I was wondering if shortness of breath upon exertion is normal during perimenopause? I didn’t have a period in Jan, but my Feb. period lasted 14 days and I had very heavy bleeding and clots which left me exhausted. My legs seem very weak which I’m not used to.

 

Answer:

 

You’re tired, completely drained of energy, physically and mentally exhausted and you’ve only just got out of bed. You’re not alone. Fatigue and exhaustion (as well as shortness of breath upon exertion) are a common occurrence among most perimenopausal and menopausal women. Besides hot flashes, exhaustion is the second most common symptom women experience during menopause. The lack of energy could be due to a number of things, including sleep deprivation caused by the imbalance of hormones, and heavy bleeding which can leave the body feeling weak.

 

Estrogen hormones have a large effect on fatigue. Estrogen regulates a number of other hormones including cortisol, which is the hormone that causes tiredness. When the estrogens levels dramatically drop during menopause, they can no longer regulate cortisol hormones, which is why most women end up battling crashing fatigue.

 

Psychological factors such as stress can also take a toll on the body. It’s important to take a look at the physical and psychological factors of tiredness when determining an appropriate treatment.

 

Extreme fatigue can affect your life, work, relationships, and family. There are, however some things that you can do for your body to help bring back some of that energy:

• Get enough rest - sleep is very important in helping the body to restore energy. Although the effects of insomnia can be frustrating, try to go to bed early or take naps during the day if possible.
• Eat a healthy diet - eat a well-balanced diet that includes lots fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies are good for the body and provide you with extra energy.
• Take iron supplements - this is important for women who experience heavy bleeding during menopause. An iron deficiency can occur with excessive blood loss. To offset this loss you can replace it by eating foods rich in iron such as beef, chicken, raisins, prunes and spinach. Remember to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements.
• Exercise regularly - engaging in a regular exercise routine of 30 minutes, 3-4 days a week is a great way to provide the body with extra energy.
• Reduce stress - relaxation techniques such as yoga and mediation are great ways to reduce stress and increase energy.
• Herbal remedies - certain natural herbs such as Wild Yam Root may help combat fatigue.