Lack of Energy

Ever since I had my son in '00, he has literally taken the energy right out of me. I have excercised and meditated, but I still feel exhausted. My OBGYN suggested taking Iron and Daily Woman's Mutli-Vitamin Supplements. Any suggestions as to what is the proper amount of iron daily and what type of Woman's Supplements are best? I just feel groggy up until the late afternoon/evening, then by 10:30 I have no energy again. I also have less of a sex drive since I've had my son as well, and it has created a little tension in the relationship for some time now.
I was also a bit anemic when I was pregnant with my son, and I am sure I still am, so I know I need to take Iron- have been for the past few days now, but I don't know how much is a decent daily amount. I've just been taking 1-2 a day. But I really think I would also benefit from a Woman's Mutli-Vitamin. Hope you have suggestions.

[raeanna74]

I have had this problem for a long time. My Dr has prescribed Prenatal Vitamins for me since they have a higher Iron dosage in them. Mine have 27 mg of Iron daily. It's well within the limits for a woman prior to menopause. It's after menopause that you need to watch your Iron intake. It's amazing how it helps your energy. I notice a distinct drop in the afternoons. I can help that by making sure I eat more protein at lunchtime and less sugar. If for example I were to just have toast and jelly for lunch (I have been known to do that) then it's mostly starch and sugar and won't hold me through the afternoon. A cheese sandwich, beef soup, or even peanut butter toast helps me make it through better.

At one point when I tested anemic the Dr prescribed Iodine pills and B vitamin pills. My current Dr prescribed the Prenatals because they have B-vitamins as well. They tend to affect your energy as well supposedly. The Iodine also helps you body absorb the Iron. Also don't take the Iron with Milk. The calcium binds to the Iron I guess and you won't absorb as much.

I know the feeling. Only a couple months ago I was so exhausted that I could hardly get myself to get up and do ANYTHING. Since I started the Iron pills and watched how much sugar I eat mornings and afternoons then I make it through the day with the energy I need. I've been tested of diabetes but nothing showed up. Diabetes/Hypoglycemia runs in my family and I notice a big difference when I eat more sugar that I sometimes will respond with a dip in energy and headaches so I'm just a little more careful about my sugar now.

I wish you good luck. It does take a little while for the Iron to start helping but once it does you will wonder how you did without.

[orange monkeyee]

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...threadid=47239

i swear my life on this tea. pm me if you need more info or something.

[Lunchbox7]

I take a guarana/ginseng tablet each day and the difference is remarkable. Ive gotten quite a few people onto it. They keep you alert and capable of going all day and late into the evening. You can buy them at any health food store. You might want to give them a try???

Wow, thank you for all of the suggestions- some I knew already, some new to me.
Orange, I briefly saw that thread about the tea:

It has a sister drug of caffeine, it acts like caffeine in that it keeps you awake, but it has no side affects like being jittery or having cold hands.

I never get jitters, as my tolerance for coffee is high now, it's just my morning kick, but now I know why I always have cold hands! That's really true?? Wow. I think I will have to find that tea and just have an occassional cup of joe.
I am taking Iron now, but not feeling much yet. Maybe I need to up the intake 1 pill and also get some ginseng tablets and drink sonme of that tea, as well as exercise. I just want to really feel good about getting up in the morning. i feel like I need 10 hours of sleep to feel rested up, and then that only last until 10 at night.
Thanks a bunch, kiddos!

[raeanna74]

THe cold hands can also be a symptom of anemia. I used to have cold hands and feet all the time but once I got started on the Iron and got my level up I noticed that my extremeties were less cold.

Iron deficient anemia means that there are fewer red blood cells that carry Iron. When that happens the red blood cells aren't capable of carrying oxygen either. This means that your body essentially starves for oxygen and it will give the oxygen that it does have to the most important organs leaving the extremeties without, resulting in the cold. The lack of oxygen is a reason for the fatigue as well. When your Dr does a careful check for anemia they will examine the actual red blood cells. The ones that have Iron in them will be larger than the ones without. The number of cells that are larger are the ones they count to get your Hemoglobin count. In some types of anemia the cells will actually be deformed but in just iron deficient anemia you will have smaller cells.

At one point when I had needed some blood transfusion for another reason they gave me an Ferrous Gluconate (Iron) suppliment to take home that was 50mg daily. I noticed no problems with taking that much ever even months later. It might help to take more to begin with then taper it off once you start to feel more energetic. I would suggest calling you Dr and asking how much is too much Iron to take. Or you could even ask your pharmacist - they should be able to help you better than we can.

^^^ ya, that makes total sense now. That is why I am taking Iron, because I have always had low-grade anemia. Thanks!