menopause at 39 Help!

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kelbellynn
kelbellynn Posts: 9 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello, this goes out to anyone who has problems losing weight during menopause.
Almost 2 years ago I went through cancer treatments. Now in the last few months my stomach is just growing. Nothing I try is working, in fact I'm getting bigger! I was informed by my Dr that chemotherapy has thrown me into early menopause. I've always been active and I eat healthy for the most part. I'm at a loss. I work out 4 days a week for 1hr- 2 hrs a day. Pretty intense workouts as well. I eat great. If anyone has found something that has helped them I'd love LOVE to know....

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  • julielh72
    julielh72 Posts: 92 Member
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    I'm in perimenopause so am experiencing irregular periods and struggling to lose lbs. I am now lifting much heavier and concentrating on compound lifts and doing a couple of cardio sessions per week. Lifting is excellent for maintaining/increasing bone density which will start to decline as a result of the menopause process. Seems to be working for me so far.....still a work in progress though. :smiley:
  • suruda
    suruda Posts: 1,233 Member
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    There is a menopause group for any age, you are most welcome to join!
    Congratulations on being 2 years past treatment! The most important part of your journey!
    Most of us find that during and after menopause we can't "eat healthy for the most part", we have to eat carefully...logging everything we eat and carefully managing calories. It is hard (and often boring) but it is doable to get extra weight off and keep it off. Staying active and working out helps us be more fit and strong and of course we earn a few extra calories, but eating right is really what makes the difference.
  • kelbellynn
    kelbellynn Posts: 9 Member
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    What's the group? How do I even join a group?
  • Alicedbabinski
    Alicedbabinski Posts: 2 Member
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    I want to know the group too cause i am in full blown menopause and keep gaining and try hard and nothing works
  • AndreasEvans
    AndreasEvans Posts: 35 Member
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    kelbellynn wrote: »
    If anyone has found something that has helped them I'd love LOVE to know....

    Hello Kelbellynn,

    If you've ever wondered where the weight goes when one looses it, which I did; partly out of interest but mainly to see if I could use said knowledge to influence my own weight, then you will learn much from this:

    Ted Talk - Math of weight loss

    Hope this helps you...it certainly did me.

    Kind regards,


    Andreas
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
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    kelbellynn wrote: »
    Hello, this goes out to anyone who has problems losing weight during menopause.
    Almost 2 years ago I went through cancer treatments. Now in the last few months my stomach is just growing. Nothing I try is working, in fact I'm getting bigger! I was informed by my Dr that chemotherapy has thrown me into early menopause. I've always been active and I eat healthy for the most part. I'm at a loss. I work out 4 days a week for 1hr- 2 hrs a day. Pretty intense workouts as well. I eat great. If anyone has found something that has helped them I'd love LOVE to know....

    Do you weigh and log your food accurately to reach a calorie defecit across the week

    Because that's what you need to do

    Are you actually menopausal ( eg no periods for 12 months) or peri-menopausal eg fluctuating hormones?

    Also your workouts ....you need a heavy progressive lifting programme ...3 times a week is ideal, supplement with 2 x 20-30 minute cardio and then anything else you fancy

    Read this: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/10/26/how-to-not-suck-at-working-out/

    Get a programme
    Books
    Strong Curves
    New Rules of Lifting for Women

    Structured online programmes
    http://stronglifts.com/5x5/
    https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/jason-blaha-ice-cream-fitness-5x5-novice-workout
    http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-routines/4-week-guide-starting-strength


    Why?
    wxy1lxqvbhdn.jpg

    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

    If you can't bring yourself to do free weights yet then do a decent bodyweight programme
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

    But it all comes down to calorie intake for fat loss so don't forget your calorie counting
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    edited August 2015
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    Are you able to have hormone replacement, or is that ruled out by your cancer? If not, about all you can do is eat right, lift and do cardio. Your tummy can only get so big if you maintain your muscles and a healthy body composition. Be kind to yourself, and your tummy. You've been through a lot!

    P.S. I sympathize. I was launched into premature menopause by a very non-elective hysterectomy. I've mostly adjusted but there are some things I hate about it.

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