For Post-Menopausal Ladies.....

I *officially* hit post menopause 2 years ago ( on my own- at age 48). It's kinda crazy how I have to "argue?" with someone who says that's NOT possible....(whatever.....guess the hot flashes and the fact that TOM is DEAD is just my overactive imagination then?) I was an early bloomer ( age 10) so I guess it makes sense why I'd hit it sooner than others???

Obviously it affects the metabolism as well. But it just makes it a little harder- NOT IMPOSSIBLE- to get the belly fat outta the way.
I so very much LOVE this site- following the calorie counting- and keeping track of everything as well ( carbs, fat, sodium, sugar, etc).... making good food choices and feeling so freed up in making progress.
So very much love the friends I've gained along the way as well- their encouragement is SO appreciated.

BTW, I have found- on the advice of my doctor- that watching my caffeine intake ( including chocolate <sigh>) and taking Vit E supplements ( follow recommended dosage on bottle- don't OD on it) has HELPED TREMENDOUSLY with the severity and frequency of the hot flashes.
I also AVOID soy- for me, THAT affected them too.
And I also take Dong Quai- which I've taken for years- it keeps my hormone levels on an even keel ( it helped with PMS prior to menopause).
I still am plagued with hormonal-related migraines- which still hit at what would be my TOM- and if I run out of Dong Quai, I can guarantee I'll get one for sure.
Just sharing what's been working for me and passing the info along to anyone else.

I went through menopause early as well. Started at age 40 and a year or so later, boom....I was done. So I was only out of my mind for about 14 months or so.....:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I now take estrogen. The estrogen only one. (not the one with progesterone too) It has kept my skin looking way younger than I am. Having said that, some women can't take it because of a history of breast cancer. I'm lucky in that regard, my mother took estrogen for damn near 40 years and she looks young as well. But.......do NOT mess with my estrogen pills. If I do not take them, watch out! It's not pretty.....LOL

I'm 48 and done too...and I have to argue with people about that as well. LOL It has clearly changed the way I lose weight. Previously a little portion control and more exercise and I could lose weight no problem. This time around, with a little research and tracking calories here, I have reduced my carbohydrates (really tough as I have never met a carb I didn't like) and have found success again.

I'm so happy to see that I'm not the only one who had an early menopause (I'm 47 and haven't had a period for two years)! When I tell people I'm post-menopausal they tell me it's impossible (that annoys the heck out of me). Anyhow, I haven't noticed too many changes in my weight gain or loss. Then again, when I was perimenopausal, I was looking after my mother who was ill, raising two kids, working, - you get the picture - the "sandwich generation" and under a tremendous amount of stress. Is the weight gain attributable to menopause or stress - who knows? The fact of the matter is that I have to lose 20 - 30 pounds and with this site it's working so far. Would love to be friends with other ladies in this situation.

This is my problem right now! In fact, I blogged about it only yesterday - it's so much harder to lose weight at this age (48) than it was in my 20's or 30's - I would LOVE to be able to take HRT but I can't - My periods are irregular - I go 6 months straight without one (though I get 'signs' every month!) and then suddenly I go for a few months with regular periods or sometimes I have two a month. I feel quite low at times, I get THE worst headaches I've ever experienced and I get water retention and chronic irritability - night sweats have been quite difficult for me but I don't tend to get too many hot flashes.

I'd really just like it all done with now!!!

Ohhhh and lets not even talk about the tyre that grows around the middle!!!!

Another early menopausal lady here! I started having hot flashes, etc. at around age 43. When I was 44 I had a severe illness and couldn't take my birth control pills. Once the illness passed, I figured I'd strat the pills again right after I got my period. Much to my surprise, I never got it again, and a visit to the Ob/gyn confirmed that I was post menopausal! The illness was difficult, but "skipping" the majority of the traditional menopausal symptoms was a blessing!

I have definitely noticed that taking weight off is MUCH harder. I used to be able to watch what I ate for a few weeks, do some crunches, and the "tire" would be gone. I joined WW several times, and was able to lose 15 pounds pretty easily. Now, it's a whole different story! About 3 months ago I got serious with my exercise rountine (cardio & strength training 3x/week) and I've definitely noticed a difference. At first the scale didn't budge, but things fit better. A month or so ago I found MFP, and adding the food accountability has been amazing! The weight is definitely coming off slower than I would have pre menopaus, but I'm making progress. If you find yourself in this boat, stay focused. It might be a slow journey, but it feels so good to be in control of my body once again!!!

I'm 41 and in pre-menopause. I have had signs for a few years, but now it is worse. One day I was bloated really bad to the point of my left side swelling to where I couldn't wear jewelry. The swelling is better but still there. I didn't realize that a weight gain came with menopause! Any advice for a newbie would be great. I am not taking any hormones. My doctor wants to see if I can make it with out them. MEN! I am learning to watch everything I eat. I have always watched the sodium due to high blood pressure. Has anyone had luck loosing a belly after 40? For the hot flashes, I consume a lot of cold water and popcicles and slushies. I don't eat or drink anything hot. It helps a little.

Besides being post menopausal, I have dealt with hypothyroidism for ten years and will for the rest of my life. There are times that I feel like I am running up a slippery slope. Exercise does not come naturally for me and I get very discouraged when I do not see results quickly. I know I must practice patience, make good food choices and exercise. But that "what the heck attitude" slips in there every so often. It doesn't take much to destroy what you have accomplished.
On another note, going to try that 30 day shred.Thanks for sharing your experience about the 30ds and it was a welcome to hear from people I can identify with. I do believe exercise is the key at this stage in my life.