Most women do have to work harder after menopause than they did before menopause to maintain their weight and figure. But it is doable. I've embraced building muscle in a way I never did in my younger years and it has made all the difference for me.

It's very easy to accept that Menopause will change your body,I fight it everyday and I am winning that fight! Remember you can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results, change up your routine, 2 months ago you would see me out running and doing Pilates, now I'm lifting weights and challenging myself to do a backbend again, who knows what I will be doing to fight this battle in a year, but you can bet on one thing and that is I will be doing something!

Just joined the group. So excited to be here. Trying to loose body fat. I lost 30 pounds of muscle mass and in turn gained fat. It's really hard to get that lean muscle back after hormones change. We just have to work harder. Which will make us stronger physically and mentally.

Hi and Aloha! I gained 45 lbs in menopause and was getting fatter and fatter no matter how much I exercised. I joined a gym, took daily fitness classes and kept upping my intensity wtih cardio workouts. I did feel more energetic with muscle growth, my daily activities seemed easier like walking up and down stairs and getting up from sitting. But I still didn't lose weight! I felt confused and hungry! My clothes didn't fit and I was not happy with how I looked. I didn't understand why I wasn't losing and I started thinking my hormones played a part somehow. I read several books on women's health issues. I used to be able to manage my weight with exercise and diet as a younger adult but it just wasn't working for me any more at my age. I joined MFP and with family and friends help, I kept trying hard because I felt afraid that I would develop diabetes like my uncles if I didn't lose weight. Last year I felt so desparate I started using homeopathic diet drops, which has helped along with a restricted low calorie, low carb diet. So far, I have lost 30 lbs of fat and am so proud of myself. I am within 10 lbs of my goal and still not quitting. I am tired of dieting, but it is becoming a lifestyle change for me. That's what MFP pals tells me!

Fabulous results smilesbak! Way to go!

This is so helpful reading all your comments! I have always tried to work out and watch what I eat, but recently did not step on the scale for months!! Not a good thing, my weight was up 5-7lbs. Not bad, but at my age (59) I realize that I need to track the weight at least once a week and try harder. From what I am reading, heavier weights in training. I love doing zumba, but maybe I need to switch it up. Also going to try fewer carbs during dinner meal, etc. You guys are awesome!!

Vivmom2014..I agree. There are some parts of menopause that are true...but on the whole, it's not much different than before. The one thing I've noticed is that this is the first time in my life I have had to lose weight, but I don't think it's all menopause....it's just lifestyle.

I have had no problem losing the weight (14 pounds at last weigh in) and am 10 from goal when I stick to the program.

I agree though, that switching it up and not being so hard on yourself works.

Hi there, I am also post menopausal and have found that doing heavy weights and building muscle burns more calories and I am able to maintain my weight. I am 166cm tall and weigh 57kg. I also do cardio at my gym, but the weights were the secret weapon.f

Like most of you, menopause has had some hard parts for me. I am 57 and 5"2', 130 lb. Hot flashes are the worst, with vaginal dryness (thank God for coconut oil) and sagging skin close behind. The weight gain issue is more a result of muscle mass loss. I weigh about the same as I always have, but I feel less firm.
Yoga is my preferred form of exercise. I want to do weights but it is hard to get to the gym. Not for lack of time, but lack of will I suppose, I am retired and have a really bad back with chronic pain.
I like what DilDE said about weights being the secret weapon.
Controlling portion size has been helpful. I have a small digital scale to weigh some things, especially meat.

Sherryfood95 wrote: »

Anyone experiencing more injuries or tendonitis since menopause? Not sure if it's a coincidence or connection but this year is terrible and the recovery rests hurt weightloss too.

I'm peri-meno & I've found my recovery time is longer. I have also noticed an uptick in muscle fatigue & muscle injury (pulled/strained). The fatigue is getting better somewhat though...but I still have my days.

Don't be afraid of rest & recovery days. I've found they really do make a difference. On those days I will take the dog on a longer walk (5K+) so I'm still moving with purpose, but not doing a hard workout. I've heard others talk about practicing Yoga on their R&R days, saying the stretch & meditative pace is very helpful.

Foodwise I focus on foods to build & repair my muscles. Hang in there.

I'm seriously considering HRT. Has anyone gone that route and found it helpful with belly fat from the hormonal changes?