My alternative doc and I have come to the conclusion that I have adrenal fatigue/exhaustion and my hormones are out of whack. I am still ovulating and having regular periods, but my estrogen is way low. This was recently confirmed when I had my levels checked, my cortisol (adrenal function) was low and my estradiol was low. Unfortunately, I have a blood clotting disorder, so hormones are not an option (I've recently had a second opinion on this and it seems this is the consensus). I have been on an herbal supplment that is supposed to be helping balance the hormones. When this all started about a year ago, I began experiencing the worst fatigue of my life. I would drag myself out of bed, take my kids to school and barely make it home before I collapsed. I had to take a break washing dishes and folding laundry to rest. I had recently lost my brother to cancer, so I thought maybe it was all due to the stress of his illness and the loss. Now, I'm sure that was a big part of it, but as I've come to learn, stress can make you sick!!!!!! It also coincided with weaning my youngest child from breastfeeding and starting my period back after not having one for 2+ years while nursing. The fatigue was horrible and the worst part of all the very weird symptoms I started having. From what I've learned about adrenal fatigue once your cortisol begins to run out your body uses adrenaline to take its place. My hormones seem a little less crazy, but now I'm having moments of crazy energy rushes that make me feel like I may blast off into space. Yesterday I cleaned for 7 hours. Today, I decided to take the dog for a walk after not exercising for more than a year and we walked at least four miles. He was exhausted. My mind felt like it needed to go for hours, but my legs were tired. I usually take a Xanax in the afternoon because my anxiety is usually higher then (the kids are home from school, the house is rocking!) and it helps me sleep. I'm trying very hard not to go the antidepressant route because they make me feel so crappy. I haven't lasted the entire 3 week adjustment period on the ones I've tried because I usually end up throwing up and feeling nauseous all the time. I'm afraid that the energy, which is more like a crazy nervous manic energy, means I'm moving in the wrong direction. I would love to hear from anyone who has experienced this and what helped them. I need help and hope!!! There has to be a way back from all of this!!!!!!!

Yes, I experienced this, and now that I'm post-menopausal, I wish I hadn't feared it so much. Things do level out in time, and I believe this is part of the swinging of the hormones! I was afraid that I was becoming bi-polar or something, but it was DEFINITELY related to the peri process.

In retrospect, I wish I'd stopped fretting about it, and used that energy to do all the projects that I couldn't get to while slumped on the couch during the dreadful fatigue phases.

BTW, mine was coupled with a racing head, constant bits of songs and nonsense going through my mind. Sooooo annoying!

(((HUGS)))

JJ

oooh..yes, the 'constant songs' were going on in my head too...I agree, it's so annoying.

At the peak of my adrenal fatigue - when I was still having periods - I had low energy slumps too, especially around 2-4pm, plus nervousness/extreme anxiety/ internal tremor feelings.


I don't remember the high energy times though......I had my last period about 18 months ago and am now much better....I do not get those low energy/tiredness times in fact my energy levels are really good now.

I took time and 'coddled' myself, slept when I was feeling tired, and wound down my activities as much as I could.

Be good to yourself (as much as you can anyway!).....

Caz

Constant songs??????

Yeh, Lady in red...you know when you hear a song on the radio a few times and then it keeps going around in your head?, only IT KEEPS doing it and it gets very annoying and distressing after awhile....thats what we mean.

Caz

I thought so, but just wanted to make sure. I know exactly what you mean. It is very annoying.

I struggled with the "manic energy" one and off for about a year. I also got the "adrenal exhaustion" diagnosis, and I'm pretty sure that's what it was. I was lighting the candle at both ends...with a blow torch. But since I started taking a 200mg magnesium citrate caplet (For heaven's sake, NOT magnesium OXIDE!) before bedtime, I sleep like a baby. I also take 3 mg of melatonin. Over time, I eventually upped my dose to 400 mg of magnesium citrate (2 caplets), and it trims out my nerves, takes the edge off for the next day. I've been taking these two for the past three years with wonderful results.

Mag citrate and melatonin are both pretty innocuous - magnesium is a mineral that your body (especially your mind!) needs and tends to run short of as we "go peri-menopausal" (think: go postal) and as I understand it, melatonin is the body's natural sleep hormone, and also in short supply in our later years. Of course, if you're on any other meds, you should ask your doc about interactions.

I hope you find some relief!

Dear'caz-art

I know what you mean and it can be very upsetting at times like having the radio tuned onto one station for hours at a time.I have actually shouted "Shut-up" at times.I find it does seem to happen more when am really stressed so will take a small dose of Xanax if needed

Hope you get relief soon
Elizabeth

OH my! I have songs or bits of commercials in my head A LOT!! Also lines from movies will pop up out of nowhere-unrelated to anything I may be doing at the moment...I think my brain is in rewind...that old Coke commercial from the 70's is a favorite...ok, not a favorite, but it pops in often...y'know..."I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony...I'd like to buy the world a Coke and keep it company--it's the real thing...Coke is..." LOL! There, now that will be with me for the rest of the day!

(((Hugs to All!)))

Oh, great, Froggin' - now it's in MY head!

The only other time in my life I was so plagued by the "noise" was during puberty, interestingly enough. I remember trying to go to sleep at night, and being so fed up with the songs and bits of other nonsense.

It does pass!

JJ

Ok ladies...this sounds completely opposite of me.....so did you all have the whole insomnia and fatigue first????? Is the manic energy what I have to look forward too? YIKES! I feel manic as it is.....just not right in my skin lately. New to this hormonal thing.

Did you all go to a holistic doc or did your regular gyn help you through??

JJ:

I really needed to read this. I find myself so distraught by my nervous energy/anxiety that all I do is stress about it. AND I tell you--I have a song going on in my head at all times! I sing in the choir at church and whatever song we last sang is the song that stays in my head until the next week. It's so annoying and I'm worried I've cracked up. I never used to have that. I want and need to believe that it will all get better some day. Thanks for sharing an interesting perspective on putting the energy to use.

xo

Sukie

p.s. I made the mistake of reading the entire thread just now. I swear, I just found myself singing out loud, "I'd like to buy ... the world a Coke ... and keep it company ..."

Oh well, at least it's a new track for me!

xo

Sukie

So JJ....how long after you stopped your periods did all your 'noise' and other annoying menopause symptoms go?....just curious as I am now 18 months without a period and I still have anxiety/depression....NO libido and bowel function issues!

Cheers!

Caz