So a month and a half ago I started working 12 hour shifts overnight 3-4 days per week. Everyone said by now my body would adapt, but that hasn't happened. Instead, as time goes on, I'm getting more and more fatigued. I sleep all day and wake up feeling like I haven't slept at all. My joints hurt all the time. I talked to my doctor and my nutritionist and they said to get more rest, eat more dark leafy greens, increase my protein, and maybe drink some coffee. I've done all that and it's been no help at all. Then I was told "maybe you shouldn't do overnights" but that's not an option. It's a requirement for my job. Energy drinks don't work on me (I'm not caffeine sensitive so no matter how much I drink of it, I don't get any kind of a boost) and b-12 doesn't do anything for me, either. I'm at a loss now and I was hoping some of you might have some suggestions. Thanks in advance!!!

You may need a higher dose of estrogen &/or some progesterone too (I know you’re on estrogen only). Joint pain, fatigue are common symptoms of low estrogen (& progesterone). Wouldn’t hurt to have a blood test to check your levels or try a higher dose.

PS - My surgeon said I could continue on combined estrogen & progesterone after my hysterectomy so I won that argument after she initially said estrogen only. Yay!

When I first started working nights it took me a couple months to adjust. A couple things I’ve done to improve my sleep: I have double layer black out blinds. My bedroom is an absolute cave. I use a white noise machine to block out daytime noises. I work 7pm-7am. I cut off caffeine at 1am and don’t drink any more fluids after 4am. I have a small, protein containing snack around 5am. I’ve done nights off and on through my 18 years as a nurse, currently on nights now. It does get better after your body gets used to sleeping during daytime hours!

Have you cut back on your exercise regime ? Yours did seem to be full on. Especially when we are on such reduced calories.

I find a 30 minute brisk walk in the fresh air energises me and is great for a relaxing sleep later

Consult doc for checking nutritional deficiencies

On 11/30/2024 at 8:12 PM, Arabesque said:

You may need a higher dose of estrogen &/or some progesterone too (I know you’re on estrogen only). Joint pain, fatigue are common symptoms of low estrogen (& progesterone). Wouldn’t hurt to have a blood test to check your levels or try a higher dose.

PS - My surgeon said I could continue on combined estrogen & progesterone after my hysterectomy so I won that argument after she initially said estrogen only. Yay!

I'll have to ask. My doctor said because my ovaries were removed along with my uterus, I don't need progesterone. But I'll definitely ask.

21 hours ago, summerseeker said:

Have you cut back on your exercise regime ? Yours did seem to be full on. Especially when we are on such reduced calories.

I find a 30 minute brisk walk in the fresh air energises me and is great for a relaxing sleep later

Yes I was told to because I'm on my feet most of my shift. I was trying to gain weight and it was good for a bit but has started going back down again, so I was told to cut out the working out for now.

14 hours ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

I'll have to ask. My doctor said because my ovaries were removed along with my uterus, I don't need progesterone. But I'll definitely ask.

Mine are gone too. Finally back on my combined patch so actually getting progesterone again after 5+ months (though supplies are still erratic) and I’m sleeping better, my joints are groaning and creaking when I do my stretches, etc. Never hurts to ask.

9 hours ago, Arabesque said:

Mine are gone too. Finally back on my combined patch so actually getting progesterone again after 5+ months (though supplies are still erratic) and I’m sleeping better, my joints are groaning and creaking when I do my stretches, etc. Never hurts to ask.

Do you take any testosterone? I was told to take testosterone compound cream with the estrogen but not to take progesterone. I think maybe I need to go see my doctor again and ask about getting progesterone before we discuss paying out of pocket for a compound testo cream when I may not need it.

No. No testosterone. It can be so confusing as to what you should/need to be taking based on your needs. And it can take time to work out what & how much you need. Then your levels change & your dosage has to be adjusted again. I can’t tell you how many different combinations & doses my mother has been through. They’re trying to lower her dose again at the moment (telling her she doesn’t need any HRT at her age of almost 85). She’s not coping and having menopausal side effects again.

Hope you find something to help soon.

Edited December 4, 20241 yr by Arabesque

3 hours ago, Arabesque said:

No. No testosterone. It can be so confusing as to what you should/need to be taking based on your needs. And it can take time to work out what & how much you need. Then your levels change & your dosage has to be adjusted again. I can’t tell you how many different combinations & doses my mother has been through. They’re trying to lower her dose again at the moment (telling her she doesn’t need any HRT at her age of almost 85). She’s not coping and having menopausal side effects again.

Hope you find something to help soon.

I sent a message to my doctor in the patient portal an she said that we can discuss progesterone vs testosterone and see what will work better. She said she "might" be willing to try progesterone for 3 months and see how it goes, but if it doesn't really help, then we would need to switch to testosterone. So at least she's willing to talk it over and possibly give it a try.

On 12/03/2024 at 23:03, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

I sent a message to my doctor in the patient portal an she said that we can discuss progesterone vs testosterone and see what will work better. She said she "might" be willing to try progesterone for 3 months and see how it goes, but if it doesn't really help, then we would need to switch to testosterone. So at least she's willing to talk it over and possibly give it a try.

Progesterone can make you mildly sleepy, so take it at bedtime.

Just a thought here, you've recently had several surgeries, along with a large blood loss. Significant weight loss, and new job. Now working overnights a few days a week. I'm thinking you may be feeling the effects of the combination of all those things, and it will take you and your body longer to adjust than someone who hasn't been through all of that? I remember you saying you have to eat very low carb due to sensitivity, and maybe your body is not liking that considering the increased demand on energy. Is there anything you could pair some carbs with that wouldn't make you feel awful? Like crackers with butter and cheese? That would provide fats, protein and carbs all together?