Pamela

I had a sleep study and it show I was in the rem stage longer then normal, but the doctor just said not to wory about it????

Pamela,
How in the world can you drink apple cider vinegar? I tried it and oh my goodness it horrible!

Pamela:

I would think being in the REM stage longer than normal was a good thing because that is the dream stage I believe. When I was having problems I neve got out of the first stage of sleep.

Shakin

But it's not in the stage of sleep where your body heals itself.

I put it in tea or mix it with apple juice or water with honey..Girl ,,I dont drink it straight up.

I also add 1/4tsp baking soda to neutralize it.It is the enzymes and pectin in it that is so good for you.It helps with painful joints,insomia,hotflashes ,blood pressure,energy,cleans liver and kidneys,cleans arterial plaque...the list goes on...and its inexpensive and no perscription needed..Seriously it really has helped me.

Pamela

It's also suppose to be good for heartburn, I tried it with juice and honey but not baking soda. Maybe that's the secret!

Shakin,

Sleep no doubt is vital for a healthy body,they link alot of disorders to the lack of it..We can not funtion or think clearly without it..and going through peri can compound severely,, sleep depravation...I am just suggesting alternative medicine instead of perscriptions for things that can be helped naturally..Our liver has to process all the meds we put in our bodies it is very taxing on this vital organ..the pesticides in food the antibiotics in our meats our liver gets stressed and that is why so many of us are overweight,it is our hormones and clogged livers that cause us to be so fatigued ,Dr Cabbot has a book on the importance of liver cleansing.I know I am rammbling on , but I so see the benifet of natural remedies.
Years of pain medication I took for crippleing ostoarthritis and antianflamortory drugs hurt my liver, I needed to find other avenues to help myself. I finally had the hip replaced last summer..I still have arthritis in other joints but I treat them naturally..
Thats my two cents for what its worth..Hows your Texas summer?

Hugs
Pamela

Hi Snowmoon!

My primary physican has ruled out chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia because I don't have the symptoms. As far as fibro, I have no pain, just an achiness in the lower back most of the time. I don't have any "trigger points." My symptoms began with peri and were confirmed by the doctor. I don't have swollen glands, fever, inability to concentrate and some of the other main symptoms of CF. I find these two diagnoses to be catch-alls when doctors can't diagnose anything specific. SOMEONE SHOULD OFFICIALLY DECLARE PERI & MENOPAUSE AS CAUSES FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF POSSIBLY DEBILITATING SYMPTOMS that should not be swept under the rug with CF and Fibro.

My thyroid is "normal" as are all other blood tests. This is so frustrating.

Have you tried HRT?

My best wishes and hugs to you. I know exactly how you feel.

Libbett

Hi Lidge!

Few doctors are willing to stand up and say that all these horrible symptoms are from peri- and menopause. Even my female GYN kept expecting my (male) primary physican to diagnose chronic fatigue or fibro. But I think he's the smartest one of all. He said, "I think your symptoms are due to menopause and you'll just have to tough it out." I've tried everything from 30-40 vitamin and minerals supplements a day to accupuncture to HRT. Maybe I just have to be patient, but it's hard after 4-1/2 years.

Hugs,
Libbett

Hi Shakin' and ThinkPink!

Thanks for your input. It's all very valuable.

Last year I went to a holistic doctor and took many mineral and vitamin supplements every day--this, as well as following a strickt diet. He was following my saliva results very closely and by the end of the year was stumped. He said it was the worst result he had every seen. I also had accupuncture twice a week during this period of time. Nothing seems to help.

I have always been a good sleeper (thank you, God), and wake up refreshed. During the day, I'm not sleepy; my muscles simply get tired with only a little physical exertion. I do some yoga, stretching and brief muscle-building exercises to keep myself fit, but any sports activities are out of the question. My physical stamina will sometimes allow me to go grocery shopping. Other times, my muscles are tired for two days. I haven't shopped for clothes in about 3 years.

Have either of you tried HRT? I have, and it's been a big ZERO.

Hugs,
Libbett

Hey Libbett,,

I personally have not done HRT.I have so far done natural things..One great thing is you are sleeping well,,that is a huge complaint for peri women as myself..
Have you tried ginseng and green tea? They are natural energy boosters and good for you..we can always use the antioxidents.

I hope you have a energy filled day sweetie.

(((HUGS))))
Pamela

Hi Pamela!

I drink green tea in the morning (I make it quite weak since I have problems with anxiety). You said that you drink apple cider vinegar. I did that many years ago and then stopped. I'm curious how much you drink a day (I think I drank 3 tablespoons before). How much do you take a day?

Much happiness to you.

Libbett

I was having fatigue and tiredness (though admittedly nothing approaching yours) and began using Holy Basil about a month ago. Now it could be just coincidence, but within a few days of starting it, I noticed a significant increase in energy, improved mood and less anxiety.

The reason I started using it is because I read that it helps normalize levels of the stress hormone cortisol, whether too low or too high. Mine are way too high at night and in the early am, probably contributing to my really bad insomnia - which in turn contributes to me feeling tired, esp. sleepy tired.

It also is supposed to boost the immune system, another kind of help I could use since I appear to ahve chronic lyme (am also taking antibiotics for that now)

I have become a holy basil enthusiast. Started my husband on it, and he feels it has boosted his energy too. I'm trying to convince my 27 yr old daughter to try it. She is experiencing job stress and fatigue.

I am using New Chapter holy basil but there are other brands too. New Chapter happens to be sold in my local health food store. however, I have found it is cheaper on-line, at least from iherb.


A bit about holy or sacred basil: it is a close relative of culinary basil, in the same genus. It is also an "adaptogen". Some info from an article I found:

Sacred basil as an adaptogen

Traditional use has attributed a wide variety of properties to sacred basil. These include rejuvenating, tonic and
vitalising properties that would contribute to longevity and a healthy life, as well as anti-septic, anti-allergic and
anti-cancer effects.

In view of pharmacological evidence showing sacred basil to possess multiple pharmacological effects
including immuno-modulating, anti-stress, hepatoprotective, chemopreventive, and anti-inflammatory, the plant
can appropriately be classed as an adaptogen.

The term adaptogen was coined by the Russian scientist Lazarev in 1947 to describe substances that increase the
body’s non-specific resistance to stress. . . .

. . . The concept of adaptogenic action was further elaborated by Brekhman and Dardymov some 20 years later.
They put forward specific criteria that a substance should meet in order to be regarded as an adaptogen, namely
that the substance should (1) produce a non-specific response and therefore increase resistance against a variety
of stressors, (2) have a normalising (amphoteric) action on physiological function irrespective of the
pathological state, and (3) be innocuous.

The mode(s) of action of adaptogens is not fully understood, but considerable amounts of evidence suggest the
involvement of effects mediated by the pituitary and the pituitary-adrenal axis. Specific pharmacological
actions frequently found in adaptogens include antioxidant, anti-cancerogenic, immuno-modulatory,
hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic.

Medicinal plants commonly regarded as possessing adaptogenic action include Korean and American ginseng
(Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius), Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Schisandra chinensis and
ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).

Hi terribletoodle!

I've never heard of holy basil. I've tried aloe water, which seemed to help for a while, but then I went back to fatigue. I'm going to call my local health food store and see if they have it. If not, I go online to order it.

Thanks for the tip!

Hugs,
Libbett

hi----I have just started taking Braggs natural apple cider vinegar with honey----2tsps of each in warm water.It really helps.Also you can appply it with a cloth to aching bones.Some like it warm and some like it cool.I prefer it warm.Its also supposed to help with osteo issues.I drink it 2-3 times a day.Hope it helps.