55-65 year old women's success?
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This is exactly what I'm talking about! I love the way you put it! Let's write a better story! I think it helps if your thinking runs along the line of I want to instead of I need to or I have to. Getting and staying healthy is one thing we can do for ourselves without guilt, though it's hard for many of us to put ourselves first in anything and not feel guilty! You can't be the best for anyone else if you don't take care of yourself!Nana, I'm 60 but in my head I'm 45.
The days and weeks will pass whether I eat or exercise or not, so I may as well write a better story.
@cory17 Today is as good a day as any! Go you!
I have a 70 year old sister whose favorite quote seems to be "I can't" and she's right now because she's been saying it so long and living it so long that she's lost muscle tone and quit trying a long time ago, but she could if she just would. Muscle grows from use. I am not an exercise fanatic, but I do believe fully in use it or lose it. I just don't want to lose it all and be unable to use it anymore. I still have things to do!
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I am a southern girl from NE Coast of Virginia, USA. I am post-menopausal; I have my uterus and my ovaries and have been on bio-identical HRT (Vivelle Dot and Prometrium) for several years. I am also on thyroid medication per physician's script.
I live / work in Washington DC. I am going on my 6th year working as senior level manager in executive administration. It is a highly politicized environment and very stressful. Until recently I worked many 10 to 12 hour days. And, as a result of sleep deprivation (I am at my desk at 6:00 am) I began to eat more and measured my stress level based on the number of charms blow-pops I ate at work (in the place of smoking). I went from a size 12 to a size 16.
All of the women in my family died obese, with a myriad of health problems relating to disease after menopause; heart failure, diabetes, stroke, etc. In October 2016, we buried my oldest cousin, whose health followed in the footsteps of our grandmother, and, her mother. She was my mentor and my friend. I had to buy a sized 16 suit for the funeral and I realized then that I needed to do something to save my own life. So, in November 2016 I joined another site (which is now defunct) and at that time I weighed over 185 lbs.
I came to this site (in January) when the other site announced it was shutting down and my game weight at that time was 180 lbs.
I attribute my current weight loss (I currently weigh 166 lbs.) to a fairly strict 1400 calorie low carb / sugar, high protein / fiber / fat diet where I am compliant 2/3 of the time (in terms of calories) and the addition of several supplements (7-keto DHEA; 80 mg. adrenal cortex and 80 mg. whole adrenal). Since taking the adrenal supplements I actually started menstruating again and had to stop the Vivelle dot.
I do not exercise currently beyond what one does normally, like grocery shopping, family laundry, light cleaning, and walking to and from my car or while I am at work. I am trying to rebuild my health and that includes trying to not do anything that causes me to excrete cortisol (and exercise does that.)
In my opinion, what the medical establishment has done to women is shameful. To tell us that all we need to do to lose weight is have more self-control / eat less and exercise more -- and if that doesn't work, then, we're weak willed and lazy, is just wrong. I have known instinctively that something was wrong with my adrenals, because adrenal issues and thyroid go hand in hand, but, I never really saw anything definitive anywhere.
Doctors would give me adaptogens (like Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Rhodiola, Schisandra, Licorice Root), but, they didn't do me any good because these only work if my adrenals are capable of recovering. If my adrenals are "truly broken", past the point of recovery, then adaptogens won't work.
I started putting together the pieces myself by reading several medical publications sites and playing dot to dot with some commercial websites.
What was first described as Generalized Adaptation Syndrome (in the 1950's) is now being called by the less accurate term "adrenal fatigue", which implies that the condition is not generalized, and unfortunately infers that it only involves the adrenal glands. While the adrenal glands do play a major role in responding to the demands of stress, the adrenal glands are not the only part of the body affected by stress. This generalized response actually affects many systems in the body, as discussed in the 1950 article titled "Stress and the Generalized Adaptation Syndrome“, (first referenced in the British Medical Journal, June 17, 1950, by Hans Selye). The systems discussed in that article include: Adrenal, Gonadal, Thyroid, Nervous System, Inflammation, Glucose,
Catecholamines (neurotransmitters), Kidney/Fluid, Liver, Cellular/Tissue Response, Blood Chemistry (oxidative stress), Digestion/ Appetite....
Ref: https://www.yourhormones.com/adrenal-fatigue/
Note: Cortisol secreted by adrenal gland is the "mother's milk" for almost all of our bodies' biological processes in some way. It is either used as an input, a process, or an output.
(So, the "stress" of childbirth, living with uncertainty, surviving the financial crisis of 2008, having family, work and medical issues could all contribute to something called Generalized Adaptation Syndrome in the modern 21st century woman, right? Also, if my mother and grandmother had stressful lives and especially while they were pregnant, then might my adrenals also be more susceptible to fluctuations in the hormones that they secrete and the amount and their recovery time? I am a woman living in quiet desperation.)
Generalized Adaptation Syndrome is the result of many homeostasis regulatory systems being effected by stress. We realize that there are multiple systems involved in clinical conditions that manifest as fatigue disorders. The various homeostasis regulatory systems that are affected by stress and the inability to adapt to stress include:
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical (HPA) axis (primary response to stress through an interaction between the midbrain and the adrenal cortex)
- Sympatho-Adrenomedullary System (SAS) (primary response to stress through an interaction between the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal medulla)
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis (controls growth, development, reproduction, and aging)
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) axis (responsible for the regulation of metabolism)
- Neuro-Endocrine-Immune (NEI) system (interaction between the nervous system, the endocrine system and the immune systems as a response to stress)
- Glucose-Insulin System (GIS) (responsible for maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels)
- Brain Monoaminergic System (BMS) (responsible for balancing excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain)
- Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) (regulates blood pressure, electrolyte and fluid balance)
- Hepatic Detoxification System (HDS) (liver’s ability to reduce the toxicity of molecules from both endogenous and exogenous sources)
- Cellular Signaling Systems (CSS) (supports proper cell function throughout the body)
- REDuction-OXidation System (REDOX) (controls both oxidation and reduction biological processes that occur through the entire body)
- Ghrelin-Leptin-Adiponectin System (GLAS) (system that regulates appetite, metabolism and energy homeostasis and growth)
The two regulatory systems that involve the adrenal glands are the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical (HPA) axis & the Sympatho-Adrenomedullary System (SAS).
These two systems typically are the first to respond to stress, and the last systems to become fatigued. However, all of the other homeostasis regulatory systems also respond to stress. The stress response of these additional systems is typically a secondary response that takes place after the two regulatory systems that involve the adrenal glands have already responded to stress.
Ref: https://www.yourhormones.com/adrenal-fatigue/
Anyway, my opinion, it's not us -- we're not weak willed, and, we're not fat, and, sick and, tired, because we are weak willed. We are fat, and, sick and, tired, because we are sick to death of being stressed out!
...I am just putting this out there for you all to think about. I am no way advocating that you self-medicate without completely understanding the consequences that it might have for you. I am also not advocating the products that are referenced on the website I mentioned. I bought mine on Amazon.
Cheers and happy to have met you all!
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Sunna, wow. Thanks for the fodder for thought.
I went through easy menopause (one day my periods just stopped, no other symptoms) ten years ago at 50 but my tendency to be heavy has been lifelong. I think I just love food and haven't burned the calories I've eaten. The most stress I've ever experienced was a year ago, and I think it's what caused my pancreas to attempt suicide. I practice not permitting stress to become physical ever again, and I'm healthy now except for these excess pounds (which are steadily vanishing because of my change in behavior). I think the conventional wisdom regarding why I carry excess weight is accurate.
My bff has done similar research to what you've posted and gets treatment accordingly (she went through menopause by age 30 because of treatment for cancer) and it's great for her. She also thinks we women are wrongly told what's causing our issues. I think it's wise to advocate for our own health.0 -
littlewomensmom wrote: »Just finished a year of logging my food and exercise on MFP. Gone from 278 to 186 - 92 pounds! I can't believe it! I am almost 56 and had resigned myself to being a "big woman". Instead I am in the best shape I have been in in 30 years, with a simple, free tool I can use for the rest of my life. You can do this!!
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(snipped by reply-er, for length)
In my opinion, what the medical establishment has done to women is shameful. To tell us that all we need to do to lose weight is have more self-control / eat less and exercise more -- and if that doesn't work, then, we're weak willed and lazy, is just wrong. I have known instinctively that something was wrong with my adrenals, because adrenal issues and thyroid go hand in hand, but, I never really saw anything definitive anywhere.
(more snipped)
Sunna, I'm sorry to hear that you've been through all that - how frustrating and discouraging! And I appreciate your sharing this information for others to consider.
For my own part, though - just my n=1 - I have to say that despite being obese nearly all of my adult life, truly all I needed to do was eat less. (I didn't even exercise more, particularly - I was already active.)
Each and every one of us has a different story, and different roots of our being overweight. We need to explore a range of possible causes and solutions - your info will be very helpful to many in that regard - and we each need to find our own path to better health.
I hope everyone in the group can accomplish that!
Thank you for generously sharing your experience and research.2 -
You all are so amazing & inspiring. I do read here, but haven't contributed much because I'm in another group here & can't spread myself too thin time wise. I used to think I couldn't loose wt because of my age (almost 63) & was eating healthy but too much. I'm down 36 lbs & feeling better than I have in years. Thank you for sharing your wisdom & insight6
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Thanks retirehappy !! Made my night0
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Amen @1Nana2many0
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In my opinion, what the medical establishment has done to women is shameful. To tell us that all we need to do to lose weight is have more self-control / eat less and exercise more -- and if that doesn't work, then, we're weak willed and lazy, is just wrong. I have known instinctively that something was wrong with my adrenals, because adrenal issues and thyroid go hand in hand, but, I never really saw anything definitive anywhere.
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Anyway, my opinion, it's not us -- we're not weak willed, and, we're not fat, and, sick and, tired, because we are weak willed. We are fat, and, sick and, tired, because we are sick to death of being stressed out!
O M G. How true is that? I had an older male doctor for many years. In my mid-30's a gained 40 lbs (5 lbs a month for 8 months) on this drug that he prescribed to prevent migraines (it didn't work, I still got migraines)...and when I told him about the weight gain (he said NOTHING to me about it at my appointment), he said, "well, you should probably lose that weight..." Nothing else. I told him I'd like to stop taking the meds because they weren't working anyway. He reluctantly agreed. When I was 40, I talked to him about being tired and not having energy (this is at an annual checkup)...he brushed it off, telling me that I was getting older, going through menopause, and not much I could do about it....I didn't know any better...I'm an engineer, not a doctor. Finally, he retired. I got a new doctor, his replacement, was a woman my age. IN MY FIRST VISIT she ran some simple tests and fixed all my problems. She had me cut down on my sodium...my migraines vanished...she gave my Synthroid for my low thyroid levels and told me to take a Vitamin D supplement to bring up the level of Vitamin D in my blood. She told me I needed to lose weight and told me how. I went through menopause last year with no symptoms at all (that I know of). And I feel GREAT!!3 -
I agree; some make docs really miss the boat when it comes to helping women. Had to have a bio on my left breast back 25 years ago; doc who did it told me I could do a 1.5 mile run (P.T. test) for the Navy Reserve three weeks later (tried to run and my breast swelled up). Had to have a med screening month at the Reserve center before and (thankfully) had a female doc; told her what happened (and what the doc said). She said that was crazy and gave me a three month waiver.0
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Do you ever feel like we should ask the doctor that's treating us exactly where in his class he graduated? You know just like every profession, there's the cream of the crop and the barely made the grades. It is really quite frightening to feel like you are putting your life and your health in the hands of John Q. Whoever and just hope for the best. It's kind of sad we have to do so much research to participate in our own healthcare, especially when we pay so much for that care in the USA. Our family decided a long time ago that no member would be alone in a hospital overnight. We just really feel like someone who is not medicated should always be present. We've prevented incorrect meds from being administered more than once.0
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Yikes, that's scary! @1Nana2many1
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Totally agree! It's sad that we have to educate ourselves before going to the dr. I prefer to see a PA; most have several years experience (and some even have the education to go w/it).0
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Well, I hesitate to disagree regarding doctors. A few years ago my husband had emergency surgery 50 miles away from home during a snow storm. I could not be there. The surgeon did her thing and called me when she was done. He was a mess, ended up in the hospital for 4 weeks, BUT, she saved him and saw him through his recovery and fought for him to come home when others said not. I trusted her enough that I could come home every night. I am a firm believer in nurses. Without them, I believe my husband would not be here. BTW, his best nurses were male. Go figure...a female surgeon who saved his life and male nurses who kept the ball rolling.7
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littlewomensmom wrote: »Just finished a year of logging my food and exercise on MFP. Gone from 278 to 186 - 92 pounds! I can't believe it! I am almost 56 and had resigned myself to being a "big woman". Instead I am in the best shape I have been in in 30 years, with a simple, free tool I can use for the rest of my life. You can do this!!
That's awesome, congratulations! I'm curious.... How did you lose your weight? Counting calories or carbs? I'm trying to lose, but having a hard time sticking with it!0 -
@tina4kidsThat's awesome, congratulations! I'm curious.... How did you lose your weight? Counting calories or carbs? I'm trying to lose, but having a hard time sticking with it!
I realize you were actually asking littlewomensmom this question, but just thought I would throw this out there. For me, it s very important to live in my real world. That being said, once I committed to logging everyday and staying within my calorie goal daily, I ate the same foods I always ate, however, I noticed how high in calories bread and pasta were and those two things are something I now eating with caution because I can still run up calories quickly and finish the day hungry. I still eat both. I switched to a lower calorie sliced bread so I can still have sandwiches when I want. Most sliced breads run about 90 calories per slice, Sara Lee Delightful is half that. I'm sure there are others. And it tastes good and I still get to eat my bread! Small things like this can make a huge difference. I like 1% cottage cheese but hate fat free. I put pineapple and maraschino cherries in it. Good protein, sweet fruit. 2% cheese saves calories and still tastes and melts like the high fat stuff. Learn what a real serving size is. It is a very big deal. Be honest with yourself because if you're lying to yourself, who are you really kidding? The biggest, most important factor for me is this: value yourself enough to think you are worth this effort, even on really crappy, nothing's going right kind of days. Throw out the I can't attitude and just keep plugging along. When you run out of calories, you're done eating for the day.6 -
HappyAnna2014 wrote: »In my opinion, what the medical establishment has done to women is shameful. To tell us that all we need to do to lose weight is have more self-control / eat less and exercise more -- and if that doesn't work, then, we're weak willed and lazy, is just wrong. I have known instinctively that something was wrong with my adrenals, because adrenal issues and thyroid go hand in hand, but, I never really saw anything definitive anywhere.
.
.
.
Anyway, my opinion, it's not us -- we're not weak willed, and, we're not fat, and, sick and, tired, because we are weak willed. We are fat, and, sick and, tired, because we are sick to death of being stressed out!
O M G. How true is that? I had an older male doctor for many years. In my mid-30's a gained 40 lbs (5 lbs a month for 8 months) on this drug that he prescribed to prevent migraines (it didn't work, I still got migraines)...and when I told him about the weight gain (he said NOTHING to me about it at my appointment), he said, "well, you should probably lose that weight..." Nothing else. I told him I'd like to stop taking the meds because they weren't working anyway. He reluctantly agreed. When I was 40, I talked to him about being tired and not having energy (this is at an annual checkup)...he brushed it off, telling me that I was getting older, going through menopause, and not much I could do about it....I didn't know any better...I'm an engineer, not a doctor. Finally, he retired. I got a new doctor, his replacement, was a woman my age. IN MY FIRST VISIT she ran some simple tests and fixed all my problems. She had me cut down on my sodium...my migraines vanished...she gave my Synthroid for my low thyroid levels and told me to take a Vitamin D supplement to bring up the level of Vitamin D in my blood. She told me I needed to lose weight and told me how. I went through menopause last year with no symptoms at all (that I know of). And I feel GREAT!!
My son is a doctor. He's very funny and loves to remind us that half the docs in the country went to the bottom ranked schools and half of all docs were in the bottom of their class. My mom had a doctor like yours and was so in awe that he was an MD (not suggesting you're like that!) that she refused to find someone else until hers retired. I'm very happy for you that you found a gem. Fwiw my male doc is like your new one---so maybe it's generational?0 -
Utah, it may be generational; who knows. I found a doc I like and have stuck w/him for several years. You need to go where you feel comfortable; it they don't make you feel that way you need to find someone else. There are some good ones out there; they are just hard to find.
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griffinca2 wrote: »Utah, it may be generational; who knows. I found a doc I like and have stuck w/him for several years. You need to go where you feel comfortable; it they don't make you feel that way you need to find someone else. There are some good ones out there; they are just hard to find.
100% agree. We have instincts for a reason!0 -
I have a crazy doctor. She told me in November that I was overweight (176, ht. 5' 5, age 67) and Prediabetic. She put me on Metformin and said I should lose weight. Started logging in here, and by mid-Feb. had dropped to 163. I told her I had been losing a pound to 1.5 a week and she was horrified! Told me to stop losing weight, or at most 2 lbs per month. Said women my age lived longer with a little extra weight! This was very demoralizing. I thought I had been doing so well. I still feel I have at least 15 lbs to go to fit the clothes I have from last year at this time. Should I listen to the doctor and just give up losing weight or keep losing and benefit my mental health?2
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