1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

2 more CFS questions - menstrual cycle and weight lifting

Posted , 5 users are following.

onebratt08
onebratt08

1) How does the menstrual cycle affect CFS and vice versa?

My symptoms (dizzy, insomnia, allergies, pain) worsen the second half of my cycle, which seems to be the standard for all women with immune system problems (autoimmune disease, Lyme, etc.) I also have very scant periods that are light and usually last less than 24 hours (for no explainable reason). 

2) How does weight lifting play into CFS?

Most of what I've read focuses on pacing through cardio activity and for sure cardio activity can leave me pretty wiped out...however, I used to be way into some pretty heavy weight lifting before this started. I could bench my body weight, for instance. It didn't make my heart pound the way cardio does, so not as exhausting in that manner, but once I started feeling unwell, I would be left in terrible pain after weight lifting, no matter how easy I tried to take it (mostly neck and shoulders). In fact, I believe my problem started as a result of an injury from intense weight lifting (and probably over-exercise in general). Is weight lifting, esp heavier weights, just as bad for CFS as cardio?

Oh, one more question...

3) Does CFS ever go away or get better?

I've waxed and waned for sure, but it's been mostly a slow decline for years.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • onebratt08
    onebratt08

    Posted

    I'm going to throw in one more question - would CFS make one prone to issues like plantar warts (assumming the wart virus was allowed to take hold because of a suppressed immune system)?
  • Izzie_Lizzie
    Izzie_Lizzie onebratt08

    Posted

    Hi there,

    without sounding rude!  How old are you?

    With me, to keep my muscle pain down I have to use the same muscles all the time and not chop n change.  For instance I need to keep walking rather cycling every third day instead or I'll get pain.  It doesn't matter if it was to cycle a mile that would be enough for the pain to really get going.

    Hope that helps a wee bit, take care

  • jackie00198
    jackie00198 onebratt08

    Posted

    I would back way off of weight lifting. Why risk your health with such a strenuous exercise? I don't know how it compares to cardio, but it's still putting stress and strain on your body. If you're left in terrible pain after weight lifting, well, there's your answer. Don't do it. CFS can get better, just by itself, according to literature I've read. I've known people who have gotten better without doing anything. This can happen especially within the first 3 or so years, but sometimes ever later. To maximize chances of a recovery, don't push yourself, get plenty of rest, and de-stress in whatever way you can.
  • Beverley_01
    Beverley_01 onebratt08

    Posted

    Hi there,

    Period wise, I think that with a scant 24 hour period, unless you are quite underweight and/or you have always had such scant amounts, a trip to the doc may need to be considered. I've had cfs/me over 3 years and no change to my periods still regular, same amount and I've noticed absolutely no difference in cfs/me symptoms at different times of the month? But then again, I've not been looking. I'm resting alot more recently but that's not period related either.

    My grandma went through her menopause at 42 and fell pregnant as her periods were no longer a marker for fertility. Could you be maybe starting the menopause in early 40's?

    Re weights, when I saw the suggestion I thought, that's not a good idea, I wouldn't anyway. I was going to the gym, swimming, doing yoga and pilates at the beginning because I thought, I feel exhausted anyway! Its not the way. I'm slowely getting this idea of finding a base line and pacing and resting. Exercise can wait. My body needs my patience and care.

    Yes people get better. Many stories of recovery. Don't loose hope

    Best wishes

    Beverley

  • haylee93669
    haylee93669 onebratt08

    Posted

    I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has this problem with feeling the exact same symptoms around my period! I thought it was a hormone thing but it definitely must be  a CFS thing. I wish I knew the answer - be interested to hear if someone has a definitive answer! Since having CFS my periods are really painful, heavy for the first day and then practically disappear! But the PMS I experience is horrendous and I feel really depressed at the same time. Takes me a week to get over my period, then I have a week of feeling 'ok' then back to feeling horrid again....

    In regards to CFS going away. The therapist I see had CFS herself and it took her 3 years to get better (she stopped work completely for those 3 years and was bed bound for the first 6 months) So I'm hopeful that with the right amount of rest, therapy, good nutrition and understanding from friends and family that we can all make a full recovery. 

    Sorry I've not shed any light on it! Hope we figure out the answer to your questions. 

    All the best

    Haylee x

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.