Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Georgeaj2000 on November 25, 2016, 04:01:41 PM
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Hi Everyone
I'm new to here and also relatively new to the menopause also and need some advice so fingers crossed there's someone out there who can help.
I have started with the menopause this year, thought I'd got away with it at the age of 54 but
apparently not! I have tried two types of HRT Elleste Duet Conti 2mg, this was fine for the first
month then I got extreme all over body itching and also some weight gain. I am now on Estradiol
valerate 2mg / Medroxyprogesterone 5mg tablets and I am experience even more weight gain.
There will be some out there that say that there is no research to back HRT and weight gain up
however I would argue this. I am very well aware that as you get older your metabolism slows down
as a result of muscle loss and you need to eat less calories as a result. Because of this I now eat on
average 1000-1200 calories a day and now also run 2-3 times a week and do a 20 minute kettlebell
work out every weekday. This is different to last year when I was on 1500 cals a day and didn't
exercise anywhere near as much, the only difference therefore is the fact I am now on HRT and I have no gained over a stone.
When I visited my GP about the itching she asked what HRT any of my friends were on as I could try
that. Fortunately for my friends I am the first to experience this so couldn't ask for their advice. So I
am asking you. Has anyone experienced weight gain and then switched their HRT and seen a weight
loss and if you have could you let me know what you have tried so I can at least suggest this to my
GP. There is a genuine need for me to lose this weight as I have suffered from an eating disorder in
the past and whilst I can justify to some degree a small weight increase 15lbs isn't what I had in
mind! I don't particularly want to come off HRT as the other benefits there are such as I now sleep, I
hadn't realised how little sleep I'd been getting, no more mood swings, bursting into tears etc,
better concentration and memory so I really would be loathed to come off it entirely so if there is
something out there that has worked for someone I'd be eternally grateful to hear it. Here's hoping in advance. Amanda
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:welcomemm: browse round. Make notes.
I too have struggled with eating problems since age 3 ……… I ate enough to keep me upright :-\.
Have you stood on the scales or is it a feeling of weight gain? The reason I ask is that my apron dropped so that I look fatter but in actual fact, no weight has been gained ::), simply distributed 'southwards' >:( ……… also, if one exercises one can build muscle which will 'weight' heavy.
As the oestrogen levels drop off muscles become lax = aches and pains plus my experience of apron drop. Itchyness is a common part of peri …… as is vaginal atrophy because skin thins = urine infection-type symptoms.
Read. Ask. Let us know how you get on. Maybe when you return to this particular GP point her in this direction :-\!
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Hi, thanks for posting. Yes I get on the scales everyday and can vary by 4-5lbs each day, I get on everyday so I can take an average over the week as I know there can be daily fluctuations. I didn't have any itchiness until I was on the elleste and it disappeared as soon as I started the other. I feel like a water sponge and bloated, ive even restricted carbs as I know that they can have a part to play with water retention. I've booked myself a a series of training sessions with a personal trainer to see if his ideas on nutrition and different exercise can help, why Mother Nature seems to think we need to go through this is beyond me :-\
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Let us know if you get any real helpful hints!
We have several threads on exercise here …….
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HI Georgeaj2000
I sympathise.. As a fellow ED sufferer I am hugely upset about the 10lb+ weight gain I've experienced over the past 2 years (I'm now 52 and all of this started when I turned 50!)
I'm slightly different as in surgical meno since June .. I'm surprised with the amount you are eating and exercising that you are gaining. I would maybe think about a different HRt delivery, the tablets may interact differently with your metabolism? I'm now on Everol patch.. and hopefully going to add testosterone.. I was trying the gel (oestrogel) but this method feels better to me..
Have you had your thyroid checked? notorious at this time of life for becoming out of wack. Get tests but don't just accept if you are 'normal' ask for full panel including antibodies.. They won't test T3 but a private test comes out at £30 something on the net...
It might also be worth checking other things that could be affecting your metabolism..
Try not to worry unduly.. it sounds like you are fit and well and used to being slim (as I was)
The 5.2 diet has good results but you are already on a very low calorie regime...
hope you get some answers!
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How are the bowels - regular output ? ;) 'cos constipation can cause weight gain …...
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Hi Abby
Thanks for getting back to me, as you'll know it's hard enough dealing with weight issues but when you add hormonal influences too it's just a nightmare! I'm at the Drs on Friday so I'll ask about a different delivery, it just seems to be a minefield. I'll ask about my thyroid too I wouldn't have thought about that. Once I've seen her I'll let you all know what she says
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Hi CLDK, I'm having "food retention" as well as water retention ;D but is irregular and I've no idea why it happens sometimes and not others!
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'slow transit' can be sorted but it takes a while …… I have used Actimel successfully, drinking several pots per day and taking my evening meds with a pot. This regime eased my bowel movement and I notice if I don't drink 'enough' probiotic.
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Hi Georgeaj2000
Don't care what people say, your weight increases with hrt. Often it's only water retention which can be helped with utrogestan which is a natural progesterone and for some, a diuretic but not everyone gets that effect from it. I've found after trying various different delivery methods that patches make me retain a lot of water, don't know why but it doesn't happen with gel. There's also a theory that low oestrogen makes your body store fat as oestrogen is stored in fat and therefor provides a supply. I'm not sure on the exact science of this but worth checking your E levels. This brings me on to final point; low E ALWAYS makes me intensely itchy, I've broken skin with scratching in the past. It's a sure fire indication that E is low for me.
The most modern hrt preps are now regarded as the transdermal bio-identical ones, if you do some research on bioidentical hrt you'll find all the info. In terms of progesterone, there's synthetic progestins (MPA which you are using is synthetic), or utrogestan which is micronised progesterone and therefor the same as you natural progesterone. The other option is the Mirena or Jaydess coil which is in situ in the womb so (in theory) produces less side effects.
Probably worth doing a bit of research before you get to GP as most of them are clueless on the range of options available. You also need to decide if you want to mimick a cycle or go for no bleed option. Hope this helps and not repeating what you already know.
Dxx
Ps. Testosterone is now recognised as a necessary add-in for some women on hrt, so worth researching that too.
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Pps - I find effervescent 1000mg vit C tabs very good for keeping me regular- ascorbic acid is a great 'natural' laxative.
Dxx
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That would go up my nose ::) - a bit like 'Andrews Liver Salts' ;)
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On a slightly different note, do most of you have electronic scales or older manual ones? I have decided that I need new ones to keep an eye on my weight. I threw old scruffy manual scales out some time ago and never replaced them because I wasn't confident of the accuracy of the electronic ones. I did buy some and take them home but they disagreed with my old scales by several pounds so I took them back. I had also tried them in different rooms in the house and they weren't consistent.
Any particular make recommended?
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Not sure that obsessive weighing works. Our bodies vary from day to day regardless of what room we're in!
An average is more realistic.
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Not sure that obsessive weighing works. Our bodies vary from day to day regardless of what room we're in!
An average is more realistic.
I wasn't being obsessive but just wanted reasonable accuracy 😊
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Thanks Dawn, all your info is really helpful and now you've pointed me in the right direction of where to look also is great. My poor GP will not know what's hit her, she had to get her book out last time, but they can't know everything and I'd rather she did that than take a guess!
Btw I weigh myself everyday to take a weekly average as I know how much I can vary on a daily basis, if I were to get on the scales weekly and discover I'd put on despite having a good eating week it can have a catastrophic effect on what I do next!
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Georgeaj I'm positive hrt increases weight gain (I've on evorel 50 patches + utrogestan). I put about 9lb on overnight when I went on this regime. There's been lots of advice on this topic in the past advising your metabolism changes once you become menopausal and to some extent this is certainly true, you do have to watch what you eat and work at it more. However, I feel I would drop some of the weight gained (as I'm so strict anyway) if I came off hrt but I wouldn't be functioning properly so it's the downside to feeling normal for me.
Dawncam Interesting what you say about gel being better than patches re water retention, I'm sure that's my problem as my tummy below my navel is swollen and my bust has increased (still have a small waist though). Might try switching to gel. Other than that the only solution I can think of is employing a personal trainer x
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Hi peri - I've tried several times with patches at varying strengths and even the low strengths cause W/R. When I switch to gel I can't stop peeing. I've also found that conti progestin works as diuretic for me i.e. On E only I'm more Water retentive. Just me, may be different for others - try and discover your best route.
Georgeaj2000 - I've never suffered from ED but have plenty friends/old clients who did/do. A word of caution; you're now in a different phase of your life (it's taken me a long time to accept it), hrt is NOT the same as our internally produced hormones and you will have to adapt and change to its effects. You may find that your 'control' is no longer working or healthy and will have to adopt new patterns. You also, may not!
Good luck.
Dxx
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Thanks for that Dawncam will give it a try :)
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Good luck Peri, hope it's better for you. It seems to be all about finding the right dose/delivery system and not just E in some cases!
They're not wrong when they call it 'the change'!.
Dxx
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I'm probably about to embark on HRT, so I can't comment on whether this will add to weight BUT I can say this: over the past 10 months (not had a period), my oestrogen has really fallen, and my body shape has really changed. For me, noticeably heavier about the ass, legs and tummy, despite doing bootcamps/lots of HITT, and completely changing how I eat (and I was super healthy before) to meet the challenge of cortisol/insulin issues that face peri/menopausal women.
Interestingly, I weigh less on the scales.. It's a head fuck. Absolutely not what we want on top of every other issue that meno brings.
I'm seeing a consultant on Tuesday, with a HRT specialism, and weight gain will be on top of the list. I shall report back!
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Haha - noheroicsplease - that's the best description I've heard of it yet! Been thinking that for a while! Good luck with specialist- does his name rhyme with mud?
Dxx
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I'm sensing that there are sooooo many HRT variables that I just need to keep plugging away until I find what works for me. I'm so glad I posted though because at least I have lots of other things to think about and questions to ask. Thanks everyone :)
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That seems to be the way of it Georgeaj2000 - keep plugging away. Lots of people find their sweet spot but keep asking and posting until you do.
Dxx
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Be mindful there is something like overtraining with too little calories which might give your body the message that it is under stress where it will hold onto any weight and increase the stress hormone cortisol which is fat storing. I always thought it is a myth until I was forced to dcease doing pilates and walking due to an injury and then suddenly dropped weight :o
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Yes, I agree with Maltidamouse - I eat more now than I used to and I've dropped weight. To be honest, I think someone talked about fasting or the 5:2 up the thread somewhere, and actually, this is the worst thing for your body during perimenopause years - it will just freak your body out and you'l gain weight.
I am VERY weight conscious, boot camp train, and eat really healthily (neurotically) so I can evidence what I'm saying
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Yeah it was me (guilty!) I'm post meno so oops sorry.. I find it does work for me.. but your mileage may differ of course
Abby
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Dear All, I thought I would give an update following my visit to my GP on 2 Dec. What an understanding Dr, I went with all my concerns and armed with research! In short she said that we could try whatever I wanted until we found something that I was happy with, I nearly burst into tears when she said this! We have switched my oral HRT to a FemSevern patch to see how I get on with this. I also have done a lot of research on why we gain weight and it seems to be linked to the lowering of estrogen and how your body deals with insulin which deals with how your body uses sugar and makes it easier to convert sugars into carbs and ultimately fat. Fat also holds water at the ratio of one gram of fat, four grams of water hence I've been feeling like a sponge! I've also read up on the types of exercise that is more appropriate during these menopause years. So, here's what I have done since 2 Dec. Patch worn, sometimes it has come off so I've purchased Tegaderm transparent plasters which keep it on. I've switched to a low carb diet (not no carb) and switched to High Intensity Interval Training HIIT 3-4 times a week and since doing all of this I have lost 10lbs and don't feel like a sponge anymore. I won't lie, it's hard work but for me the benefit of getting back to my pre meno weight is so so worth it. Hope some of the above is useful to some, I appreciate and understand that everyone is different but there is hope 😄
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Good on you Georgea, glad you've found a regime that works. I start mine in the New Year, I'm going to cut back on the treats and build in some exercise ;)
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Great stuff Georgeaj2000 - glad you've lost the weight - such a good thing at this point in our lives :)
Re the low carb diet - yes I do this too - it works a treat to keep my weight off. Now and again I have porridge or muesli for breakfast, but usually fruit and yogurt, and eggs ( or bacon toms and mushrooms!), or sometimes bread for lunch if out and have it with soup! I agree it's hard work - and especially the exercise - I haven't done what you do but do Pilates, Zumba and Legs Bums and Tums - all pretty intense and full on hour long sessions - as well as busy with work ( where I am on my feet being active for 4 hours per week) and housework, gardening etc. It is worth it though to feel and look so much better/more healthy! I've read about the high intensity interval training - but don't think anyone does it in my area ( rural small towns!)
re the Tegaderm - the danger with this is that you might think the patch is stuck down but it could come away underneath ( not that I've ever seen or used it!) - so I guess the thing is to ensure you keep pressing hard over the patch area when you go to the loo for example to make sure the patch has contact with your skin all the time?
Hurdity x
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Good for you Georgeaj2000 - that's a really impressive amount of weight to lose. Think I'll start reducing my carbs a bit too.
How did you get on with the itchy skin?
Dxx
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Btw I weigh myself everyday to take a weekly average as I know how much I can vary on a daily basis, if I were to get on the scales weekly and discover I'd put on despite having a good eating week it can have a catastrophic effect on what I do next!
I also weigh myself everyday. I am NOT a subscriber to the notion that you should only weigh yourself once a week. Like so many things, it's a silly idea that's not suitable for women with hormone issues. I know that my weight can increase by 1kg (about 2 pounds) overnight. I can also lose the same amount overnight too. So if I had the misfortune to weigh myself on a "fat" day I would be horribly depressed, especially if I've been really good all week.
So I weigh myself every morning and jot it down in my journal. It's handy because I can see patterns emerging, and I can also see if any particular foods are effecting me. For example, a month or so ago I suddenly had the urge to use some soy sauce in my veggies, and my weight shot up from the sodium. So I now don't use it anymore.
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On a slightly different note, do most of you have electronic scales or older manual ones? I have decided that I need new ones to keep an eye on my weight. I threw old scruffy manual scales out some time ago and never replaced them because I wasn't confident of the accuracy of the electronic ones. I did buy some and take them home but they disagreed with my old scales by several pounds so I took them back. I had also tried them in different rooms in the house and they weren't consistent.
Any particular make recommended?
When I decided I needed to lose weight just over 12 months ago (I've now lost about 11kg via Weight Watchers), I decided to buy a set of Weight Watchers digital scales and they have been very good. I can't use the old fashioned ones because I can't see the numbers unless I put my glasses on, but the WW one has a really large read-out that I can see quite easily. The old fashioned ones aren't very accurate anyway, because so many different things can affect the calibration (eg heat, cold, humidity, etc).
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I don't weigh myself any more than once a month because otherwise I get obsessive. Neither do I follow eating plans or 'diets' because, again, I tend to get obsessive as I had an eating disorder when I was younger that still surfaces under stress.
If my waistbands start to hurt and I have to take my jeans off after tea I stop nibbling between meals :)
My weight has not changed in 2 years and it has gradually dropped half a stone naturally since my hormone levels stabilised in post meno.
Life is too short for me to spend every day thinking about food, whether planning, shopping, cooking or eating the stuff.
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Couldn't agree more babyjane. I too go by waistbands and just stop eating as much when they get tighter. Quite frankly I've got enough to worry about and don't need to add whether I've gained and extra nano ounce into the pot.
Going to stop carbs a bit though and up the veggies.
Dxx
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The problem is that by the time any weight gain shows up in your waist band you've actually gained quite a few pounds. When I lost weight initially I didn't notice any difference in my clothes until I'd lost about 3kg (about 6 pounds).
I prefer to keep a closer watch on things so I can take action when it's a much smaller issue. Weighing daily isn't about being "obsessive". It's just about being vigilant if you have an issue of easy weight gain.
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That's a fair point but I am not really bothered what I weigh so long as my clothes fit well and hang right and I don't have to buy a bigger size.
All the best with your weight loss plans Dana :)
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Ditto.
Dx
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Hi Dawncam
The itching stopped as soon as the GP switched to a different brand 😀
With regard to the other comments about carbs etc. I very rarely eat bread, pasta etc so I've cut that out altogether, I'm not a big potato eater either but I was a massive fruit and veg person (quite easily eat 7-10 a day!) so I've cut them down dramatically. It's suggested that we have 5 fruit n veg (7 is a newer thought) however each portion should be 80 grams. I'm not sure how many actually weigh their fruit but I think many may be surprised that one apple can actually be at least 1.5 times this (pears can be double!) , same for bananas so when people think they're having one serving it's actually more. When losing weight meat portions should be about the size of a pack of playing cards, white fish the size of a cheque book. The best fruit to eat are berries as they have a lower sugar count and veggies from above the ground, those below again contain more sugar, leafy greens are best. Controlling carbs helps regulate blood sugar and therefore blood sugar spikes which can trigger us to eat as when the spike then plummets this tells the brains we need to eat (even though it may not have been long since we've eaten) the more stable you can keep your blood sugar the better.
As for weighing its down to the individual and what they can psychologically cope with. I weigh myself everyday and track it on app that calculates the average over the week and that's what I go off, the average and not what the scales say on the day, this keeps me on track. If I were to weigh myself only once a month I could lose control and put a lot on and for those who know it goes on far more easily than it comes off and I'd rather keep on top of it than let it get to the point where clothes start to feel tight as for me that's too late, but as I said everyone is different and people need to do what works for them.
Exercise is key and 20 mins of high interval intensity training can develop both fitness and stamina far quicker than doing an hour of Zumba, there's been lots of research published on this recently but I've also read that this type of exercise is best for menopausal women.
Hope all the above makes sense and there are some useful thoughts.
Ps the only reason I know about the weights of fruit is that I used to be a leader for Weight Watchers and I used to demonstrate the differences in size and how it can impact on weight loss. Also used to demonstrate what a 125ml glass of wine looked like compared to what people usually use - that certainly was an eye opener 😂
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Thanks Georgeaj2000 - that's all inteersting stuff. Would quite like to know more about the High Intensity exercise - though even if I found somewhere by the time I've driven there I would want to do an hour - or maybe you learn how to do it and then do it at home which would be even better - as I live out in the country!!
Re the actual diets etc - it seems that different ways suit us all differently not only in terms of our metabolism but also psychologically - like the weighing as you say Georgeaj2000. I have never followed a proper diet as in counting calories, fruit and veg, portion sizes of constituents etc - but I have always lost weight whenever I want to provided I decide on an approach and have the self will to stick at it.
So - in the past ( a few years ago) I've done the Weight Watchers core foods which I got from the internet - and just ate what I wanted when I wanted from that. I also got a Slimming World recipe book (also a few years ago) and roughly got the idea of how it worked and followed that (that was another time). The most recent success has been the low carb one I described - but I never measure or restrict what I eat - but I know when to stop - but I also do not like being hungry so I'm often snacking on nuts or fruit or yogurt and never count or measure any of it. I also don't want to become obsessed but just don't overeat. I also enjoy drinks (ie alcohol) and treats now and again and when I go on holiday or away or over Christmas I don't bother with any of it and eat what I like - and go back on whatever regime I've decided afterwards.
I am 3/4 stone lighter than when I started the low carb pattern 15 months ago and have kept the weight off by maintaining exercise and low carbs for much of the time :)
Yes I agree about the weight and the middle - I now jump on the scales quite regularly as it is easy to get complacent and think I'm OK but it gradually creeps up again and if I can do the zip up.... ;D
Hurdity x
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I've often said to my friends that I don't ever want to be "happy" with my weight. I don't mean that in a negative way. It's that I know my own personality, and it's every easy for me to get complacent and start eating those few naughty things a lot more often. So if I always keep wanting to lose "just a few more pounds" then I'll always be vigilant about what I shove in my gob.
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I have to agree with everything Georgia says about food and exercise. And of course, not everyone is interested in following this sort of routine, and nor should they be - it's entirely personal.
But I could have written her post. I was always slim until menopause. Then suddenly my body changed, even though I was still eating healthily and doing exercise.
But by changing from no carbs to low, specific carbs and doing HITT 3 times a week instead of running, my body has changed again. Not quite back to what it was, but on its way.
I also eat a lot of curries now, which sounds strange. But the ones I make are low fat, high in the right pulses and you only need a little to feel full.
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Georgia - what's the app for tracking weight that you use?
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Noheroicsplease I was the same as you slim until menopause, it really affects your identity doesn't it. I'm not exactly fat now but not happy. Can I ask what's the HITT exercise you do?
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Hi Peri
Yes, it's a mental thing isn't it? I'm not 'fat' but a feeling of heaviness, or thickness around the thighs/middle (even though HITT has really sorted out waist again)...adds another crappy layer to the change...
I do a small bootcamp with a few other women twice/three times a week. It's outside, an hour a time. But there are lots of online programmes you can buy or pull off You Tube.
For example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS7XkoGmhXQ
x
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That's a fair point but I am not really bothered what I weigh so long as my clothes fit well and hang right and I don't have to buy a bigger size.
All the best with your weight loss plans Dana :)
Interesting that that is exactly how I work too Babyjane. I lost 2 1/2 stone with slimming world a couple of years ago, and have managed to keep it off give or take a couple of pounds. I rely totally on how my clothes feel, and the fact I am down two sizes and still wearing them two years later is good enough for me . I understand for those with a history of eating disorder, the control factor plays a big part, so daily weighing factors heavily into that. I also did the 5:2 after seeing Michael Mosley's programme but I didn't loose much if any weight, and since then I read that the body is put into starvation mode doing this type of diet, so hangs on to every single calorie it can, and enters survival mode. Since stopping it and the weighing I may have put on 2 to 3 lbs but Im very content and happy in my skin. I was a size 8 all my life( well there were no size 8"s but close enough in those days,) four children later and menopause and I went up to 11 1/2 stone. Not happy at all, I hated how I looked , but now feel my body knows better what weight its happy at and Im sitting about 9 stone now and it seems achievable .
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I think clothes sizing has changed too. when I got married 40 years ago I weighed 8st 12lb and was a size 12. these days, after three children, a c-section, a hysterectomy and the menopause I am 9st 11lb and a size 12!
Quite happy though, if I drop any lower now I end up with a turkey neck.
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Thanks for that I'll have a look x
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Hi noheroicsplease, I'm pleased to hear that someone else has experienced what I have and have changed their diet an exercise regime and seen positive results. I can't tell you the name of the app that I have cause it's not on it anywhere but if you put into your app search weight loss tracker there's a few to choose from, there is one called True Weight Lite that looks as though it does the same thing. Amanda
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I'm gaining definitely on Estrogen only. >:(
I was fine before HRT - only a couple of pounds heavier a year after my oopherectomy and I was able to exercise more then too. Since using Estrogen only HRT, I've become much more lethargic and less able to tolerate exercise as it causes my levels to fluctuate wildly. This makes me very distressed - I hate feeling so unfit! :'(
And don't talk about the bloat and fluid retention, even though I'm on a fairly low dose.......
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Ladies all very interesting.
I follow a low carb healthy fat (LCHF) lifestyle and able to easily maintain weight on this. The moment I do not eat low carb, I gain and it all goes to my middle area.. I gained about 10kgs in peri menopause,(with elevated blood glucose, so on my way to type 2 diabetes), but since being postmenopausal and on HRT, I have lost 7 of them again by eating LCHF. I cut out all bread, processed food, flours and sugar. Only 2 fruits a day, mainly berries and apples. I eat full cream yoghurt, use full cream milk and cream in my coffee. The other fats are avo, olive oil, coconut oil, cheeses and nuts. When I bake, I use almond or coconut flour (not the same but used to it now). Not too worried about the last 3kgs as I will be happy to maintain where I am. I only started losing weight once my estrogen dosage was high enough(50mcg patch) but I am also on vaginal progesterone, so maybe the balance is right now... :-\
My body shape also changed when I lost the weight from moving from my middle to hips and thighs which I prefer. In hindsight I also realised I overtrained at some stage (yoga 3 times a week and walking everyday) and then I did not loose at all. I had an injury and had to stop the yoga and only walk short distances now every other day and suddenly started dropping weight! So it seems to be to find that "sweet spot" with the HRT, diet and exercise....a challenge in itself.
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Yes I've absolutely gained weight because of HRT and I'm young so no aging metabolism at fault!
For me it was because of too muc prog I think. Gained weight, my boobs got huge and painful, I felt swollen and fat (I was never anywhere near fat but I've always been slim so it felt awful) and I had insane headaches. I ate 1200 calories a day and kept gaining!
I am now on a combi patch plus extra estrogen patch, in total 250 mcg norethiserone and 100 mcg estradiol. Have lost weight without trying, I eat what I want and don't exercise much. My boobs are back to normal.
People who claim that hormones don't make you gain weight are wrong.
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I have gradually put weight since menopause. It is nothing to do with HRT as I have never tried it. More to do with insufficient exercise and some weaknesses in diet. I am still within the normal body mass index range but only just. I made my new Year Resolution early at the beginning of December. Since then I have done 3 group walks ( 5 to 10 miles) and i went swimming today and did about 16 lengths. I do a lot of general walking because i don't drive. On work days i have 4 brisk 10 minute walks to the station and to work at the other end (same on the way home). I think that more regular walks/swims/gym and small changes to my diet will do the job. I am about to eat a bowl of vegetarian chilli (I am not veggie but eat plenty of meat free meals). I am currently 11 and a half stone (almost 5 ft 7) and size 14. Think i would be happy to lose a stone.
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Belladonna - it's not that people are wrong to say that hormones do not make you gain weight - it's just that weight gain is not a standard consequence of taking HRT. Women are all different and react differently to different types of HRT and especially the progestogens, and also whether it is taken orally or transdermally. Because women's metabolism also changes at this time and there is thyroid (and testosterone) function amongst other hormones which confound (or even compound!) the issue one cannot attribute weight gain to HRT in all women.
Anyone who gains weight around this time must have thyroid function checked and ask for the readings (as well as looking at their HRT type and changing if necessary) if they are doing as you were - ie eating a low calorie diet and exercising - and still gaining weight.
I would have put on weight since menopause and did so - but lost it through rigorous and permanent changes to diet and exercise and I have also been on HRT for nearly 10 years.
Hurdity x