Hormones and Weight

[Abbe G]

Hi! I haven't been here in a LONG time!
I was wondering if any of you is in peri-menopause or early menopause and how that has affected your weight? I have been put into sudden menopause through chemotherapy, and although I am healthy now and exercising regularly and eating very well, I am finding that my weight has gone up and I am having a H*** of a time getting it down. I also have much more body fat than ever before. I read a couple of Debra Waterhouse's books, which sound plausible (that the lower estrogen levels cause the fat cells to grow), but whatever the reason, it doesn't make me feel any better about it.
Anyone else have this experience? What did you do?

 

[Steppingup]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Jan-30-01 AT 08:32AM (Est)[/font][p]I really do not have a solution for you but just wanted to let you know that you are not the only one this has happened to. About 6 to 7 years ago my mother had breast cancer and had to take 6 months of chemo. She was 46 or 47. She was already overweight but the chemo immediately threw her into menopause and she has progressively gained weight since then and is now 100 pounds overweight. BUT.....she has not tried to lose and she just eats anything she wants!!!! At the first of the year I convinced her to start exercising and eating right and she has already lost 5 pounds.

My mother, because of the cancer, has been unable to be put on hormones and that has only increased the weight problem. If you can be put on some type of hormone after your chemo is done that may help you.

I said all that to say this....you are not alone with your problem but you can lose if you work at it. Unfortunately you might have to work at it harder than before to get the same results that you did before. Ain't being a woman wonderful??

Anyway, I am sure someone else will be along shortly to give you some ACTUAL advice!! I hope you can get those pesky pounds off soon!

Kelly

 

[ebh87]

Low Estrogen

Hi Abbe,
I have always been plagued with hormone problems and have had very low estrogen levels and battles with my weight. My husband says I don't have low metabolism - he says I have no metabolism. It is very frustrating because in order for me to maintain a weight that I am comfortable with I basically have to starve myself. In the last year or so I quit doing that and have not watched my diet and am facing the consequences - I gained a lot of weight and am carrying lots of bodyfat. My struggle is going to be moderation - following a healthy diet and accepting the body size that comes with it.
Have you talked to your doctor about this? Do you know if/when your body will get back to where it was before the chemo? I'm sure it is incredibly frustrating. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Try not to be too hard on yourself - you've survived a lot in the last year, you can get through this too. Take care.
Erica

 

[Abbe G]

Hi Kelly, I'm really glad that your mom is healthy; that's the most important thing, right? I also had breast cancer, although I'm younger than your mom was (even though 46 is young too!).
I've always been thin (size 2), but everything about my metabolism is different now from several months ago (before chemo). I have a feeling it might be a permanent change and that even my former healthy eating and exercising won't be enough to keep me at the weight and body fat percentage that I am comfortable with.
Hi Erica, I know what you mean about the metabolism, but I bought several books on this subject and the one thing that all of them say is not to starve, but to eat small amounts during the day. I know that in order to stay healthy, which is the most important thing to me, I need to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits and other nutritious foods. They (whoever "they" are) say that eating little bits all through the day actually increases the metabolism, as does gaining muscle. So, I've been trying to do that, but truthfully, I feel hungry within a short time after eating the little meals.
I wonder how women who are menopausal, even naturally, can maintain their weight and body fat. It was never something that I thought about because it seemed so far in the future.
I know that weight shouldn't be so important but I have so many nice clothes that I want to wear and they are all tight on me now. It is SOOO frustrating.
I appreciate any advice or experiences that anyone has. Thanks.

 

[kristina]

Hi abbe

My hormone troubles are from fibroids and steroid therapies (allergies) but all roads lead to Rome. My mom had a full hysterectomy at 40 and it threw her for a wicked loop weight wise.
First off, my Mom's and my experience is that all the treatment does integrally alter your bodies fat storage, water storage, and breakdown of nutrients. SO the way you ate before, even if not unhealthy, may not be the best for you NOW.
You may find you are now ultra-sentive to sugar, sodium, and/or complex carbs.
My Mother, a pediatric nurse for 30+ years and no dummy, ended up seeking a female nutritionist. She kept going until she found one who knew her stuff, and then had blood work done to determine her specific blood levels in conjunction with her eating habits.
I found a allergist/nutritionist team that helped. ALthough, I must say, when I go on heavy cycles of steroids, I gain. There is little I can do about it. But once I am off, after about 6 weeks, everything usually goes back to normal if I am careful. I retain LOTS of water during these periods, so I have to be careful to super-hydrate, avoid sugar/salt/complex carbs/dairy, and do lots of sweat therapy (hot salt baths, sauna, regular exercise.) Sweating out toxins is very important in my case, otherwise it gives me total body edema.
Consider alternative therapies under the supervision of your doctor. I have found them PARTICULARLY effective with this dilemma. Good luck, sweetie, chin up! SO GLAD YOU ARE WELL.

 

[DebbieH]

Hi Abbe!

I remember your name from some time ago. I just wanted to say that we are sooo glad you are back & HEALTHY!!! I also have found that turning 48 last year definitely made a difference in my weight control. I DO have to work harder at it. Hang in there. I have seen results from staying very consistent with my workouts, plus I really think shaking up my normal routine with a variety of cardios has also helped. I saw great results from the CTX series if you haven't odrered them yet. You WILL stay committed to them as they are just TOO FUN!! I struggle with my eating habits. I wish it was as easy as working out. I think eating more frequently has helped and I TRY to do that. I have also added LOTS of water and that has helped. Don't know that I have told you anything you don't already know, but just know there are others here that can relate. GLAD you are back!!! Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH

 

[faith]

Hi Abbe and Everyone,
I am fairly new to Cathe; needless to say she is the ultimate! I started her videos by chance when I finally recovered from a very early menopause due to a complete hysterectomy at age 37. I have been working out since the 80's; it's part of my life. However, fatty areas have blossomed without estrogen- I'm medically prohibited to take HRT. As an exercise fanatic- it is not enjoyable. Here's my suggestions that have helped: lots of H2O, healthy eating to the point I'm not overly full, five days of Cathe cardio, 300mg chromium picolinate, quality vitamins, and laughter. It's been a year and I am evening out more-thank goodness. Above all the lesson for me has been self-acceptance of a healthier body since the surgery and more grace to my body for what it is now. I truly understand the frustration as you see your body change but know if you are trying your best to eat healthfully, exercise consistently, and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day--you are doing beautifully well. Remember to relax with a good book, laugh with friends, and breathe in the outdoors to exercise your spirit. By the way hugging a pet is awesome too. Best wishes for good health! Hope I didn't babble too much! Keep in touch!

 

[murph]

Another Idea

Ask your doctor if you can increase the soy foods and perhaps take an isoflavone supplement to simulate estrogen. I am in peri-menopause and this has helped; still a little puffier than I'd like --but this fake estrogen has allayed the hot flashes and allowed me to sleep better.

 

[Kay]

Hi Abbe!

I'm not going to be much help but can commiserate a bit with you in the no HRT/menopause department. I'm so glad you're done with chemo and feeling better!
I'm 51 and on the down side of menopause (I hope!) with no period for over 18 mos. now. I've done it with out HRT, just a bit of progestine in my hemorrhage phase, because of my family history of breast cancer.
Exercise has kept me sane (and my husband alive) and I practice moderation & portion control in my diet, well most of the time. I had a foot problem & didn't do any aerobics (except short walks) or lower body weight training & gained 15 pounds in 3 months. Thank goodness my feet are better & I'm slowly returning to longer aerobic workouts and lower body workouts. I've developed my upper body quite nicely & now I need to concentrate on those large lower body muscles to help with eating up more calories.
I'd definitely keep up the healthy eating & if you're hungry eat a little more. Seeing a nutritionist is an excellent idea too. Keep exercising like I know you will. I'd check with your doctors before even thinking of taking any kind of supplement even vaguely related to estrogen.
Good luck! You're not struggling alone with this menopausal weight. I know you're a fighter! You can do it!
Kay
"If you're going to have a big butt; have a GREAT big butt!"
Gin Miller