I'm So Tired and Can't Figure Out Why

Hi,

My only additional advice (besides what everyone else is saying about blood tests) is to take a vitamin D supplement. The recommended dose is now being increased due to new studies suggesting additional would be beneficial for everyone, especially because of the increased use of sunscreens. It can really help give you more energy.

I would definately look into some anti-depressants or something like that, or it could be thyroid, it can change after you have had a baby. Definately go see a doctor. And I know this is easier said than done (because I have been there) try to find a way to get some exercise. Good luck.

Hi A.,

Are you still breastfeeding? If so, are you taking in enough calories to support the milk production? Also, are you taking any supplements? I know when I don't take my supplements, I tend to drag by 2PM. Good luck!

~M.
____@____.com

It sounds like everyone has written what I was going to say -- get your thyroid checked and talk to your doctor. Also are you taking vitamins and eating well? I know that throughout my pregnancy and having our daughter -- B vitamins have been a MUST for me and my energy. I also started getting acupuncture for a different reason 3 weeks after my daughter was born and I walk out of my appointments feeling like I can do anything, and it helps tremendously getting that 1 hour every other week to do something for myself. Hope that helps and that you take care of yourself. T.

my iron was low and i now take floradix and feel much better. when you do have your bloodwork done, make sure they test your iron levels AND your ferritin levels as sometimes your iron levels look ok but your ferritin is low.

also i'd have your thyroid levels tested while you're at it as that can also make you tired.

good luck!

Hi! Have you gotten your thyroid checked? That would be the first thing I would do as the thyroid has a MAJOR impact on how much energy you have. Also, you might want to check your blood sugar levels as well. The doctor can give you a kit to take home and track your levels over a few days. Hope this helps!

Love,
J.

Same thing happened to me. I had my bloodwork done and we discovered I was severely anemic. I started taking Floradix Iron and in less than a week I was feeling a lot better! It is food based, so your body easily absorbs it! You can find it at Whole Foods and stores like that. So it may be worth a check up with your doctor!

maybe you're anemic? I'm having the same problem so I can relate!

Hello A.,
I had similar after my first son. Really, really exhausted - yes, everything that needed doing (and there was a lot, as you know) was like a huge effort. I was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr then and went weekly for extremely painful B12 shots. They helped a little and it just took a hellishly long time to come out of it. Since then I learned about and used better things and have become a homeopath treating this and many things. The main protocol needed addresses a combination of there being a high level of toxicity as well as being nutritionally depleted. That can happen easily by the time you're 24 if you have not been eating 100% organic and cleansing all along physically and healing emotionally. I developed allergies after the EB and it was cured by these: Spirulina, Enzymes, Acidophilus and constitutional homeopathy. These worked amazingly fast for my son and I's allergies, which I know were connected with the original issue. This was after 6-7 months of an allergist which barely did anything.
I'd be happy to tell you where the get the best kind of those items and explain what they do more specifically.
In Health,
Liz Brandegee
Classical Homeopath

Hello, I would have a physical and be sure to have them check your thyroid. Many people have a thyroid condition but attribute it to life's busyness.

Good luck.

L.

It takes about one year for your hormone levels to return to you pre-pregnancy levels - so you probably have another four months before you start feeling "normal" again. Your fatigue is almost certainly compounded by the fact that you work full time outside the home. As the mother of an infant, you are working two full time jobs - is there any wonder why you're tired? ONE full time job can be exhausting - but TWO full time jobs when your system still hasn't stabilized? Well, duh! OF course you're tired.

Eat properly. Get some exercise (this really does help kick start your energy levels, I swear). And don't sweat the small stuff!

A.,
Most moms that I know have older kids and they are tired all the time. What their doctors have told them is that they are trying to do too much and that they are overwhelmed. I relate. I am easily overwhelmed and it drains me out so much.
Being that you are a mom working out of the home, you have a lot to deal with. I'm sure that while you are at work you are not only doing your work, but constantly thinking about your child and the things you need to get done at home. That's draining especially if you'd rather be home.

The other thing is that you may have PPD (Post partum depression). This is so common you can't believe. Most moms don't know the signs and most doctors won't tell you that you have it, they just give you the RX and send you on your way.

I find that being outside in the sun helps my mood. I also rest a lot when I am home, and let the house work go undone. When we can, I treat myself to a massage or a pedicure.

Being a mom is overwhelming, so don't be afraid to ask for help so that you can have some "me" time alone.

Best wishes,
A.

Have your thyroid checked! After my daughter was born I felt the same way for TWO YEARS before my doctors figured it out. It's a simple blood test, and many people get hypo thyroid after having their baby. If it's not that, I'd say to try to exercise every day, that helps me feel a lot more energized! :-)

What a little sleeper your daughter is. Especially when she began doing that at 2 weeks. I'm sorry to hear of your battle with fatigue. It can be painful. I know. I strongly suggest that you make an appointment to see your primary care doctor with out any delay. Why ? I went through the same thing. Part of my fatigue was post pardum and I sought out counceling for that, but most of it was a huge imbalance in hormones. After many visits with my PCP, OBGYN and blood tests, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I saw a Rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis and low behold it wasn't in my head after all. What I was feeling was truly there. I found treatment. Today, I still have Fibromyalgia as there is no cure for it, but I have learned to manage it with lifestyle changes. Please see your doctor without any further delay. Your family need you.

Hi

Been there.
Couple of questions: Are you breast feeding? That can take a lot out of you. If you are, can you pump and have your husband do some of the feedings? You need to actually SLEEP and feeding a baby definately cuts into that.

If you are not, same thing. Get someone else to take over some of the feedings if you can. Take a NAP. Yeah, I know, not easy but worth it, trust me.

Get a complete blood count done -- have them check for anemia. Fairly common in new moms. That can wipe you out. It is fairly easy to fix too, once they know what the problem is. There are several different types, including B-12 anemia if you are not eating properly... which brings me to another point, how is your diet? A lot of new Moms want to lose baby fat and, especially if they are breast feeding, going on reducing diets can backfire. While you are getting your CBC done, make arrangements to see a nutritionist. They can help set up a healthy diet plan for both you and your family.

Most of all remember -- having a baby is HARDER than completing a Marathon. Marathoners take the time to rest and recover afterwards. Moms need to do the same. Your body and brain have gone through an enormous adjustment. If there is anyone who can give you a break, take the time to go out with your husband, go out by yourself, go out with friends, take a nap. The baby and your husband will both thank you for it. If you are in the Maple Valley area, join one of the many Moms clubs. They have baby sitting coops that can help. Many of the churchs do also. Remember, you are going to be caring for this little one for a long time. You owe it to everyone to make sure that you are in the best of health.

Best wishes
Jenny D.

I agree that you should see your doctor. You may be anemic or have an underactive thyroid. My daughter discovered that she needed thyroid medication after the birth of her daughter.

I would like to add as encouragement that if the doctor finds nothing physically wrong and after talking with a therapist that deals in post partum depression that it might help to accept that you are tired for good reason and live with it as you are doing now. I think it's great that you're lounging on the couch after work.

You do have a couple of obvious reasons to be tired. Child birth and two full time jobs. I've never been pregnant but I've had several abdominal surgeries and it did take me a year to get energy and stamina back. It's natural to be pregnant and give birth but that doesn't mean that our bodies don't react negatively when that happens.

I took in a foster child when she was 7. I worked full time as a desk sergeant. I too was exhausted when I came home. After a couple of years I learned that there was rarely anything in the house that had to be done after work. My health and caring for my daughter were top priority. When we're tired we're tired for a reason and if we don't get enough sleep, good food, and exercise of some sort our immune system weakens and we're at risk for more illness. I've also experienced that consequence.

The exercise for me was to use the stairs where I worked and to park the furthest away from the store when I shopped. My daughter and I walked to a nearby grocery store to pick up just a few things. Being more active did help my fatique level. I think it's important to listen to your body. With practice, you'll know when you need to rest and when you need exercise. I don't think doing the dishes in this context is exercise. :):):)Our activity should hold some sense of satisfaction for us.

Unfortunately I used fast food a lot for dinner. I wouldn't do that now. When I'm run ragged by my grandchildren I eat a frozen dinner. There are several family size, good entrees available now.

My daughter, who does have a limited income, uses frozen dinners from time to time. She also buys easy to prepare food. Frozen vegetables and quick to cook meats. The kids love weiners and Kraft macaroni and cheese. They have weiners at least once a week. Yes, they're not so nutritious and have preservatives, etc. But is it better to be so exhausted you can't be good company or to find ways to have quick food? I always vote on the side of relationships both with our family and ourselves.

Once more, I do strongly advise you to have a physical and mental check up first.

I didn't read all the other advice, so sorry if I'm repeating others. I would definitely talk to your doctor. You might be suffering from Postpartum Depression (or another ailment). The other thing is that you might have a sleep disorder of some sort - making it so you're not getting enough DEEP sleep. Good luck! Being a mom is exhausting, and you don't need anything making it harder on you. :-)

Hi A.,

There can be many reasons to feel so tired, and none of them are things you must or should live with. Is it emotional? Do you feel sad, depressed, uninterested? This can be a sign of postpartum depression--and moms who have "nothing to be unhappy about" do get this due to hormonal changes and lifestyle changes combining even several months after the birth.

Or perhaps the physiological changes of pregnancy and birth left you with an iron deficiency or malabsorption problem. My favorite remedy to try for this is a combination of Floridix (liquid/food based iron supplement) and sublingual B-12/B-6 complex. Be sure the B complex is sublingual (under the tongue) either in a spray or tablets--there is an absorption system that bypasses the stomach this way. If you feel better within a couple of weeks of this, then iron was your problem.

Vitamin D deficiency also can create tiredness and lethargy.

Finally, as others have mentioned here, you should probably get your thyroid checked.

All of this can be done through a simple blood workup with your regular physician--except for the screen for possible depression. If that seems to be the case, please feel free to email me directly and privately. I do counseling for post-partum issues and could possibly help give you some ideas.

It could very well be being a new mom and working. However I would talk to your dr. It could be that your thyroid isn't working properly. That has alot to do with energy levels and other aspects. It can be controlled with medicine.
Our bodies just get out of wack sometimes with pregnancy and postpartum.

A.,
I am sure you have thought of this, however make sure you are checking with your physician...maybe your iron level is not normal. When my daughter was born, my iron level was low for about 6 month or so.... Also make sure that you are not only getting the right amount of rest but also the right amount of food/drink intake as well as exercise. All of this plays a part in our bodies! However this is what I do know...when your body talks to you, you need to listen. So....if your body is sending you the message YOU ARE TIRED...and you have gotten enough rest, then move on to the next thing to find out what is going on. I ended up having a mild stroke in 2000. I wasn't listening to my body and watching the signs!
FOOD IN OUR BODIES GIVES US FUEL!!
The best of luck to you
D. C.

Go see your doctor. Are you still taking your prenatal vitamins? They're a good source of things your diet is probably lacking as you're busy taking care of your daughter, work and then work at home. It could be a mild form of post-partum depression. Again, go see your doctor. You don't speak of your husband helping with things, this is a joint production, so what is he doing to help out? If he isn't helping, ask him to. Go out for a walk with your daughter in her stroller or snugli and get some fresh air. It will help you get a sounder, more restful sleep. Again, go see your doctor. Take good care.

You would do well to talk to your doctor about this. Exhaustion can have causes that are debilitating over time. Your doctor will probably want to check your iron and blood glucose levels and evaluate you for depression (it can be mild enough to present as exhaustion) and perhaps order a sleep study. If you gained weight that you haven't lost, you could be more susceptible to apnea, which can seriously disturb the quality of your sleep.

Don't neglect caring for yourself. Your gorgeous little girl needs you!

I am sure you have already heard from some other Moms with the same advice - but here it goes. I had the same issues - especially after my first one. It was discovered that I needed thyroid medication. Now after my 3rd one - exhaustion really bad. I am still on the thyroid med - my doc did a whole bunch of blood work - my vitamin D was non-existent. So I guess, what I would suggest is to get some blood work done to rule out anything there. If that doesn't come up with anything - look at diet, etc. Best of luck!!

Hello A.!
It takes a lot out of your body when you have a baby!!! Do you nurse? Do you take vitamins? I work with a company that has 98% absorbable vitamins (scientifically researched and patented) that have made the difference for me AND they are reasonably priced! Give me a call! K. Schuster ###-###-#### I look forward to hearing from you!

You need to talk to your doctor. Some women after birth suffer from something called postpartum thyrioditis http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/postpartum.htm that can really affect their energy level. It could also be a postpartum depression issue or just being a new mom, but getting your thyriod tested is just a little blood test.

Have your thyroid checked asap-all three levels!!

Be specific when asking them to test all three levels, most of the time they'll just check one, my one level was fine and the other two were way off!

Get your thyroid checked.

If you're like me you're probably anemic. Have a blood test and up the spinach/broccoli/beans/meat in your diet. Take a supplement if you need it (along with Calcium for absorption). Also, it sounds crazy to say exercise because you're so tired, but for me the only way to feel better and sleep soundly is if I get exercise each day. Even just a walk or a little weight lifting while watching a little TV makes a huge difference in how I feel.

I would go to your doctor and get your thyroid checked. At least start there. Fatigue is also a sign of depression, so your doctor might ask you questions about that as well. But make sure to ask for a thyroid test. I felt exactly like you felt, and when I got checked out...it was my thyroid. If it's thyroid, you become regulated on a medication you take daily, and you do go back to normal! Don't worry, they will figure it out!

Everyone else has said this... but I would like to underline it... talk to your doctor and have them check thyroid and iron levels. I had post partum thyroiditis. Which means that your body goes a little crazy on your thyroid after the stress ofpregnancy and damages your thyroid. Then it can't produce as much hormone and you get really tired (and dry skin, and have a hard time losing that baby weight, etc). In my case, a simple thyroid replacement hormone has done wonders. Check it out! :)

Good luck. Iron levels can also cause this, but if you don't have a history of anemia....

Demand the tests from your doctor!

Depending on how you felt before you had the baby, you might want to mention the fatigue to your doctor and ask for some thyroid testing. The thyroid controls a lot of the hormone levels and if it is "wonky" can cause fatigue. I think that with some very simple blood tests, they can see. It's worth a shot.
Good luck!

Hi A.,

Maybe you should see your doctor and get a thorough blood test. You'll need to fast too, because you'll need to check your blood sugar level.

Take Care!
M.

I had a problem with anemia after my babies were born. It made me so tired! My doctor treated it with iron supplements. You could check that out for starters... If not, excersizing always gives me more energy.

Hi A.,

I struggle with those issues compounded by migraines. I have found that if I remember to take a B-complex everyday, I feel fine. If I forget for a couple of days, I am reminded by a blaring migraine & the inability to function properly (mental or physically). Maybe a B-complex will work for you, too.

Also, I agree with the others, see your doctor & follow-up with a naturopath. I hope you feel better soon!

I had the same problem after my first son was born and my PCP told me I probably had a little bit of post partum depression even though I didn't have all of the symptoms. It turned out through other tests that I didn't have post partum, but instead I had a thyroid problem. Don't let the way you feel get any worse, go see your doctor and ask them what it could be, it would be a good idea to have your thyroid tested too!

If you don't get anywhere with an MD, you might try a naturopath. They've given me better results than MDs ever did. The tests MDs give for thyroid always said mine was normal, but my naturopath did more tests that did show that I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis...

A.,

You are not the only mom. My mother suffered from what we called "chronic fatigue" after my brother was born for years and years. If you don't feel like it is a normal motherly fatigue than it probably is something more like you are thinking. Best reasoning for this is that the whole process of bearing children is physically taxing on the body and robs of so many nutrients and sometimes the body has a hard time getting out or that state. After several years of searching and working closly with her doctor we finally found something that has made a real differnce and that is Reliv, a patent nutritional food that gave her the nutrition she needed at a cellular level to heal. I now work with Reliv as my own home-based business and share with you more if you want. You can respond to me on mamasource or call me at home ###-###-####. I would love to help!

D. J.

Hi A.,
Get your thyroid checked. A lot of women have thyroid problems after pregnancy and sheer exhaustion is one of the number one symptoms. I had the same thing and went to the doctor when my son was about a year old complaining of the same thing. After just four days on the thyroid tablets, my family said I was a changed woman. It was like night and day! I am on thyroid meds permanently now, but I feel absolutely great and have the energy for the day-to-day stuff, going to the gym, playing with and caring for my 18-month-old, etc. If it's not thyroid, it could be something else like anemia or a hormone imbalance. Apparently all of this is very common after pregnancy. Talk to your doctor and get a general check-up.

Oh gosh, that is really rough! Do you also feel like you can't concentrate on anything? Like everyone else on here, I'd recommend getting your thyroid tested. Mine was low after my 2nd baby and made me feel exactly like you described. Everyone said "of course you're tired, you're working and have a baby, etc. etc." but there's a difference between feeling tired and having fatigue.

After my 3rd baby, I started to feel "off" again, and my thyroid tested normal. My naturopath helped guide me through an elimination diet to see if it was a food allergy and we uncovered a severe sensitivity to gluten, which had a lot of the same symptoms of the low thyroid (extreme fatigue, feeling foggy headed) with a few fun digestive side effects thrown in. So if the thyroid tests normal, you might see about a food allergy.

Good luck.

Hi A.,
Could you be anemic? Could you be post partum? Have you gone to your doc to get a work up? Having an 8 month old and working full time is a huge physical and emotional demand.

A little about me: WPTM of fraternal 5 year old twins. Wonderful husband

I don't have much more to add, other then my experience. I recently went to the doctor because I have been feeling "crappy" (for lack of a better word) for some time now. I initially thought my thyroid had gone wonky again (I have been taking medication for hypothyroidism for years). Blood tests showed that my thyroid was okay, but I have a severe vitamin D deficiency. My doctor also diagnosed me with fatigue. I have increased my vitamin D, been a little stricter about avoiding foods that exacerbate thyroid problems, and try to take a nap (even if only a power nap). Most days I feel a little better. I agree that going to your doctor is the best next step. Good luck!

Get your iron checked, fatigue can be a good sign of low iron!

A few things come to mind for me: postpartum depression, anemia, low thyroid, sleep disorder. It is best to check with your doctor. Have your ferritin level checked in addtion to your hematocrit for iron stores. If all the labs come back within normal and ppd is ruled out, I would check with a sleep specialist. Even if your're not depressed now, being fatiqued and feeling awful can make you feel depressed.

Best of luck,
C.

I don't want to alarm you too much, but you sound like me before I was diagnosed with Post Partum Depression. Now the medicine I'm on helps SOOOOOOO much. You might be chemically depressed because of the hormonal changes due to pregnancy and childbirth. It wouldn't hurt to ask your DR.
Good Luck!

Hi A.,

It sounds like you're out of balance somewhere. This can be challenging to pinpoint on your own - or when you look at it in these terms, it might be glaringly obvious to you. I'm a big proponent of natural (alternative) and energy therapies. There are a huge variety of things you can try: naturopathic medicine, accupuncture, EFT (check out www.emofree.com), Healing Touch, Chinese medicine, homeopathy, Matrix Energetics, etc., etc. Have you talked to a naturopathic physician to get an assessment? There are lots locally since the NW is home to Bastyr University, the premier natural medicine university in the U.S.

My and my son's naturopath (located in Renton) is amazing and has been very successful at treating various ailments when they periodically crop up. Even more important than that is that she (and all naturopathic doctors) are focused on wellness, not just treating illness. This holistic and preventive-based approach helps people achieve balance of mind, body and spirit, something that western medical doctors are just now beginning to understand the connection. If you've never tried alternative treatments before, you might be in for a very pleasant surprise. Just my two-cents worth...

S. M.

Hello... I am wondering if you have ever had your thyroid levels tested, or testing done for insulin resistance, there are alot of medical reasons you may be so exhausted
ask your Dr. about running some tests and seeing if there is an underlying medical cause!

thyroid testing would be a good start. What time do you go to bed and get up each morning? Maybe your not getting enough rest, maybe your on the run constantly and your body needs more or possibly your diet? Are you taking any vitamins?

Hey A.,
Have you had your thyroid checked? An underactive thyroid can cause extreme fatigue, among other things. Here's an article from WebMD that might be helpful:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/fatigued-or-f...

Good luck!
S.

A.,

I am so relieved to hear you say that! My son is 11 months now and I feel freakin exhausted every day no matter how much sleep I get! Everyone tells me that its part of being a mom and you just get used to it, but I'm struggling with it too. I think my problem is lack of energy because I never exercise. Who wants to work out when your tired? Anyways, I dont have any brilliant advice for you but just wanted you to know that I totally feel the same. And I must be insane because I am ready for baby #2...go figure!

The most likely reason is just being tired from having a new baby. Even when you are sleeping all night, the constant thought of your daughter and what she needs is enough to drain anyone's energy.
If thought you feel like that is not it, then follow your insticts (that's why you have them) and go see your doctor. It is also very common to have a thyroid, depression, or hormonal problem that can be fixed.

Good luck

To be on the safe side I'd go have a physical. But it seems like you've never given yourself time to recover from childbirth.
E.

After my second child I felt exactly the same way! No energy and just wanting to sleep. Have you tried Body Balance? I got my energy back after just a couple days of drinking this super food...and I got my life back! I am able to clean and play with my children. After doing lots of research it made sense that we are not getting the nutrition our bodies need and being exhausted is just one way our body is trying to tell us that. Let me know if you want some more information...I've gathered quite a bit. :-)

Have you been checked for anemia? or anything else? Alot of things could cause the exhaustion.