HELP! Anyone know anything about hormone imbalance and weight loss??
Jess830409
Posts: 285 Member
Hello there
Before I get into my story please note that I have lost weight before, I know all about logging and measuring and how to not overestimate your exercise calorie burn....etc etc etc
I am looking for specific help in regards to losing weight after removal of ovaries and medical menopause...if you have any first hand knowledge on this subject then I need your help!!!
Story in a nutshell:
After I battled cancer from 2010-2011 I got in the best shape of my life. I started running and strength training and reached my goal weight of 120 in March of 2014. I had never felt better. Then, at advice of my doctor at the age of 30 I got my ovaries taken out. I went into menopause straight away. I started on Hormone Replacement Estrogen and Progesterone 2 weeks after surgery and ever since that day I have not been the same. I slowly and steadily gained weight, despite keeping up my normal healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercise. The harder I tried the worst it got. I finally ditched the hormone replacement pills in September of 2016 and my weight for the first time in years stabilized. But I know my hormones are not balanced and that's part the problem.
But, here is the kicker. It is now stuck at that 166-168 mark. I do everything I can to make it budge, but it wont. Over these last 3 years I have done lots of research and I am more confused then ever. I have seen an Endocrinologist who tested me for everything you can think of. Thyroid is normal; Adrenal function is in normal range; Estrogen and Testosterone are normal for a POST MENOPAUSAL woman of course (which means they are in the drain!)
I have eaten less, I have exercised...I have done HIIT and running, and weights, and yoga...I have increased the protein and limited the carbs....and everything you can think of and I am so burnt out on things that don't work. My stomach (which has never been my weight gain area) is bigger than I have ever seen and I am frustrated!!!
I need someone who has experience or knowledge to please share what works! What type of foods, what type of exercise, what type of supplements/vitamins....ANYTHING!!!
I am extremely frustrated and feeling hopeless.
I know have given up on my once 120lb goal weight and just want to shed at least 20 of these extra pounds and feel like myself again.
Thank you in advance for reading this.
Before I get into my story please note that I have lost weight before, I know all about logging and measuring and how to not overestimate your exercise calorie burn....etc etc etc
I am looking for specific help in regards to losing weight after removal of ovaries and medical menopause...if you have any first hand knowledge on this subject then I need your help!!!
Story in a nutshell:
After I battled cancer from 2010-2011 I got in the best shape of my life. I started running and strength training and reached my goal weight of 120 in March of 2014. I had never felt better. Then, at advice of my doctor at the age of 30 I got my ovaries taken out. I went into menopause straight away. I started on Hormone Replacement Estrogen and Progesterone 2 weeks after surgery and ever since that day I have not been the same. I slowly and steadily gained weight, despite keeping up my normal healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercise. The harder I tried the worst it got. I finally ditched the hormone replacement pills in September of 2016 and my weight for the first time in years stabilized. But I know my hormones are not balanced and that's part the problem.
But, here is the kicker. It is now stuck at that 166-168 mark. I do everything I can to make it budge, but it wont. Over these last 3 years I have done lots of research and I am more confused then ever. I have seen an Endocrinologist who tested me for everything you can think of. Thyroid is normal; Adrenal function is in normal range; Estrogen and Testosterone are normal for a POST MENOPAUSAL woman of course (which means they are in the drain!)
I have eaten less, I have exercised...I have done HIIT and running, and weights, and yoga...I have increased the protein and limited the carbs....and everything you can think of and I am so burnt out on things that don't work. My stomach (which has never been my weight gain area) is bigger than I have ever seen and I am frustrated!!!
I need someone who has experience or knowledge to please share what works! What type of foods, what type of exercise, what type of supplements/vitamins....ANYTHING!!!
I am extremely frustrated and feeling hopeless.
I know have given up on my once 120lb goal weight and just want to shed at least 20 of these extra pounds and feel like myself again.
Thank you in advance for reading this.
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Replies
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Your food diary is empty, how do you know you are in a deficit?2
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Because I manually log on paper due to my job and the hours away from a computer.
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Have you lost no weight since tracking? How do you know your tracking is accurate?0
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Yes, in the past I lost a lot of weight while using MFP and tracking from 2012 thru 2014 - I am not new to this by any means. I have food scales both at work and home; I can count calories in my sleep pretty much lol. The change I need advice on his hormonal. My activity and food intake did not change from when I lost weight before and my body is definitely different after the surgery.0
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You can blame your not losing because of your hormones but it does not change the fact that are eating more than you think. If you not losing, eat a little less or exercise a little longer. Do this everyday.1
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You aren't helping. Been there, done that. Not eating anymore. Not blaming it on hormones. Its a true story, and one I have been dealing with for years now. So, unless you have first hand experience on the matter I thank you for your comment but it doesn't mean much. I know how active I am and I know what I eat...I also know my body and this is not just an "eat less, exercise more" situation.1
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Do you weigh all your food on a food scale?1
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Why do you assume I know nothing of hormones? I'm trying to help you.2
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The thing is, while there are factors that can change the calories out part of the equation, it still boils down to eating less than you require to maintain. There are plenty of post menopausal women here who have lost weight in exactly the same way as women who are not.
You have had every other health condition ruled out but even then, it is still possible to lose weight. And again, there are plenty of users here on MFP that prove that.
Science says you cannot gain weight without an excess of energy for your needs. And you cannot lose it without a reduction of what your body needs. It's just human physiology.4 -
Yes, I do weigh on a digital food scale
I am not assuming that - I stated you weren't being helpful. I am looking for advice on the best type of exercise and diet to combat a hormonal imbalance. My normal way of eating is emphasis on fruits, vegetables, chicken or fish. I do eat steak on occasion and my favorite snacks are string chees, popcorn (air popped) and I do like certain protein bars.
I am a runner (my favorite type of exercise) I am not a heavy lifter due to my past surgeries and limited upper body strength...but I do body weight exercise for upper body.
Some studies show a decrease in prolonged cardio helps, others state strength training is key after menopause....some say no carbs after menopause....its all too confusing. All I know is what I am doing is not working...so this is why I ask for help1 -
VintageFeline wrote: »The thing is, while there are factors that can change the calories out part of the equation, it still boils down to eating less than you require to maintain. There are plenty of post menopausal women here who have lost weight in exactly the same way as women who are not.
You have had every other health condition ruled out but even then, it is still possible to lose weight. And again, there are plenty of users here on MFP that prove that.
Science says you cannot gain weight without an excess of energy for your needs. And you cannot lose it without a reduction of what your body needs. It's just human physiology.
So, in this respect, if I have kept my activity level the same (calories out) and have limited calories to 1,500 with no change, then 1,300 with no change...where to go from here? Is there a way to truly know what my BMR is? I, of course, have always stuck by the "never below 1,200" rule as gospel - but maybe this is not a 100% science.0 -
I think what this is telling you is that the hormonal issues are disrupting your normal in/out equation. So while I'm sure you have a handle on tracking and exercise, your CO side is apparently MUCH lower due to menopause. It sucks, but the equation still stands. Up your output, or lower your intake.1
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How many calories a day are you eating now?0
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First off, I'm so sorry for your health issues at such a young age and I hope you are well now. I completely empathize with your frustration about the hormone imbalance and no weight loss. I am in a similar situation and have been reading a lot about stress and cortisol and their connection to weight loss/gain. Everything I have been reading indicates that high-intensity workouts in certain people (women over 40/those with hormone issues) can actually increase cortisol. The things I have read/seen suggest low-intensity workouts such as walking, yoga and strength training to lower . I just this week am starting to make this change. Maybe give it a try? Best of luck to you!1
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legsnbacon wrote: »How many calories a day are you eating now?
1,300 Mon-Fri with anywhere from 1,300-1,500 on the weekends0 -
OP I'll start out by saying I have no experience with your situation so take its for what it's worth.
You say you have been tested and all your hormone levels are normal. So why are you convinced the problem is hormonal? Usually when ones hormones are out of whack, it affects weight loss by messing up your CO. The way to fix it is by getting your hormone levels normalized. Menopausal women can lose weight just like everyone else. Perhaps try to get a second opinion from another endocrinologist?
There are lots of people out there who want to convince you that a special diet or supplement can fix your hormones but they are usually selling something so I doubt it's true. I think the most common suggestion is low carb, and it couldn't hurt to try that.
Unfortunately when someone insists they are doing everything right 99.9% of the time the answer is in their food log regardless. If you don't want to discuss that, it's kind of impossible to give any specific advice, because seeing what you are logging and what you are aiming for is a big part of the picture either way.
I hope someone with more experience in your situation can help you out more. There are a lot of veteran posters who lost their weight after menopause, or with pcos or hormone conditions. Best of luck I hope you figure it out.2 -
ameliabee6 wrote: »First off, I'm so sorry for your health issues at such a young age and I hope you are well now. I completely empathize with your frustration about the hormone imbalance and no weight loss. I am in a similar situation and have been reading a lot about stress and cortisol and their connection to weight loss/gain. Everything I have been reading indicates that high-intensity workouts in certain people (women over 40/those with hormone issues) can actually increase cortisol. The things I have read/seen suggest low-intensity workouts such as walking, yoga and strength training to lower . I just this week am starting to make this change. Maybe give it a try? Best of luck to you!
Thank you. Best of luck to you as well! I have read some of the same...it is hard to wrap your head around because I am used to higher intensity for the calorie burn - and I know I need to burn to lose. It I seems like a whole new ball game after menopause.0 -
OP I'll start out by saying I have no experience with your situation so take its for what it's worth.
You say you have been tested and all your hormone levels are normal. So why are you convinced the problem is hormonal? Usually when ones hormones are out of whack, it affects weight loss by messing up your CO. The way to fix it is by getting your hormone levels normalized. Menopausal women can lose weight just like everyone else. Perhaps try to get a second opinion from another endocrinologist?
There are lots of people out there who want to convince you that a special diet or supplement can fix your hormones but they are usually selling something so I doubt it's true. I think the most common suggestion is low carb, and it couldn't hurt to try that.
Unfortunately when someone insists they are doing everything right 99.9% of the time the answer is in their food log regardless. If you don't want to discuss that, it's kind of impossible to give any specific advice, because seeing what you are logging and what you are aiming for is a big part of the picture either way.
I hope someone with more experience in your situation can help you out more. There are a lot of veteran posters who lost their weight after menopause, or with pcos or hormone conditions. Best of luck I hope you figure it out.
Thank you. I have no problem discussing my food log, but I do a lot of manual logging due to my work and not having access all the time to MFP. If you look back I was super proud to do some online logging earlier this month and in the past. But I do monitor every day, and most days I am boring eating same old same.
Either way, I agree with you on the selling aspect for sure. I am not at all looking for a magic pill. But I know certain herbs and vitamins will aide with different hormones. The reason I am so sure it is hormonal because my Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone levels dropped dramatically due to the fact this wasn't a normal progressive menopause - its like going from 0 to 100 - unlike other menopausal women of older ages, my body did not adjust or adapt over time - it took a nose dive.
After almost 50 lbs of weight gain it has not found a new normal so to speak.
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@jess830409 I know. HIIT and running were the two things that always worked for me in the past. Low-intensity seems to easy but it's worth a shot! Feel free to add me if you'd like. I say let's both give it a try for a month as an experiment and see what happens.1
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ameliabee6 wrote: »@jess830409 I know. HIIT and running were the two things that always worked for me in the past. Low-intensity seems to easy but it's worth a shot! Feel free to add me if you'd like. I say let's both give it a try for a month as an experiment and see what happens.
Sounds good! I am actually doing like a run/walk program now (I just give up running totally!) Its hard for me to do all low intensity, but I don't want to stand in my own way!!0 -
I personally don't have experience with your situation, but reading your description of what happened with the weight increase without significant habit change, unusual gaining in the stomach area, etc. sounds very much like the stories I read of a group of people who have trouble with the Mirena IUD. I was researching the mirena as an option to control my extreme menorrhagia, but found a significant number of women who experienced symptoms very similar to what you are describing.
Hormone balance in the body is REALLY complicated, and it sounds like you had to undergo a procedure that would definitely put things out of whack. I don't know that you can say from a few lab tests that everything is a-ok because x, y, and z are normal. There are LOTS of variables in there, and there can be a lot going on that may be affecting your health. Seeing another endocrinologist for another opinion is a good idea, though I think there is an awful lot about those systems that we just don't know.
Reading the stories of women who had trouble with mirena on these forums might be helpful. As an aside, plenty of women did just fine and had no trouble with stalls in weight loss while on mirena, it's a subset of users that all had REALLY similar symptoms that remind me of what you are describing. Some of them fixed things by removing the IUD (obviously not a helpful solution for you, lol!), but maybe some of them came up with dietary/exercise/macro balances that might be helpful?
Good luck!
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Hi OP. I do not have medically induced menopause but I have had hormone issues for YEARS. I have PCOS and am now closing in on the end of perimenopause (hopefully!). I am also on armour thyroid for hypothyroidism. I've had to mess with hormones and weight for a long time and I finally found what worked for me. For sure, I had to give up cardio being my main source of expenditure for weight loss. What's worked best for hormone balance and weight loss has been progressive lifting with some light cardio. So now I'm lifting 30 minutes in the morning (I alternate upper and lower body days and take one day off mid-week) and after that do what is truly a slow walk (2.0-2.4) on the treadmill. So I basically workout 4 days a week. If I'm watching my calories closely and working out like that, I lose steadily. It's slower then most by far. Around .5 to .75/lb per week but it's steady. Some weeks I get lucky and will lose 1-1.5lbs but that is rare.
On the hormone side of things, I found using bio-identical hormone replacements to be far better in terms of actually balancing my hormones and making me feel better. I do not take the doctor's "they're in normal range" as acceptable. I try to keep my progesterone at 2/3 to 3/4 of the upper end of the range and my estrogen at 1/2-2/3 of the range. That's based on how I feel at those levels. You might feel better at levels higher or lower then those. The low end of the ranges most doctors will say is "normal" but it's not if it makes you feel like crap and affects your weight loss. I finally found a functional medicine doctor that knew how to tweak the hormones and then have them compounded specifically for what I need and I have done much much better over the years. Compounding bio-identicals allows the doctor to literally give you exactly what you need instead of "this comes in 20mg, 40mg, etc." What if I only need 38mg of progesterone per gram of cream? That extra 2mg can be miserable and it does affect weight loss efforts. So using compounded creams has been my lifesaver.
Don't know if this helps at all, but this has been my experience.2 -
@ummibrahimk Thank you - I appreciate the insight and I will definitely look into that. I have been searching for a specialist in this area of medicine that I might be able to go to, as I have found both the endocrinologist and my GYN have not been very helpful. I appreciate your advice!0
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@ronjsteele1 - thank you for the information! I find a lot of comfort in knowing that there is hope! I would be THRILLED with half a pound loss a week :-)
I did try BHRT for a span of about 6 months, and found no change really...but they may have not done enough tweaking for what I needed. I am in search of a new physician that truly gets it, and can work with me to find a way!
Thank you for taking time to respond :-)0 -
Jess830409 wrote: »@ronjsteele1 - thank you for the information! I find a lot of comfort in knowing that there is hope! I would be THRILLED with half a pound loss a week :-)
I did try BHRT for a span of about 6 months, and found no change really...but they may have not done enough tweaking for what I needed. I am in search of a new physician that truly gets it, and can work with me to find a way!
Thank you for taking time to respond :-)
Look for a functional medicine doctor. If you specifically look up FMD they'll come up. I've seen a couple of different endocrinologists and they are 100% completely clueless.
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@ronjsteele1 Thank you!! That is very helpful...will do!
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I had the same problem (kinda). Perimenapausal and went on hrt, also stopped smoking before the hrt and never gained a pound until the hormones. I could not lose weight, no matter what I tried. Pants got tighter and tighter. Two weeks ago I stopped the hrt and am noticing changes. I also have tightened up on my calories and lowered my cardio from tough, to not as tough. I do lift and if possible, you should too. I think alot of the hrt is water weight and hopefully you can find your sweet spot. Good luck and fingers crossed for both of us.
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@playadelcarmen2 Thank you! Best of luck to you. I truly am not afraid of tightening up and putting in the work, its just figuring out the new boundaries and what works and what doesn't as far as food choices, caloric intake and exercise type and intensity. Appreciate the info!!0
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I am perimenopausal and I also have a metabolic disorder. while weight loss for me is slower, I still lose weight.I would talk to your doctors and maybe get a second opinion and see if maybe a change in meds would make a difference as well(if you currently take any). also the less you have to lose the slower it is going to be. I have 22lbs to lose and they have been the hardest.as for hormone imbalances,it too would be getting the levels right.. if your stomach is getting bigger is any other area getting bigger? maybe get an ultrasound on your stomach done to make sure you dont have any issues causing it(stomach issues causing severe bloating,tumors,etc.).0
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CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »I am perimenopausal and I also have a metabolic disorder. while weight loss for me is slower, I still lose weight.I would talk to your doctors and maybe get a second opinion and see if maybe a change in meds would make a difference as well(if you currently take any). also the less you have to lose the slower it is going to be. I have 22lbs to lose and they have been the hardest.as for hormone imbalances,it too would be getting the levels right.. if your stomach is getting bigger is any other area getting bigger? maybe get an ultrasound on your stomach done to make sure you dont have any issues causing it(stomach issues causing severe bloating,tumors,etc.).
Despite uterine fibroids being unlikely with the OP's estrogen being at post-menopausal levels, I would also check this just to rule it out as the cause of the increased stomach. My fibroids certainly make my stomach bigger >.<0
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