Anyone in menopause out there?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.