August's perimenopause waist reclaim thread

[Katekarate]

Here we are as promised I'll try to tag in everyone from the previous thread but sorry if I missed anyone, do join in. @Skybluepinkgiraffe @MiniTheMinx @badpuma @Timeforredwine @Jackieweaverishere @ittakes2 @Seesawmummadaw @itwasgoodwhileitlasted @wtfisgoingonhere21 @EssexLioness @Shallwegoforawalk @Flamingo49 @Chisontoast @Upupandiwent @MistySkiesAfterRain @Bambooshoot @ Fordian @LlamaofDrama @Readytostartagain

I run (have done silly things like marathons/fell races) then after the last marathon, I thought “what next?”, and there was nothing. Then covid came and I completely stopped, and i think that is a factor.

Im back in to it now but only up to 10k.

Ive run 15 miles since Friday and watched my diet and ive lost 2 pounds,

Dont feel any different though 😏

I’m just bookmarking my place, as will be getting on board at the weekend! Currently on the last day of my holiday and eating biscuits in bed )

Last year I lost 20 lbs and started getting my waist back through a combination of IF, cutting back on carbs (but not completely) and daily yoga and walks. I’ve probably gained about 5lbs back lately from scoffing sugar & bread and slacking off on exercise, and it’s showing on my belly and waist.

44 and perimenopausal, so need to stay on top of it!

Hi, I’m 49 & have all sorts of peri symptoms which could also be down to my M.E. & fibro, so I’m not really sure which is which. I do know that at 5 3’ & 10st 12 I need to lose weight, predominately from my middle. I’ve already started & have lost 1 1/2 stone in the last 3 months, I just need to keep motivated.

Hi I found you! Thanks for the tag, didn't get a message for some reason but I'm here now.

I'm on holiday at the moment so I won't be going too gung ho until I'm back.

My plan was reduce sugar and carbs, save alcohol for special occasions and increase exercise. I'm going to go back to My Fitness Pal and keep calories at 1500 per day.

Now I'm thinking increase fermented food too... I did have kombucha and kefir regularly but have forgotten about them a bit.

I'm also going to measure my waist.

I'll also say that my awful peri symptoms have been kicked to the curb with HRT. Though I'm not sure I've lost any weight! I know it's not for everyone.
@EssexLioness I really sympathize with that long list of symptoms! I had pretty much the same list at that age, it's not much fun.

Finally back to exercise and for the first time in my life I look forward to it and hate it when I can’t do it. Eating better and lost a stone so far. But I now have my prescription for hrt patches, and I’d like to start but I’m on a huge family holiday in 10 days should I start now or is it better to wait til after the hols. I suppose I’m scared it’ll take a while to get the balance. Who wants to be more of a mess away from home. Any advice please?

@pinkcattydude I was ok on my first HRT trial, evorel patches, I started to feel myself again after a couple of weeks. I wasn't having much in the way of periods so not sure how it affects bleeding.

I suppose you don't want any more 'rollercoasters' of hormones. However most people I know that started HRT either didn't feel much change or started to feel better. So based on that I'd say start now.

@Jackieweaverishere thank you, that sounds reassuring

@pinkcattydude I would also say from my own experience there is a vicious circle of anxiety around starting HRT - peri makes you anxious, which means you're anxious about starting HRT. I did CBT, meditation, exercise but it was only
once I started HRT that the anxiety really lifted and I wondered what I'd been worried about. If that makes sense...

Just checking in and it’s going well! Always think of this thread at lunchtime for some reason…. Managing not to binge in the evenings and noticed a small improvement to my sleep as a result.
I’ve been eating more fruit and veg and trying so hard to do a little exercise every day.
Really nice to read everyone’s positive updates.

Hi everyone, yesterday’s motivation has gone out the window 😬 I have eaten well so far today but having takeaway for dinner tonight. I just need a night off but will get straight back on it tomorrow.
Had usual poor sleep and the head fog and painful joints were really bad today. Had to pop out and get a few bits. Stood in line at the checkout, wearing a mask I had the worst hot flush I’ve had so far. I felt so anxious and agitated and broke out all clammy afterwards. When I got to the till I had picked up the wrong item and the shop assistant was so nice and friendly but I felt like caving his skull in cos I was so cross with myself. I stayed polite and picked up the correct item but I shocked myself at how full on and sudden the rage was! And it wasn’t even his fault, it was mine (I’m usually very nice, I promise)!
Then had to go to Waitrose for a couple of bits. Came out and forgot where I parked. Looked round for almost 10 mins before I realised I had been looking for my old car! 🤦‍♀️ I have been driving my current car for almost 3 years! 😂
Anyway I have an appointment tomorrow to get some HRT. It’s recommended at my age anyway as early menopause has increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Hoping that will make me feel more sane!
Can’t remember if I mentioned yesterday but I’ve also booked an appointment with a personal trainer for next week. She sounds lovely and specialises in women’s health especially around the menopause. More toning and protecting bone density than cardio work, which is exactly what I’m looking for

@EssexLioness what a day! I remember having days like that the rage and brain fog was quite something good luck with the HRT and the trainer. I'd be interested to hear how the trainer goes. I've been going running but I think that strength training would be good as well.

I managed to have no carbs for dinner, just bacon and eggs with some veg sticks. But I did have a small glass of wine and 3 squares of chocolate. Though I'm on holiday so I'll get serious when I'm home.

Hi pals. I have fallen off the wagon a bit today with two bars of chocolate but am determined to get back on it tomorrow and over the weekend. Your PT sounds good EssexLioness

Checking in. The hot flushes ugh! A couple of people have commented recently on how flushed I look on occasion, hope they go away soon! And I feel so hot at night. Insomnia sadly is nothing new to me, but the aches and pains are not fun. I broke my spine a while back and it had settled but just recently it's back to being very painful.
But in positive news, another good day at my goal calorie in take. Not feeling too bad but the weekend is looming and that never bodes well! Hopefully the fact that I'm working both days will keep me on the straight and narrow!!

@Jackieweaverishere yes it certainly was a full on day! I can laugh about it now but was a bit wtf about it earlier. Will report back after I have seen my personal trainer. I’m a bit nervous as I am so unfit but think this could be a great positive step for me.
@Katekarate sounds like we both had a wobble today but I never dwell. We can just get straight back on track tomorrow

Thanks EssexLioness this thread is really helping and having the goal of August. Even though I've slipped up today tomorrow is a new day. Partly it's tiredness as the past few nights I've had hot flushes wake me up and then it's hard to get back to sleep. Might have to look into HRT. Good luck with the trainer.
ginasparkles that sounds incredibly painful. Sorry to hear about your flushes too, it's a lot to deal with all at once.

@EssexLioness

With all those symptoms, I'm really surprised you are ruling out HRT. I recognise so many. Ultimately hormonal fluctuation causes them & that's what needs to be addressed.

The holistic approach of diet & exercise is also key - however I always ate well and exercise to a high level, so other than changing my eating pattern a little there was nothing to change there. I can manage my weight well, naturally slim, it's all the other debilitating symptoms.

Sorry Essex I posted in response to an earlier post of yours without seeing this:

Anyway I have an appointment tomorrow to get some HRT.

Thank the Lord - if ever someone needed it, with all your symptoms, it's you!

@EarringsandLipstick no problem! I was never against HRT but at my age it wasn’t something I had ever looked into really. I think part of me was almost in shock at my diagnosis and I needed to get my head round it. Quick turnaround though… I first thought that I will focus on lifestyle changes then if it gets worse then I will look into it. But the more I read I thought it would make my life so much easier and I felt more reassured after reading about the potential risks etc. Also the advice is for younger women to have it to protect against osteoporosis and heart disease as we at increased risk due to having less oestrogen build up in our bodies over the years. That was a big motivating factor too as osteoporosis is a big concern for me. So yeah, within 3 days I had changed from maybe one day to I need to see a doctor now!

Best of luck Essex. I really hope it helps, you are having a tough time.
(I've just started. The sleep issue you describe particularly resonates with me. I should really be asleep now as early nights mean I get some sleep as like you, I wake up or am restless from the early hours).

I feel so much better today. I got a whole 7 hours sleep which is very rare for me. Had really thorough and reassuring chat with my GP. She is lovely and I felt a lot better afterwards. And I now have my HRT which I am super excited about trying. Off out to the cinema in a bit with DH. I shall have popcorn but will have instead of lunch to balance out. I had a healthy breakfast and prepped a healthy dinner for later. Exercise might not happen but will make up for it tomorrow and otherwise all on track.

Just bookmarking myself a place - i will read the thread properly over the weekend. But i would just like to send massive waves to my newly found people! So glad i found this thread

Age 48. Possibly peri - no symptoms other than anxiety and peri belly

Just wanted to say thanks again for the thread as it’s keeping me accountable - for the first time in a long time I’ve stuck to calorie counting past day one and am kind of looking forward to my first weigh in. Just wish I could ditch the insomnia as I’m sure I’ve read somewhere that good sleep helps weight loss!

Also very interested to hear all your tales of HRT as that may be my next step.

That's great to hear Bambooshoot and also hi to VivaDixie
Happy Friday night everyone!

Glad to hear your chat with the GP was productive and reassuring @EssexLioness and good luck with the HRT.

Another day being well behaved, stuck to the calorie intake. Tomorrow the girls at work want to have a falafel salad from the takeaway place so I think the calorie count will be higher but if it's the only poor day then it's not the end of the world.

Strange feeling in my tummy today, cramping and feeling pretty period like, but I bled two weeks ago, and two weeks before that. It's so annoying. Thinking a trip to the gp might be worth a go here too.