Menopause and weight loss
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mamadon
Posts: 1,422 Member
First, a little background. I lost almost 120 pounds 6 years ago. I maintained that loss until this last year where I’ve gained 25 back. This was of course due to over eating although I have maintained logging throughout. I started seriously trying to lose this about a month ago. I eat between 1200 and 1300 and am lightly active. So far no loss or gain. I am either menopausal or post menopausal. I will just keep plugging along, I figure it’s got to move eventually, but Geez lol. I hear Lot about hormones and it’s possible effect Is this truly a thing or not? I know the scale fluctuates and I only weigh once a week but dang!!
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Replies
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Are you weighing all the food when you’re logging it? Or guessing using measuring cups and spoons?
Unless you’re shorter than me (I’m 5ft and a half inch on a good day!), and actually only eating 1200-1300 cals you almost definitely would be losing, even if slowly.
I don’t think there’s actually any difference in the ability to lose weight pre, during or after menopause so it’s likely to be inaccurate logging that’s keeping you stalled.8 -
I do weigh and measure and have a digital scale. Plus after doing this for so many years I'm pretty good at knowing portions, but I also know I could be just a little off and it could detail me some. Thanks for your imput4
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I would weigh every day because how do you know your lowest weight could’ve been on the days you didn’t weigh yourself?5
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I've never liked to weigh every day because the fluctuations drive me crazy. I've been weighing myself every Friday at the same time of day for years now, so it should be pretty accurate3
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Speaking as a person who has been there, done that per menopause weight gain, it IS a real thing! (My doctor agrees.) Once you start the menopause journey for real, sans periods, your estrogen levels, progesterone and testosterone levels as well, start dropping off dramatically and what used to work for weight loss or maintenance just doesn't anymore. My gyno mentioned to me that it's mostly the testosterone that keeps people thin more easily as it helps build muscle. (Why men get pudgy too as they age and lose vitamin T!)
I gained 30 pounds in places like my stomach I never had before over the two years once my periods stopped! I had NEVER had a weight problem either. If I gained a few pounds before, I'd just cut back the cals and go hiking more. But that stopped working during my "personal summers" (sweating!). What did I do?
I made some bold changes for my bones, my cholesterol and my heart. I finally ditched caffeine (makes cortisol which makes more fat in menopause), cut the sodium way down to about 1,000 mg a day or less (eating whole foods), ditched the dairy (that's my own thing for stuffy sinuses and ears), and REALLY got moving in a big way while tracking all my calories honestly.
So....you've just got to hang in there, mamadon, and wait it out as you figure out your own "triggers" and resolve them for yourself. Everyone's journey is different. But there is a light at the end of that tunnel.
Now, at 57 (started my journey at 54), no HRT of any kind, I am only 8 pounds from my pre-menopause weight and I'm not looking back.
Hope that helps and feel free to contact me for any other info you might want.10 -
I do believe menopause symptoms are real, the hot flashes, weight gain, etc, etc. Pre-menopause generally starts in the late 40's, if that's where you are at now. Post-menopause would mean you haven't had a TOM for 12 months, that usually occurs between 50-51. Unfortunately the symptoms can continue for years afterwards.
Don't be discouraged, at least you are maintaining and if you are following everyone's suggestions about your intake, you might consider visiting your OB/GYN to see if a hormone supplement is needed.5 -
Sure, weight loss was easier in my 20s than now in my 50s. Back then, I had more muscle and an active job. I'm sure someone will be along to show just how minimal the effect of somewhat more muscle is. The biggest difference is activity level. I want to still eat like a 20 yo with an active job.
I think it would be easier for women if they didn't have menopause to blame. Former male athletes can't blame weight gain on menopause.
The only time in her life my mom has been a little overweight was when she was 50 and in grad school. She was less active due to school and was also eating more.
She's 82 now and struggles to stay above Underweight due to her extraordinarily high activity level and her fondness for low calorie density foods.8 -
I am finding similar, although my gain was 'just' 5lbs - my background is previously for the last 6 years maintaining pretty effortlessly within my goal range, but back in the summer without changing anything the weight gain was reality and happened over the space of two months, (there was a cruise but there are always cruises for us, and I always get back to normal weight range in no time). Since August I have been back eating at calorie deficit, weighing and measuring - cut out a snack each day and upped my activity... am still seeing my range 1 to 2lbs outside my goal range. I really think hormones are at play (I turned 50 this year) but we know what to do, if we keep eating at deficit, we will get rewarded...eventually, its science. My reality is 1lb loss since August! wonderful eh!6
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Thanks, all for your replies and help. I am 57 years old, but due to some other medical stuff I have had a period except for very occasionally for over 20 years, so unless I go get tested I don't know for sure. I have had hot flashes that are winding down, so I'm assuming here, that I'm finishing up menopause. I have never paid much attention to my salt intake Jaybirdaz , so that could be part of my problem.0
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LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »I am finding similar, although my gain was 'just' 5lbs - my background is previously for the last 6 years maintaining pretty effortlessly within my goal range, but back in the summer without changing anything the weight gain was reality and happened over the space of two months, (there was a cruise but there are always cruises for us, and I always get back to normal weight range in no time). Since August I have been back eating at calorie deficit, weighing and measuring - cut out a snack each day and upped my activity... am still seeing my range 1 to 2lbs outside my goal range. I really think hormones are at play (I turned 50 this year) but we know what to do, if we keep eating at deficit, we will get rewarded...eventually, its science. My reality is 1lb loss since August! wonderful eh!
Actually, We did just go on a cruise in October lol.2 -
Have you had your thyroid checked lately? That can slow down weight loss. So can certain medications. Talk to your doctor.2
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I found menopause made weight loss easier. I was no longer having the hormones cycling causing PMS bloat and scale fluctuations, as well as cravings.14
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I am premenopausal/menopausal. I started exercising more and logging over a year ago around the same time as my symptoms. I have been successful at weight loss and I do fluctuate sometimes but know the reasons why. Besides calorie counting I believe macros are very important. Eating more protein with consistent exercise has been most effective. I have also found that weight training does more for me than cardio. No heavy weight body building stuff but arms and legs with an routines. I run but not on a regular schedule but do feel a difference when I do. I would look at your macros and also supplement vitamins if necessary. Also try doing weight training if you aren't already.5
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I am premenopausal/menopausal. I started exercising more and logging over a year ago around the same time as my symptoms. I have been successful at weight loss and I do fluctuate sometimes but know the reasons why. Besides calorie counting I believe macros are very important. Eating more protein with consistent exercise has been most effective. I have also found that weight training does more for me than cardio. No heavy weight body building stuff but arms and legs with an routines. I run but not on a regular schedule but do feel a difference when I do. I would look at your macros and also supplement vitamins if necessary. Also try doing weight training if you aren't already.
Thank you, I don't really pay attention to my macros, but know I tend to go carb heavy, so I'll take a look.3 -
I had no problem losing weight at age 60. It wasn’t any harder, or easier, to lose. There are a lot of women who are successful after menopause. Everyone has different experiences though.7
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I've been guilty of I've been doing this logging thing a long time.. and the solution is to pretend you haven't!
Let's get the weight out if the way... weight trend applications exist to smooth out daily fluctuations if that's what's holding you back.
But, change your logging.
Start from the "nothing is getting into my mouth unless it is already weighed in addition to being measured and recorded" viewpoint.
Can you exclude eating out or with friends? Of course, though the more meals you exclude the more potential error you introduce.
But there is no reason (when having apparent lack of success with what appears to be reasonable goals) to not take a couple of extra few minutes when at home.
Nothing goes in mouth before being recorded... tastes, bites, sips, snacks, single mint, spray of oil in the pan... gets recorded by weight in addition to measurement and large discrepancies between volume and weight expectations get looked into.
A double check of MFP entries being used is never a terrible idea!
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I think this is different for each woman. Some of the perimenopausal issues that I experienced in 2017-2018 were unheard of by any women in my life (i.e. families, friends and some doctors). Many of them believed that it had to be something else. I persisted and advocated for my own health and located a young female gynecologist that focused on menopause and perimenopause. I had a list of all of my symptoms and without telling her what my thoughts were, she confirmed that each one was related to hormonal changes. I can attest that if hormones can cause the myriad of issues that I encountered, including triggering an autoimmune disorder, it can definitely cause the body to retain and store fat despite our efforts otherwise. When I was going through all of my issues, I prayed for someone to say 3 words to me, but to no avail. So, I will pay it forward to you with those 3 words... I believe you.
I'm not saying that hormones is an excuse to give up trying, but I am saying that it can be a reason that you are struggling. There is a difference between excuse and reason. So, just because someone else had no problems losing weight during this time in life, does not mean that you won't.
My hormonal issues were addressed and pretty much all of my prior issues have been corrected. Next week I will celebrate 1 year of healing.
So, don't be discouraged and doubt yourself just because others have not had a similar experience. Be your own advocate. Keep making healthy choices and doing the right things for your health and slowly results will follow.
Be encouraged.6 -
I've been guilty of I've been doing this logging thing a long time.. and the solution is to pretend you haven't!
Let's get the weight out if the way... weight trend applications exist to smooth out daily fluctuations if that's what's holding you back.
But, change your logging.
Start from the "nothing is getting into my mouth unless it is already weighed in addition to being measured and recorded" viewpoint.
Can you exclude eating out or with friends? Of course, though the more meals you exclude the more potential error you introduce.
But there is no reason (when having apparent lack of success with what appears to be reasonable goals) to not take a couple of extra few minutes when at home.
Nothing goes in mouth before being recorded... tastes, bites, sips, snacks, single mint, spray of oil in the pan... gets recorded by weight in addition to measurement and large discrepancies between volume and weight expectations get looked into.
A double check of MFP entries being used is never a terrible idea!
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leejoyce31 wrote: »I think this is different for each woman. Some of the perimenopausal issues that I experienced in 2017-2018 were unheard of by any women in my life (i.e. families, friends and some doctors). Many of them believed that it had to be something else. I persisted and advocated for my own health and located a young female gynecologist that focused on menopause and perimenopause. I had a list of all of my symptoms and without telling her what my thoughts were, she confirmed that each one was related to hormonal changes. I can attest that if hormones can cause the myriad of issues that I encountered, including triggering an autoimmune disorder, it can definitely cause the body to retain and store fat despite our efforts otherwise. When I was going through all of my issues, I prayed for someone to say 3 words to me, but to no avail. So, I will pay it forward to you with those 3 words... I believe you.
I'm not saying that hormones is an excuse to give up trying, but I am saying that it can be a reason that you are struggling. There is a difference between excuse and reason. So, just because someone else had no problems losing weight during this time in life, does not mean that you won't.
My hormonal issues were addressed and pretty much all of my prior issues have been corrected. Next week I will celebrate 1 year of healing.
So, don't be discouraged and doubt yourself just because others have not had a similar experience. Be your own advocate. Keep making healthy choices and doing the right things for your health and slowly results will follow.
Be encouraged.
Thank you! I am definitely not trying to use this as an excuse I just wanted to be informed and you and everyone else have been very helpful.4 -
You know...I don't get how 5 people can "disagree" with my personal experience in my above-post. Ha! It isn't something to agree or disagree with. It is what it is. Just trying to be helpful to the poster, and truthful for what I've experienced personally. This is why I rarely bother posting to these forums. Oh, well. Back to my cave of solitude. LOL At least they took that "woo" icon off and replaced it with "disagree." Baby steps, MFP, baby steps. Happy weight loss!11
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