03-31-21, 10:44 AM | |
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Body shape -- looks like many of us have the weight gain directly in the belly area. I also now have massive heavy breasts that just keep getting bigger. It's like I have a huge ball from my shoulders to my hips. My hips/thighs are the same as they were before, but the backs of my arms are huge now. I went from 160 lbs in 2016 to 202 lbs as of today. Nothing has worked to reduce any amount of fat. I've tried low impact cardio, high impact cardio, HIIT, doing nothing, heavy weights, light weights, high protein diet, low carb diet, keto, low fat, low calorie, and just tracking macros/calories. Everything has gotten bigger as a result. And now that I have a knee injury, doing nothing but daily activities has resulted in the exact same thing -- weight goes up when my poor body is trying to ovulate and then right again before my period. Still like clockwork.
Mindset -- mine is all weight related. That is what causes me the most depression and anxiety. I am the type of person who just can't accept failure easily. And trying so hard to control this and not being able to has really affected me daily. I've been listening to Pahla B's podcasts for the past month and she has helped a bit but I'm still just feeling defeated. Health -- I've had numerous injuries, bloodwork being off, and even gallbladder removal surgery since this all started in 2018. Doctors have been clueless and have sent me for tests and specialists. No one can pinpoint anything. And my gynecologist (a 60s-something woman no less!) doesn't even think I'm anywhere near menopause, she keeps saying "You're too young! You're not even 50!" but I'm 47 and presenting her with all these symptoms. She did send me for an ultrasound to see if I had fibroids, but thankfully I don't. So she's useless. I also can't take any HRT or even bioidenticals since I have a hereditary clotting disorder. So it's really just grin and bear it for me. Exercise -- I'm now resigned to the fact that I'll probably never do the type of workouts that I really like (Cathe, Tracie Long, KCM) regularly again. Once my knee heals (or if it heals since it's a torn meniscus and they often don't my doctor told me), it's just walking from here on out. Perhaps CS if it heals. So no more squats, lunges, etc. ever again for me. That was tough to hear from my doctor. Sleep -- I can fall asleep very easily (and often fall asleep watching TV in the evening!) but like clockwork I'm up between 3-6 am and can't fall back to sleep, or if I do, then I'm up every half hour or so. This is only recent within the past few months but I'm already feeling the effects. I also snore a lot more now and have to use my husband's old CPAP machine so we can both sleep. Hearing that you ladies also have these issues doesn't make me feel quite so alone in this! |
03-31-21, 04:45 PM | ||
Join Date: Oct 2009
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Just within the last 3 months, suddenly for the first time ever I have a lower tummy pooch. Had a flat stomach all my life. I had "covid 15" (extra weight from lockdown sedentary-ness), now 168 up from 155. I'm 53, started peri when I was 46/47 at 145 pds. Bra now size C from a small B. I have not been working out much during the pandemic. My weight gain has shifted from thighs & hips to stomach and 2 sets of rolls on my back, right under my bra (I call them my fish gills lol). My arms, whew- dont even want to think about it I just told my SO that I feel like I am suddenly in a fat suit that I cant take off, but feel like my slender self is still there - just feels weird & not like me. I am just getting a handle on depression every month from my cycle. Havent missed yet but they are heavier & shorter. Journaling, & deep rest help me to barely hold it together with the moodiness. Someone mentioned the book "Untamed" and it seems to be just what I need, just reading the amazon reviews had me teared up. Thank your for sharing. Erica - So sorry about your son, hugs & healing in time, please take care The pandemic has led to a career change and huge emotional healing. Both me & my SO lost our jobs due to the pandemic. One of my close family members was diagnosed with bone cancer (literally on the first day of lockdown 2020) & one of his passed from covid in Nov. A lot of complications, revelations, realizations, prioritizations & inner strength never new I had. As of now, I am emotionally stronger & more self loving. I have changed my "look". Wear bright rainbow colors in my hair with length extensions. I wear more makeup to help feel pretty again. One surprise blessing, the mask covers my new mouth wrinkles and growing double chin lol. Planning on doing facial exercises for when everyone is maskless again. Sounds mid life crisis cliche, but I am happy & dont care what others think about it - finally able to break free after 25 years of the everything being the same, same, same. Between the pandemic & perimeno, I am a totally new woman. Just started walking for exercise. Am thinking Callenetics pulsing may help to pull it in & tighten it up if it turns out it cant be lost. I take other vitamins & supplements but just started collagen powder 2 days ago. Surprisingly, already feel a slight difference too. My skin has a bit more glow & joints a teeny bit less stiff - promising, I will continue. Someone mentioned "Dietland". I watched the TV series, loved it & was sad it was cancelled. Found this moving clip - tear warning, it may be quite emotional to watch 'Julia's True Self' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OraqtfG3AU4 Sorry for the venting!
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Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine! ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf! ~Jon Kabat-Zinn |
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03-31-21, 10:53 PM | ||
Join Date: Oct 2009
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In the past with other health issues, I kept on trying stuff & methods until something helped. Same with perimeno. Women the world over have been dealing with this since time immemorial. Something is bound to work right? Hang in there sis, we'll be hanging right along with you
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Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine! ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf! ~Jon Kabat-Zinn |
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04-02-21, 09:41 PM | |
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Illinois
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My emotions are all over the place also. I’m in menopause and have n extra 30 pounds. When I look in the mirror I hardly recognize myself. I just started HRT so I’m hopeful. I did have a horrible headache this morning with an upset stomach so I hope it’s not a reaction. I don’t know what to do anymore either
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Sue "I'm just one workout away from a good mood." ~ Valerie Waters |
04-03-21, 10:36 AM | |
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Me too. With the weight in my face, breasts, and stomach, I honestly look worse than I did pregnant. I'm completely unrecognizable from just 3 years ago.
I chart every symptom every day, and I'm now noticing that I gain 5 lbs in the few days before my poor body tries to ovulate. This is day 13 for this cycle and I literally went from 200 yesterday to 205 this morning. My 44DD bra is too tight to wear and even my stretchiest sweat pants are too tight. Even though just a few days ago they were fine. So now my body will try for the next few weeks to ovulate and I'll just continue to gain/lose overnight. It seems the week of ovulating is now just is bad as my PMS week. Funsies. In terms of supplements, etc, I've literally tried everything and nothing works to stop this freight train. I've spent hundreds of dollars and have a cabinet full of things that just made it all worse. I'm now resigned to the fact that nothing works for me and this is just my reality now. I've never felt this hopeless and emotional about my current state than now. The fat clothes that I had to buy last summer don't even fit this summer, and now I have to buy sizes that I never thought I'd ever have to. |
04-03-21, 10:58 AM | ||
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Quote:
Erica |
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Tags |
body acceptance, body positivity, perimenopause |
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