52 year old in Menopause (please women only)

I feel you! I'm 50 and have had weight issues on and off for my whole adult life but have never had a big belly till the last year or so. It's much slower going post menopause but just keep at it. It can be done. I'm not on hrt and I feel like the more weight I lose the less hormonal I feel. Good luck!

Exercise to eat more. I would never lose anything if I didn't get exercise calories.

Also, be sure to incorporate some type of resistance training (weights, body weight exercise, resistance bands) to prevent bone and muslce loss. This is the age when most women start lose both so it's important to work to preserve them. Be sure to eat a balanced diet including enough calcium, protein and vit D. Also, keep any eye on those sodium levels. Too much sodium is not good for bone density.

Hi Copeland Mom, I'm right there with ya'.

I've been dieting my whole life and it is definitely harder now. I've been tracking in MFP since June and haven't lost a pound. I take 4 one-hour spinning classes each week. I go up and down the same darn pound. One problem is that I like to eat and not the good stuff. I don't know what I'd weigh if I were around baked goods all day, like you. Another problem is that I've never enjoyed weight lifting, but I think it's crucial at our age. I'm going to give it another shot to do some kind of strength training. I want to give up, but I can't. I'm afraid if I stopped tracking, I would gain weight instead of staying the same.

I am 39 and in menopause (surgical) myself. I was feeling the same way you are. Hot, cranky, tired. I do however take hormone replacement due to my age and still have some endometrosis. I find working out has really helped me. Even if its just going for a walk. I also take Vitamin D too. I find that makes a big difference in my energy level. Hope you don't give up and find something that works for you.

Get your Thyroid checked....

Wow. Unless you have high risk factors for cancer or heart disease, consider short term HRT at the lowest dose possible. I felt just as you did, and it was a lifesaver!

I have been working with a trainer on interval training, and the intensity of some of the exercises has really shocked the system, and my body composition is changing. I can see the top third of my six-pack, my arms are slimming, and I have a waistline again. If you can, go to your local Y, or a good gym, and make this investment in your health. I have to burn more calories than I eat in order to lose weight/and or inches, and the results are a great motivator. Lately, I've been losing more inches than weight. I consider that a fair trade-off. Don't let weight plateaus discourage you. For me, I worked too hard to get where I have to backslide.

I was told "If I keep doing what I'm doing, I'm going to keep getting what I'm getting." Change is not going to happen without my active participation. For me, that includes logging, using a food scale for my portions, and making wiser food choices. Easier said than done, but logging my food can help me make a decision on the spot. I have MFP on my desktop, iPhone, and iPad, so I have no excuse not to log. I log recipes, and enter new foods as soon as possible.

Good luck, Copeland Mom, and to the rest of the ladies in this thread. I am 62 years old, and I fully intend to be at my "fighting" weight by my 63rd birthday.

Ffriend me if you like. I will be glad to support you, I am on maintenance now for 2 years. Hormone crazy, don't want a replacement? Find a natural supplement to take for a little while. I am a big proponent of Vitamin E at bed time to help reduce night sweats. Keeping the diary and recording EVERY BITE is critical while losing the weight, exercise is too. Don't restrict your calories below recommended levels. Start with small steps. It took a year and half for me to reach my goal, averaging a pound a week. I did not change my diet much, started WEIGHING and MEASURING portions. Added more vegetables and fruit. I eat 5 to 6 times a day, snacks (to keep energy level) and small desserts (daily reward) were a must for me. Did small things e.g. if eating potatoes at a meal, cut out the bread. It takes time and work. Exercise, even if it is just adding extra walking (really important) and I use free weights and a bench at home when I don't make the gym. You can do it. Oh BTW, hormones at menopause caused me to thicken in the middle a lot, still have a bit left, it is the last to go!! - Nature I guess. Good luck.

If you are shaky and weak, then you are probably not eating enough.

You can do this! I've been in menopause for 4 years and sometimes feel like you do. You can add me as a friend if you'd like...us 50-somethings and over need to stick together for support!:flowerforyou:

May I recommend altmednetwork.net as a website that offers many natural solutions to hormonal issues. I purchase a progesterone cream from here that has greatly reduced my hot flashes, night sweats, sleepless nights, etc. There are home test kits you can purchase and send in to find out what exactly your hormonal issues are. Most helpful in understanding hormonal issues is the book I ordered from this site "hormone balance made simple" by dr. John lee. Just letting you know what has helped me. I've actually not used my cream recently because my annoying symptoms have subsided substantially. All the best to you!

You bet! Friends request sent!

Thanks ladies. I appreciate the help sooo much. I have a better perspective today. I don't know if it would be right to say I am officialy in menopause. I am 52 and getting my period every 2 weeks (and it is extremely heavy). This has been happening for 6 months. I am getting the night sweats and moody, and feel worn out. I have been trying to take iron for the blood loss and feel better if I do. Two years ago I cut out all white flour, sugar, went low fat and lost 20 lbs. in 10 weeks. I felt incredible. I keep telling myself I need to do this again. I actually make 90% of our food and it is on the healthy side, but I love my chips and sweets. I definitely eat past
full and feel the need to nibble when I'm not hungry which I attribute to stress/hormones. I have to get it together I have 6 children and my youngest is 10 i want to be healthy for them and my husband and live a long healthy life. My discipline is weak. I think I will take it one day at a time and eat healthier and exercise. For some reason I felt that I shouldn't have to watch what I eat or have to exercise to keep my weight down because in the past I haven't had to really worry so much but in the last couple of years I have gotten increasingly bigger.

This sounds more like perimenopause than menopause. Your doctor should be able to tell you what stage with a simple blood test, which can also check thyroid and iron levels. I would recommend trying to eat foods high in iron instead of taking a supplement unless directed to do so by your doctor. Too much iron can also cause problems. If you haven't already, you should discuss all your symptoms with your doctor.

I would also suggest not trying to go low fat and low carb if chips are your weakness. Just cut back on them, but still allow a treat now and then. Trying to eliminate favorite foods can sometimes lead to bingeing. You want to find a diet that healthy, but also sustainable long term.