Anyone in menopause out there?

karleigh55

Just wondering if there are any other ladies out there that are experiencing menopause. It has affected my energy levels and I have become incredibly lethargic. Just started bio-identical HRT a four months ago with a hormone implant and boy can I tell it's time to go back to the doctor for another dose. I am counting calories but just don't have the energy to work out yet. Have an appointment next week with the doctor and then my energy should come back a bit. I never realized how hormone deficiency can affect everything. I have 30 pounds to lose and keep losing and gaining the four pounds but I'm trying to reach out and stay in touch with others on MFP so I can stay motivated.

jojo4613

I experienced menopause "suddenly". I'm 46 and swear becoming a grandma 2 1/2 years ago literally "triggered" menopause. I was extremely lethargic at first but am lucky enough to have found the energy I need through exercise. I still struggle with sleep issues from time to time but notice that I have gotten used to the idea of operating on less sleep. I don't know if that will be encouraging to you or not. Or if it will hold true for you, either. Whatever you do, hang in there and just keep doing whatever you can.

acogg

I am fifty-three though I don't currently have any health issues. I feel good and look forward to my next 30-40 years.

kabrube2

I'm 56 and consider myself lucky... no issues what so ever.. I work out 6 days a week and it makes me feel amazing! I just pushed myself and once I got started could not stop... good luck you can do this!!

Snoopy4v

Wow. For some reason it hadn't occurred to me that the extreme fatigue I've been experiencing could be menopause. I'm almost 52 and significant loss of energy and weight gain are my main issues. I've never had to lose weight before in my life so this is new to me.

karleigh55

Thank you for the encouragement. Need to stop feeling sorry for myself and get motivated. I know exercise is a huge part of it and I used to do interval training three times a week and floor exercises as well. I'll get back to it. Thanks again.

karleigh55

It took me a while to figure it out. I had not menstruated for years due to having my uterus ablated due to fibroids. I finally had blood work done and was told that I had practically no estrogen or testosterone. Hair loss, feeling cold, lethargy, hot flashes are other symptoms. Not fun! You might want to have your levels checked at least to rule that out as being an issue. Thanks for the reply.

Gramm12345

I am 53 and menopausal, I find that my energy levels are decreased lately which I am sure is hormonal. But I find when I do my 3-4 days a week workouts it helps my energy level extremely. Good luck with your journey.

mjmyck

Hi I am 55 as well and have been going through menopause for the past 3 yrs. I gained about 25 lbs but have lost some over the past year. I seem to go up and down. Decided to give this a whirl once again as I do think counting calories helps with the weight. I am not taking any HRT but I have been on an antidepressant for many years. I find with my daily vitamins I have enough energy to get in a 45 min workout 4-5 times a week. However, I just started on the exercise wagon again. Seem to go in spurts with that too! We just have to make time and take care of our bodies. My doctor friend says that if we take care now, it will really pay off in our 70 & 80's.

karleigh55

What are good vitamins to take. I take a multi, Vitamin D and Fish Oil right now.

acogg

That is exactly what I supplement with plus protein powder. It isn't hard, it is tedious.

dshalbert

I'm 56 and have gone through menopause. I did not take any supplements, HRT, nor vitamins. I just stuck it out through the mood swings, sleepless nights, hot flashes., etc. now in hindsight, maybe I should have, then I would not have to explain all those dead bodies of people who pissed me off that I have buried in my back yard:bigsmile: .

But seriously, I found that exercise and yoga really did help.

tracywintn

Me:) I went into surgical menopause at 28 and I am now 44. I used to blame my weight gain on menopause, then I took a diet pill and lost a ton of weight because I just wasn't hungry. Of course I gained it back but it was good for me to see it CAN be done-I just need to do the hard work for myself this time. Good luck! I haven't been on hormones for years. I had all the bad side effects the first few years but they have mostly all lessened now.

karleigh55

Ha ha! Yes my boyfriend has suffered but the HRT is making me a bit nicer. I do blame him for my weight gain though Just kidding - it was the ice cream that I ate sitting in bed watching TV every night and the lack of exercise. I'm determined to get back to it. Plan to start on Saturday - only day I have a free morning for the next few days. It's funny because when I was working out, I wanted to do it because it made me feel so good but since I haven't done any for at least seven months or more, I don't want to. I know I just have to get started. You guys are encouraging!!

cj54ca

I am in the same boat. Have gained 30 pounds in one year and have no energy to exercise. Have been on bio-identicals for 6 months and just now beginning to feel somewhat better. I even did a Zumba class tonight. Just signed up to fitness pal tonight to begin my weight loss journey. I feel out of control and doctor tells me just eat less and exercise more. Easier said than done. I am hoping this program will help.

mjmyck

I take 4 vitamin D (1000 iu each) B12, Omega, and 2 magnesium glycinate (180 mg each). My Doctor just told me about the benefits of this type of magnesium and also advise me to increase my D to 4.

karleigh55

Glad to hear the bio-identicals are beginning to work. I think this is going to help me stay motivated. It is great to be in contact with others in the same boat. We all have the same goal to lose weight and feel good. I have heard great things about Zumba. Must check it out.

karleigh55

I take Magnesium at night but it sounds like Magnesium Glycinate is different. Will check it out. Thanks.

FP4HSharon

Almost all of those symptoms you describe could also be hypothyroidism and/or anemia. Make sure your doctor has checked those levels. Hypothyroidism is very common w/women. It can cause you to feel tired, have dry skin, brittle hair, weight gain, & feeling cold all the time. Anemia is less common is post-menopausal women, but can also cause a lot of those symptoms.

Anyone w/a family history of breast cancer should not be doing HRT though.

fattymcrunnerpants

I've been post menopausal for almost 4 years now. I've never taken hormones or done anything differently. Yes, the fatigue goes up and down. I actually get the chills more than hot flashes. I have some issues losing weight slowly but it does eventually come off with a lot of diligence. I notice that the more I stay active the better my mood swings seem to be. The natural endorphins are a great mood buster

JoanneK918

Hi, I am 53 and started menopause when I was 41. It's been a horrible long road BUT I have figured out some things that do help. The most important is to get off wheat and even grains totally if you can. Stick to lean protein, veggies, fruits, nuts, and full fat Greek yogurt. I eat as much organic as I can. I am a holistic nutritionist and I do believe that food heals.
Exercise is definitely important and 7-8 hours of sleep. And lots of deep breathing.
I take DHEA, magnesium citrate, Vitamin D3 + K, omega 3's, vitamin C and calcium pyruvate. Drink a lot of water. And just make sure to take time for yourself to adjust, you deserve it!
Hope this helps!

Lauracanbe125

Sorry to hear you're not feeling the greatest. Not having the menopause yet but I just wanted to pass on the importance of water. I had profound dehydration. I had to get 2 bags of IV fluids. I can't tell you how weak, confused, unsteady and just plain lethargic I felt. This had been going on for days. (I had surgery) I can still tell when I don't get enough water each day. Please make sure you are getting your water in too! It really makes a huge difference in how you feel! Best of luck to you! Laura

karleigh55

Thanks for the post. I do have hypothyroidism and have been on meds for quite some time. My T3 and T4 levels are good but I know I have to keep an eye on that as it does have those side effects.

FP4HSharon

Thanks for the post. I do have hypothyroidism and have been on meds for quite some time. My T3 and T4 levels are good but I know I have to keep an eye on that as it does have those side effects.

With some conditions, like hypothyroidism, you can be considered "sub-clinical." This means that even though your lab shows you're in the "normal" range, you're having symptoms. They get you a little farther into "normal," & the symptoms may go away. So you might talk to your doc about trying a little more for a while to see if that helps.

On the anemia, same thing. I'm barely in the normal range on one iron tablet/day. But was still feeling tired & my joints were bothering me (rare symptoms of anemia, but definitely one I have) more than usual. Decided to try to increase my iron, and within just 2-3 days I was feeling soooo much better. More energy, joints bothering me a lot less, even felt more clear headed, less foggy.

kayms13

I've also been on meds for hypothyroidism for years, and last blood test showed I was in the "normal" range. However I started having symptoms such as fatigue and constipation, so the dr. increased my dosage which helped immensely.

What's the difference between Magnesium Glycinate and other forms of Magnesium? I've been taking a supplement for a few months now as my blood test showed I was low, but how do I know if I'm taking the right thing?

laney4818

I'm right there with you. Been going through menopause this last year. Gained about 10 pounds mostly in abdomen, having hot flashes, and sleep issues. I'm just trudging through! I do take magnesium, Vit D & B and Calcium and sometimes Evening Primrose Oil capsules. I was already about 12 pounds up from where I wanted to be, now I'm 22 pounds up! ARGH!

I did just start using the Nutribullet for nutrition mostly (not so much for weight loss), and I'm feeling a little better and a little more enegetic. I'm making myself work out more and that helps too! The weight loss is very slow or non-existent but I'm continuing to track and give it my best!

karleigh55

Thanks for the advice. I am going to ask my doc to bump up my levothyroxine a bit and see if that helps.

karleigh55

It's amazing how hormone imbalance can affect everything from energy levels, mood, and lack of motivation. I am finding that eating too much sugar makes my symptoms worse.

JanisMay67

Very interesting reading through these replies. I'm 46 and went through the menopause 3 years ago after a full hysterectomy. I couldn't get on with HRT at all and gave up on them. Instead I took a herbal aid for a few months - MPGold, which really helped to keep the hot flushes at bay. I can remember having to run outside in the middle of the night in mid-winter and stand naked like a starfish in the garden . (no neighbours then, lucky!).

I felt I had more energy rather than less, but probably because I had such awful problems before the op. I had been totally exhausted and anaemic.

One of the biggest improvement for me has been my mood. I have suffered from severe chronic depression all my life, but it has definitely been better since the hormones have stopped playing havoc. I always thought it was linked to my cycle, and now I'm certain. Though I still have really low days, it's been nothing like as bad in the last three years.

cathyd1000

I am 47 and had a total abdominal hysterectomy last May and was thrown right into menopause. I feel awful almost all the time. I have gained about 10 lbs, and look like I am five months pregnant. I started on premerin in June and hoped it would ward off the unfortunate symptoms of menopause, but it hasn't. I saw a Dr that specializes in bio identical hormones and had blood and saliva tests and will meet with her again next Friday to go over the results and talk about the next steps.

I am really hoping to get some relief. Menopause really sucks.

karleigh55

Let me know how the bio-identicals work for you.