Menopause and weight loss
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Emerita is the one that you will find most often and it is good. Kokoro is the one that I use (I like that the pump canister completely empties. It completely stopped the hot flashes and night sweats for me. Before I started on the progesterone, the night sweats were the worst---I would wear a nightgown and large T-shirt over that and still have to get up to change them in the middle of the night. :frown: There are other recommended ones on the website that I linked to earlier. Dr. Lee's organization sells one too and I assume that it is a good one. One of the things they discovered recently is that the cream has to be used vaginally rather than spread around to sites on the inside of the arms etc. I wish they would make it with a vaginal tube dispenser. I assume they will be addressing this soon in their packaging.There are no studies looking at bioidentical vs. traditional hormone therapy. The jury is still out on whether it's better and/or safer for you.
This is from Harvard:
Many women assume that “natural” hormones would be better or safer — but the term “natural” is open to interpretation.
Any product whose principal ingredient has an animal, plant, or mineral source is technically natural. It doesn’t matter whether the substance is ground, put into capsules, and sold over the counter — or extracted in a laboratory, manufactured by a pharmaceutical company, and made available only by prescription. For example, the soy plant is the source of supplements that some women take to ease menopausal symptoms; it’s also used, along with yams, to make the estrogen in the FDA-approved hormone drug Estrace.
But unlike Estrace, soy supplements aren’t regulated and haven’t been rigorously tested in humans, so we don’t know whether they’re safe or effective. There’s some evidence that certain soy components may actually stimulate breast tumor growth. So “natural” doesn’t necessarily equal “safe” — and may simply be a euphemism for "unregulated."
The interest in a more natural approach to hormone therapy has focused attention on bioidentical hormones — hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones women make in their bodies. They’re not found in this form in nature but are made, or synthesized, from a plant chemical extracted from yams and soy. Bioidentical estrogens are 17 beta-estradiol, estrone, and estriol. (Estradiol is the form of estrogen that decreases at menopause.) Bioidentical progesterone is simply progesterone. It’s micronized (finely ground) in the laboratory for better absorption in the body.
Bioidentical hormone therapy is often called “natural hormone therapy” because bioidentical hormones act in the body just like the hormones we produce. But here again, that tricky word natural muddies the waters. Pregnant mares’ urine is natural, but Premarin is not bioidentical, at least not to human estrogen. The same goes for Cenestin, which is made from plants but is not bioidentical.
Technically, the body can’t distinguish bioidentical hormones from the ones your ovaries produce. On a blood test, your total estradiol reflects the bioidentical estradiol you’ve taken as well as the estradiol your body makes. On the other hand, Premarin is metabolized into various forms of estrogen that aren’t measured by standard laboratory tests. Proponents of bioidentical hormones say that one advantage of bioidentical estrogen over Premarin is that estrogen levels can be monitored more precisely and treatment individualized accordingly. Skeptics counter that it hardly matters, because no one knows exactly what hormone levels to aim for, and symptoms, not levels, should be treated and monitored.
Bioidentical estradiol in pill form is converted in the liver to estrone, a weaker bioidentical estrogen. But given in a patch, it enters the bloodstream as bioidentical estradiol. Creams, gels, and lotions applied to the legs or arms can also deliver bioidentical estradiol directly to the bloodstream, although it’s uncertain how much is absorbed.
Are bioidenticals safer? No one knows. Studies have shown they can help relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness, but as yet, few large studies have investigated the differences among the various hormones and methods of administration. More research is needed to further understand these differences and compare the risks and benefits.
Women taking bioidentical estrogen who have a uterus must still take an FDA-approved progestin or micronized progesterone to prevent endometrial cancer. So-called natural, plant-derived progesterone creams sold over the counter contain too little of the hormone to be effective. And yam extract creams don’t help because your body cannot convert them into progesterone.
I would disagree with the statement that bio-identical hormone creams that are sold over the counter are ineffective. I've tested them on myself (and there are better and worse ones). I use Kokoro but there are others that are equally effective like Emerita. They need to be administered vaginally (and inside the labia) though, rather than on other skin areas. They do an excellent job of countering vaginal dryness and they have a lot of other pleasant characteristics as well. I do not take any estrogen products. Natural progesterone actually has a protective effect against breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Just a little progesterone cream is all you need to keep the hot flashes and dryness away. The yam creams are ineffective. Google Dr. John Lee---he was a pioneer of using natural progesterone cream for women.
Even if you OD on natural progesterone cream, the only effect you would have is a little giddiness. Progesterone is a mood lifter (just like estrogen can be a mood-downer). I personally feel that the epidemic of depression is the result of having inadequate levels of magnesium and progesterone because of inadequate diet (magnesium) and the effect of xenoestrogens in our environment. Xenoestrogens are environmental chemical pollutants that act like estrogen in the human body. It is the most likely cause of declining sperm rates in men.
So what you're telling me is that this progesterone cream will eliminate the hot flashes? Because mine were HORRIBLE! As in going outside in a sleeveless tshirt when it's 30 degrees and sweating my butt off! and doing that at least once an hour! As in, can't wear makeup because it won't stay on for the sweat running down my face! Yeah, that kind of hot flash!
And I've noticed that my pillow is starting to get sweaty during the night so I'm having to do the pillow flip. Hot side/cool side - ahhh!
I'll definitely be getting some cream this week. What were the OTC ones that you would recommend?0 -
I went through early menopause, gained weight because i ate badly and didn't exercise enough. I did not do any hormone therapy, and never looked back. Eat a little less, but smarter and exercise like your life depended on it0
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46 and menopausal here. For me to lose weight I do have to exercise more. If I just go low cal my body just shuts down. I have a very low resting heart rate 38-42. So I am jogging and doing circuit training and yoga. I am.losing weight and feeling better than in my 30's when I was lazy and got fat. I do also have to lose in stages. I seem to be able to only lose for 3 months then I maintain so I upped my calories for a bit and then I lower them again and start losing again. When you have 100 pounds to lose it is very hard to lose straight through. Good luck with your journey.:flowerforyou:0
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Doesn't sound like anyone is, really. Just looking for some support.
This.. don't use menopause as an excuse. It's not different than blaming your period for making you pig out at a buffet. Just do the work and the weight will come off.I'm 60 & had a late menopause. Since then (in the last year) I've lost 60-odd of the surplus pounds that have been accumulating for decades.This is the first time I've stuck to a diet / healthy eating regime - ever! (For long enough to make it work, anyhow).To me, it's all in your head - MFP is the best tool ever for weight loss and helps, but if your head & heart aren't in it, it's not going to work whatever age you are. If your head and your heart are going for it, it doesn't matter what your age is, you will lose weight.0 -
Yes. Excellent reminder. I've been strength training since my 30s so I didn't think to mention that. But yes, it's important to include strength training!Don't forget that, at about the time we're going through menopause, we've also been losing muscle mass. That means we burn fewer calories naturally than we did when we were younger. Your exercise needs to include strength training. I do a daily morning routine rotating between upper body, lower body and core so it doesn't take too long.0 -
I'm 60 & had a late menopause. Since then (in the last year) I've lost 60-odd of the surplus pounds that have been accumulating for decades.This is the first time I've stuck to a diet / healthy eating regime - ever! (For long enough to make it work, anyhow).To me, it's all in your head - MFP is the best tool ever for weight loss and helps, but if your head & heart aren't in it, it's not going to work whatever age you are. If your head and your heart are going for it, it doesn't matter what your age is, you will lose weight.
I could almost have written this except that I was 58 when I reached my goal weight and didn't begin accumulating the 58 surplus pounds I lost until the latter half of my 40s. I always felt that I was making good progress for the amount of effort I was putting in. That could have been because of my lack of a frame of reference, though, as I had almost zero prior history of dieting and didn't know enough to get discouraged.0 -
I'm 60 & had a late menopause. Since then (in the last year) I've lost 60-odd of the surplus pounds that have been accumulating for decades.This is the first time I've stuck to a diet / healthy eating regime - ever! (For long enough to make it work, anyhow).To me, it's all in your head - MFP is the best tool ever for weight loss and helps, but if your head & heart aren't in it, it's not going to work whatever age you are. If your head and your heart are going for it, it doesn't matter what your age is, you will lose weight.
agreed. I am 48 years old and when i stick to exercise and portion control I see results. I think a lot of our issues are is we won't lift heavy. With Cardio and weight training we can't help but succeed. Its all a state of mind.0 -
Only your doctor can discuss what is best for you based on your symptoms and health/family history. Not well meaning people on MFP. They can only tell you what worked for them and you are an individual. I myself am peri-menopausal and have lost weight thru diet/excercise - for symptom relief I have started back on bc pills since I still have regular periods. After all periods have stopped for approx. 1 year are you considered post menopause and symptoms are treated differently either/and holistically or traditionally..0
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I've been through (early) menopuase. I gained a few pounds, and a spare tire around my middle! :bigsmile:
Menopause does make it harder to lose weight. It isn't impossible though, just harder! I just had to up my excersising and watch my calorie intake. I love MFP for that.
I do not take any harmones. My doctor agrees with not taking them.
I have accepted that the older I get, the less I should eat, and the more I need to excersise!
:drinker: we aren't 25 anymore. We can no longer eat like we are.0 -
Yes it can make it harder, but not impossible, You have to train harder and eat clean..0
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As in most things, it is different for everyone.
I am 61, well past menopause.
I signed up on MFP in February 2012. Procrastinated until 3/12/12 until I buckled down and really began logging all the food I was eating, everything that went into my mouth, I totally bought into the myths of the difficulty of losing weight for women over 40.
Now I am approaching my 1 year anniversary on MFP. Down 136 pounds and still going.
Can it be done? Yes. Is it easy for anyone? NO!
Is it the same for everyone, NO
As in most things, you have to find what will work for you. No one knows your body as well as you do. It can be done.0 -
I hit menopause a few years ago and I truly have not seen any difference (my thyroid went wonky about the same time, and I attribute most of the symptoms to that; after half of it was removed, I was pretty much back to normal), except that my hands are warmer to the touch than most people's are (I am the person you want when you get an ECG!).
I don't take any supplements. I had one thing that might have been a hot flash, but not any others. Bone loss worries me, but I'm getting a DXA scan in a couple of weeks, so hopefully that will put my mind at ease about that.0 -
Only your doctor can discuss what is best for you based on your symptoms and health/family history. Not well meaning people on MFP. They can only tell you what worked for them and you are an individual. I myself am peri-menopausal and have lost weight thru diet/excercise - for symptom relief I have started back on bc pills since I still have regular periods. After all periods have stopped for approx. 1 year are you considered post menopause and symptoms are treated differently either/and holistically or traditionally..
Agreed, most of the time. But often doctors don't allow for an extended office visit to talk through all the options. Most of the time, they throw a prescription at you, telling you that the Rx is better because you don't know what is in the OTC. And quite frankly most are just plain ignorant of anything outside of traditional medical care, not to mention writing 90% off to quackery. Not saying that some of it isn't but...
let's just say, I know my body pretty well, and I don't want to take 'another' prescription. I tried the bc pills to control the symptoms and it worked while I was on them but heaven help if I went off.0 -
I'm with not taking hormones. I haven't hit menopause yet and up until last year I was planning on doing hormone replacement when it hit. However, I developed multiple pulmonary embolisms while on the birth control pill (I'd been on and off the pill for over 30 years) so I realized at least for me taking hormones in that form is not good. I'm planning on just eating less, eating healthier, getting as much exercise as I can, and keeping my fingers crossed! ;-00
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46 and menopausal here. For me to lose weight I do have to exercise more. If I just go low cal my body just shuts down. I have a very low resting heart rate 38-42. So I am jogging and doing circuit training and yoga. I am.losing weight and feeling better than in my 30's when I was lazy and got fat. I do also have to lose in stages. I seem to be able to only lose for 3 months then I maintain so I upped my calories for a bit and then I lower them again and start losing again. When you have 100 pounds to lose it is very hard to lose straight through. Good luck with your journey.:flowerforyou:
A resting heart rate of 38-42 needs to be investigated. I would see my physician.0 -
I'm 60 & had a late menopause. Since then (in the last year) I've lost 60-odd of the surplus pounds that have been accumulating for decades.This is the first time I've stuck to a diet / healthy eating regime - ever! (For long enough to make it work, anyhow).To me, it's all in your head - MFP is the best tool ever for weight loss and helps, but if your head & heart aren't in it, it's not going to work whatever age you are. If your head and your heart are going for it, it doesn't matter what your age is, you will lose weight.
agreed. I am 48 years old and when i stick to exercise and portion control I see results. I think a lot of our issues are is we won't lift heavy. With Cardio and weight training we can't help but succeed. Its all a state of mind.
^^^^THIS^^^ But a little bit of natural progesterone (please--no synthetic estrogens/ progestins!) goes a long way toward making a woman more comfortable in the transition.0 -
I am 53 1/2 yrs old. Hot flashes started a few years ago. I found some herbal supplements (chaste berry) that were very successful for about 10 months, then they ceased to be effective. Then I got a period that was SOOOO heavy, that I had to go to the doctor at 10 days to stop it! I was almost anemic. So then I got referred to a oby/gn. He did a D&C and then put me on progesterone and estrogen. No periods for 4 months, then I have had 2 periods since then, and the odd hot flash. Going back to see him in 2 weeks.
So that all said, I have been gaining weight slowly in the past 4 years, definitely since the hot flashes started. I have been doing 1 hour Zumba classes (cardio dance) twice a week this whole time. Burning about 400 calories a time (measured by a heart monitor.) This same monitor measures 700 calories burned by my daughter who is 21. We both 'give 'er' in the classes. So that is proof for me that our metabolism slows down and the exercise that we do is not as effective as when we were younger. So I then added in some classes at our fitness centre. Increased exercise alone was still not doing it. My weight crept up to 160 lbs. For the past year, I have been doing 2 Zumba classes PLUS 2-3 weight training sessions per week. (weight sessions designed by a personal trainer). Still no weight loss.
Then, in January, he said "I want you using My Fitness Pal" as well as doing this new program....which is 3 weight training sessions per week, plus doing my 2 Zumba sessions per week. FINALLY SUCCESS. Down 8 lbs in 5 weeks and feeling great.
What this taught me is that with NO changes in my eating - quality or quantity - I still gained weight due to the increasingly slower metabolism brought on my menopause. The only thing that has turned this around is eating less, eating much more healthy choices, AND putting in 1 hour a day/5x per week doing strength training AND cardio exercise. The strength training has really been positive in kicking up my metabolism.
I still have over 10 lbs to go to get down to my ideal 140 lbs, but at least now I know what I must do to achieve it. I am glad I stopped the upward climb at 160, because it requires so much effort to take it off. But at least I figured out what worked for me. The strength training is benefiting my bone density, and muscle definition, so as the weight comes off, my body is adjusting nicely to the new look!!
Strength training, because it is anabolic (builds muscle) is better for boosting metabolism than a lot of cardio. Because excessive cardio (anymore than about 2-3 hours a week) tends to be catabolic. That is, it breaks down body tissue and unfortunately, that tends to be muscle in older women--rather than the fat that we would prefer to break down. And the breakdown of muscle leads to an even slower metabolism! The only way to work against it is to weight train with rest days in between and to eat enough (especially protein) to fuel the building of muscle.0 -
Strength training, because it is anabolic (builds muscle) is better for boosting metabolism than a lot of cardio. Because excessive cardio (anymore than about 2-3 hours a week) tends to be catabolic. That is, it breaks down body tissue and unfortunately, that tends to be muscle in older women--rather than the fat that we would prefer to break down. And the breakdown of muscle leads to an even slower metabolism! The only way to work against it is to weight train with rest days in between and to eat enough (especially protein) to fuel the building of muscle.
I worked out on resistance machines for most of my weight loss phase and then gave up my gym membership (I never enjoyed going there) and did mostly cardio after reaching my goal weight. BIG mistake. I didn't regain any of the lost weight, but I quickly lost strength and after a while I started doing face plants while I was out running. So after 2 falls in as many weeks I went out and bought a set of heavy dumbbells, and also doubled up on my flexibility exercise routine. Worth doing. Definitely worth doing. A stronger body at nearly 60 is more stable and more comfortable, and not just when I'm out running.0 -
Strength training, because it is anabolic (builds muscle) is better for boosting metabolism than a lot of cardio. Because excessive cardio (anymore than about 2-3 hours a week) tends to be catabolic. That is, it breaks down body tissue and unfortunately, that tends to be muscle in older women--rather than the fat that we would prefer to break down. And the breakdown of muscle leads to an even slower metabolism! The only way to work against it is to weight train with rest days in between and to eat enough (especially protein) to fuel the building of muscle.
I worked out on resistance machines for most of my weight loss phase and then gave up my gym membership (I never enjoyed going there) and did mostly cardio after reaching my goal weight. BIG mistake. I didn't regain any of the lost weight, but I quickly lost strength and after a while I started doing face plants while I was out running. So after 2 falls in as many weeks I went out and bought a set of heavy dumbbells, and also doubled up on my flexibility exercise routine. Worth doing. Definitely worth doing. A stronger body at nearly 60 is more stable and more comfortable, and not just when I'm out running.
That's great that you have gotten back to resistance training. The personal weight trainers all say that free weights give superior training. That the machines are only good for training specific muscles. It is never too late to start resistance training--they do it with octogenarians at nursing homes! 0 -
I am encouraged by the women who are going through this, or have been through it, without taking any supplements. I just want to let my body does what it is meant to do, naturally. I hope I can handle it. I know everyone is different, but it sounds like not every menopause is a nightmare. I know some are, and I'm not saying that people shouldn't take supplements. I just hope I don't have to.
I am accepting the changes, and am trying to manage them just by doing what everyone needs to be doing. Eat good food, and exercise. Portion control is my best friend. I could not do some strict, picky diet. I'm just watching the calories, and trying to up the fruits, veggies and calcium.
I do need to up the strength training too. I'm not a fan, but I know it's so very important.0 -
I was on Premarin and Provera for years. Have been off for about 5 years. Early or late menopause? Not sure where I stand. Was 52 when I had an endometrial ablation. Dr said someone my age didn't need to be having periods when I'm showing all signs of menopause. Now in the last 6 months I am having spotting periods again.
Last year or so have been consciously working on losing weight. Have lost 23 lbs since July when I joined MFP. Overall, in last year or so have lost probably 50 or so lbs.
Does menopause make it harder to lose weight? No, I don't think so. To me it's mind over matter -- I am going to lose weight in a healthy manner until I get to a point where I am comfortable with myself.
A year ago August I also underwent a thyroidectomy for cancer. Metabolism out of whack for a long time. As my dr says, I am starting to get normal now.
You need to get to your doc ASAP---If you have had a cessation of periods for a number of years and then started having spotting periods again, that could be a real problem. Please, go see a gynecologist.
Exactly! Get to the GYN sooner, not later! Not meant to scare or alarm you...but these message boards are no place for medical advise.0 -
Supplements or medications?I am encouraged by the women who are going through this, or have been through it, without taking any supplements. I just want to let my body does what it is meant to do, naturally. I hope I can handle it. I know everyone is different, but it sounds like not every menopause is a nightmare. I know some are, and I'm not saying that people shouldn't take supplements. I just hope I don't have to.
I am accepting the changes, and am trying to manage them just by doing what everyone needs to be doing. Eat good food, and exercise. Portion control is my best friend. I could not do some strict, picky diet. I'm just watching the calories, and trying to up the fruits, veggies and calcium.
I do need to up the strength training too. I'm not a fan, but I know it's so very important.0 -
Exactly:)) I had major surgery in September..The highest I ever weighed was 137..During that time from September to January had complications and couldn't really do much,,,so it wasn't from pigging out at a buffet..LOL....I went up to 163 from then and as of today I am 157..So I am working my butt off...I was just finding it more difficult and wondered if menopause had that effect on weightloss...I think I will skip the estrogen for now and see how it goes...Thanks for all the advice:)))))
Doesn't sound like anyone is, really. Just looking for some support.
This.. don't use menopause as an excuse. It's not different than blaming your period for making you pig out at a buffet. Just do the work and the weight will come off.I'm 60 & had a late menopause. Since then (in the last year) I've lost 60-odd of the surplus pounds that have been accumulating for decades.This is the first time I've stuck to a diet / healthy eating regime - ever! (For long enough to make it work, anyhow).To me, it's all in your head - MFP is the best tool ever for weight loss and helps, but if your head & heart aren't in it, it's not going to work whatever age you are. If your head and your heart are going for it, it doesn't matter what your age is, you will lose weight.0
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