What age did it start for you?
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Bikerchickmomma wrote: »I started peri-menopausal symptoms when I was 40. I was getting regular bouts of night sweats, retained fluid, and was noticeably moodier. (I had a bedroom ceiling fan installed and started eating 3 oz. of tofu daily to help alleviate these.) I didn't accomplish full menopause (ceased periods completely) until I was 57-1/2 years old. Yeah, it was a long row to hoe. I did not take any hormones. I figured it was a natural step in aging so I rolled with it. The periods were erratic: longer, shorter, heavier, lighter. The tofu contains natural plant estrogen that kept my moods mellower. I noticed that if I ate "cleaner" and avoided processed foods containing loads of salt and carbs, and exercised I had less symptoms and felt better. That's still the case. The symptoms don't go away when the periods stop. (Sorry to say.) The rule seems to be if you go 12 months without a period, you have achieved the absence of the menses.
I am a huge fan of plant estrogens. I eat soybeans, tofu, drink soy milk, something each day. I find that eating "cleaner" makes so much of a difference!
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I saw the doctor yesterday, and she confirmed that I am not menopausal but premenopausal. She said that under the circumstances, periods are to be expected and if what I'm on is working for symptom relief, she wouldn't change anything. I had to have an endometrial biopsy because of the bleeding though, so I'm crampy and feeling sorry for myself.0
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I am 47 and started peri last year, which I thought was early, but I guess not! Irregular heavy periods, much worse PMS and cramping, hair loss, memory loss and night sweats here (also flooding, twice. that is the WORST. have change of clothes and towels in my office now). I was also having insomnia but I started thyroid meds (hormone doc said I was hypothyroid) and that immediately helped with the sleep thank god. I also found like Bikerchick that if I eat cleaner, the menstrual pain is noticeably easier. Hormone doc prescribed Progesterone which stopped the night sweats, but I stopped taking it because I feel like I don't want to alter anything just yet, if that makes sense. Oh, btw, I am here on MFP because I gained 25 lbs in exactly one year. I know, not "a total surprise" due to some bad habits, but that was a drastic gain for me, I come here to lose the same 10lbs every few years, but now I guess my body is going to keep my on my toes. Coming off, but sloooowwwly, with extra exercise a must.0
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I was also having insomnia but I started thyroid meds (hormone doc said I was hypothyroid) and that immediately helped with the sleep thank god.
There's a Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/753-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism
I'm about to turn 47 but not yet perimenopausal. Hashimoto's (autoimmune thyroid disease) has shown me that hormones can affect so many aspects of both mind & body.0 -
I briefly perused that group and it is a minefield of aggressively asserted inaccurate information and trendy pseudo-science. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone.
But in any case, the addition of thyroid hormones may help the weight loss efforts quite a bit, by increasing your metabolism and your energy levels. At least before this stage in my life, when euthyroid, I lost an average of 2 lbs a week. I talked to the doctor quite a bit yesterday, and she feels that weight loss is very difficult in perimenopause. However, if you've been working with a low thyroid for awhile, you might see some encouraging developments over the next few months as your levels normalize.0 -
So what foods can u eat on menopause to help u lose weight but help feel better during menopause too0
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alicedjensen wrote: »So what foods can u eat on menopause to help u lose weight but help feel better during menopause too
You lose weight by eating fewer calories than you burn—period. Eat whatever you like, as long as you stay within your calorie goal.
To feel better, try to eat more fruit & veg and drink plenty of water. Get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. To relax, try yoga, tai chi, or meditation.
Everybody's different, so it'll take trial & error to find what works for you.0 -
alicedjensen wrote: »So what foods can u eat on menopause to help u lose weight but help feel better during menopause too
To lose weight? I believe lower carb/slow carb is best, as I firmly believe menopause comes with more carb sensitivity. (Many studies out there on that)
What to eat? From the book called "Before the Change" by Ann Louise Gittleman (which I highly recommend) and from "The Menopause Diet" By Vivianne Parnell (which I also liked), I'm focusing on eating lean meats, low fat dairy, lot's of leafy green vegetables and especially the following:
soy
chickpeas
lentils
avocados
kimchi
sauerkraut
yogurt
oatmeal
Pumpkin
flaxseeds
chia seeds
sesame seeds,
sunflower seeds,
pumpkin seeds,
almonds,
pecans
green vegetables
cauliflower
broccoli
rye bread or crackers
linseed and soy bread
root vegetables
apples
berries
salmon,
mackerel,
sardines,
tuna,
herring.
avoid: refined carbs
limit: caffeine, alcohol, cheese
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Ladies some great helpful discussions on here, things that you think you are suffering alone and going crazy - things that are too small to trouble the doctor with so thanks for confirming others are going through the same0
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I'm new to this group - starting to show signs, I think. 6 weeks between periods, waking up hot during the night (even though AC says 70 degrees), and out-of-the-blue mood swings/anger over very small stressors/nothing. I'm 46. Looking forward to reading up on the information in this group.0
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Hi I'm new to this site i started perimenopause a month before my 40th birthday. i had no clue why i had put on so much weight in my late thirties.0
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I'm late to report here - but for completeness -I had early onset from 40 onwards - and hit it like a brick wall at 46. Still struggling now with the night sweats/chills. I am 50 and a half now. ( I sound like a kid, ooh, I am seven and a half, not just seven !!!) I do have a recipe for a menopause cake for which, I hate to say, I got in all the ingredients for, but never got around to making......if you put it into google you will get the link, I am sure......If not, let me know and I will post it when I can find it,,,,,I am not the most organised of people!
Don't worry, OP!! That has always been me, not the menopause!!0 -
I'm late to report here - but for completeness -I had early onset from 40 onwards - and hit it like a brick wall at 46. Still struggling now with the night sweats/chills. I am 50 and a half now. ( I sound like a kid, ooh, I am seven and a half, not just seven !!!) I do have a recipe for a menopause cake for which, I hate to say, I got in all the ingredients for, but never got around to making......if you put it into google you will get the link, I am sure......If not, let me know and I will post it when I can find it,,,,,I am not the most organised of people!
Don't worry, OP!! That has always been me, not the menopause!!
I googled it. Looks yummy! My smoothies are similar! They have lots of greens, berries, ginger, turmeric, soy milk, hemp hearts (omegas) and sometimes avocado.0 -
I think I was.... 47 or 48 when I first started noticing symptoms. (Now 52) They would come and go. Cycle that always was very predictable almost to the hour became unpredictable. Headaches, irritable, memory problems, stress. Then the last couple of years constant fatigue, sleep problems, extreme stress, yada yada. Recently started a low carb diet and amazingly most of my problems have disappeared and the weight is starting to come off. I believe I became very insulin resistant and hormones were extremely out of whack.0
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I think I was.... 47 or 48 when I first started noticing symptoms. (Now 52) They would come and go. Cycle that always was very predictable almost to the hour became unpredictable. Headaches, irritable, memory problems, stress. Then the last couple of years constant fatigue, sleep problems, extreme stress, yada yada. Recently started a low carb diet and amazingly most of my problems have disappeared and the weight is starting to come off. I believe I became very insulin resistant and hormones were extremely out of whack.
I believe you're spot on. There are numerous articles on pubmed documenting that many women become insulin resistant with menopause, and that carbohydrate metabolism CHANGES for many of us with menopause.0 -
I started in my mid 40s. I stopped eating meat and the symptoms eased. Didn't stop completely, tho. I'm now in my early 50s and 3 months with no period. Ovulation started being very painful around age 50. My hair has thinned in the past 3 months. I have been able to lose weight, as I'm fairly active.0
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I started in my mid 40s. I stopped eating meat and the symptoms eased. Didn't stop completely, tho. I'm now in my early 50s and 3 months with no period. Ovulation started being very painful around age 50. My hair has thinned in the past 3 months. I have been able to lose weight, as I'm fairly active.
I noticed my hot flashes were worse with meat. What a crazy time! Lower carb: better for mood, sleep, migraines.
Lots of vegetables: good for hot flashes and mood.
Lower meat: better for hot flashes.
all leads to: Lower carb vegetarian!
I'm kidding of course. But what a crazy time!0 -
I'll be 61 at the end of this month and have been going through menopause for 10 years. Still have night sweats and dizziness. Sadly, too, my hair is thinning which is a blow to the ego. Pray that this doesn't happen to all of u lovely ladies.0
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_VickiLynne_ wrote: »I'll be 61 at the end of this month and have been going through menopause for 10 years. Still have night sweats and dizziness. Sadly, too, my hair is thinning which is a blow to the ego. Pray that this doesn't happen to all of u lovely ladies.
Sorry it's been so rough for you. Have you found anything that helps with the dizziness?0 -
Hi everyone... I am 54 and a little late to find this party, but I started peri menopause in my early40 's. Because my mom developed a rare form of HRT induced breast cancer, my gyn didn't want to give me anything even short term. When I started the twice a month flooding menses I went the Murina route too but aside from that I just decided to power through. I still occasionally get hot flashes, oddly most often in the spring for some reason?? The worst for me would happen when I was blowing my hair dry after a shower.... I swear I was just soaked and needed another shower by the time I got my hair done and make up on
I have just started a little with the dizziness in the past few weeks and am noticing what I thought was thinning but my hairdresser says it is just because my hair has lightened to a "platinum blonde" 
Anyhoo... This is what has lead me find your group. Have you had any luck with meclazine for the dizzies? I am thinking about giving it a go. I am going to follow along if you all don't mind 0
