Hi everyone,
I've been reading this forum for years but I have never posted. Here's my saga:
Unfortunately, I have gone into an early menopause. I'm 41 and my symptoms started at 35, haven't had a period in one year. I have had all the hormone tests, etc.
Of course, my doctor suggests HRT (the Vivelle patch). I do want to take it because of the usual pain in the *^$%% symptoms that have definitely affected the quality of my life. Believe me, I've tried everything natural under the sun - I have a library of books on dealing with meno naturally and nothing has worked very well. My doctor is very supportive and worked with me while I tried these "natural" methods (and drained much of my bank account trying - the acupuncture was expensive). Since I've had no success with the natural path she feels it's time to try Vivelle.
I hate to sound vain but I am really concerned with weight gain. I know that should be the least of my concerns but it's not. I have worked hard most of my life to maintain a weight I feel good about. I was a somewhat chubby teen and spent my twenties about 25-30 pounds overweight. In my early thirties all I learned about sensible eating and weight training/aerobics took hold and I stabilized my weight.
I do value my doc's opinion very much and she tells me HRT doesn't directly cause weight gain (especially Vivelle). However, I've read so many conflicting things about HRT and weight gain that I no longer know what to believe.
My pessimism is kicking in high gear and I have fears of faithfully doing my Cathe tapes, eating VERY clean and just gaining weight with no way of losing it!!
Please someone allay my fears!!!
Oops - here comes a hot flash - where's my portable fan?
x(
I've been reading this forum for years but I have never posted. Here's my saga:
Unfortunately, I have gone into an early menopause. I'm 41 and my symptoms started at 35, haven't had a period in one year. I have had all the hormone tests, etc.
Of course, my doctor suggests HRT (the Vivelle patch). I do want to take it because of the usual pain in the *^$%% symptoms that have definitely affected the quality of my life. Believe me, I've tried everything natural under the sun - I have a library of books on dealing with meno naturally and nothing has worked very well. My doctor is very supportive and worked with me while I tried these "natural" methods (and drained much of my bank account trying - the acupuncture was expensive). Since I've had no success with the natural path she feels it's time to try Vivelle.
I hate to sound vain but I am really concerned with weight gain. I know that should be the least of my concerns but it's not. I have worked hard most of my life to maintain a weight I feel good about. I was a somewhat chubby teen and spent my twenties about 25-30 pounds overweight. In my early thirties all I learned about sensible eating and weight training/aerobics took hold and I stabilized my weight.
I do value my doc's opinion very much and she tells me HRT doesn't directly cause weight gain (especially Vivelle). However, I've read so many conflicting things about HRT and weight gain that I no longer know what to believe.
My pessimism is kicking in high gear and I have fears of faithfully doing my Cathe tapes, eating VERY clean and just gaining weight with no way of losing it!!
Please someone allay my fears!!!
Oops - here comes a hot flash - where's my portable fan?
x(