[cephalopod gal]

Okay, warning to the squeamish: I am on my period and I talk about it. Actually, it's pretty much the main subject of this post.


And after that warning, some of you may be saying "Well DUH no wonder you're tired..." but hey. Hear me out.


Ok, so normally, I am actually not very tired while on my period. When I was 17 I had some terribly painful ovarian cysts, and after they were removed, my doc put me on birth control to keep them away (It's worked for two years!). Unfortunately, my periods stayed heavy and I would get tired easily. So, I started taking an iron supplement, and sure enough I wasn't fatigued during that special TOM.

Well, this year, I asked my doc to put me on a different birth control that would help me have lighter periods (yay!), and I've been on those for a while now. I am still taking the iron, though.

I've never worked out while on my period before today, and all that I did was run on the treadmill for 30 minutes (for some reason, my period decided to skip out on yoga and pilates), and of course I was a little tired after that, but I felt all right after I showered.

Then, I was really really cold even a long time after my shower, and it was pretty warm today. Out of NOWHERE, I just conked out on my couch. I was out for like an hour or an hour and a half. It was weird. I've never been so tired after a workout, but I have been tired like that while on my period. However, my period is much lighter since I've been on the new birth control.

Am I so tired due to the combination of working out + period? Or could it be something different that I should probably get checked out?


Thanks in advance, and sorry that you all had to read all about my dumb TOM, but I'm just really weirded out by this.

[HarpoChicoGroucho]

When you felt cold, was it like the shivers or chills? I had the chills and then passed out on my couch when I had MRSA. You may have an infection of some sort. Have you been running a fever? Any appetite changes?

[Lovely]

Well, it could be your TOM + exhaustion from working out, or you could be getting sick. I know I'm getting sick when I get the chills for any reason. Do you feel sick? It sounds to me like your body is just reacting as usual while you're on your period, though.

[cephalopod gal]

Hmm, I don't really feel sick... I've been sneezing the past couple of days, but we've been painting the kitchen which means taking down old, dusty decorations, so I think it has more to do with that. But other than that, I don't have any symptoms of getting sick. I'll definitely keep watch for any signs of getting sick, though!!

Thank you HarpoChicoGroucho and Faerie!!

Oh, and if it IS my period, what can I do to stop this from happening? I usually exercise in the morning before school (I did it later today b/c it's Spring Break- woo), so obviously I don't have an hour to crash after. Should I lighten up my workout? I really don't want to, but if it will help conserve my energy...

[Lovely]

I'd probably first suggest to lighten up on the exercise during. (I know, not what you'd want to hear, but... better than crashing during school!) Then, don't forget to get some protein in after your work out is complete to keep you from getting too hungry/tired over lack of food energy. Let us know if this goes away as your TOM ends. Might just be something new you'll have to get used to once a month. (Ahh the joys of being a woman... )

[cephalopod gal]

Ahh the joys indeed... Haha, I will try that then. I did have protein after this workout, so I'm pretty sure that it's the TOM. Ughhhh. I also have to remember to not weigh myself. I did this morning and I was soooo sad, but then I remembered that it was yet another "perk" of that special time so I didn't record it.

Thanks again!