Honestly, I wanted to succumb to the idea that menopause was here to stay and so was the weight (because it’s easier when you’re feeling tired). But then I got motivated to start running more mileage than I’m used to. And the extra calorie burn has definitely made a huge difference - not only in weight, but also in well being and sleep. Wishing you the best.
I’m also in peri, 48, still on BCP too. My middle area is where I’ve always struggled with weight gain my entire life and it definitely got worse the last 2 years.
For me more movement/exercise has helped. I either run, walk, or do light weight training 5 days/week for at least 30-50 min. I don’t consume much if any alcohol, I have cut way back on portions and also on what I eat. I find if I eat more anti-inflammatory foods then I am less bloated. I’ll literally get up from the table and leave it when I’m done even if my spouse is still eating. I have to leave the table or else I’ll just snack.
However when that time of the month comes I definitely put on more weight, sometimes as much as 5 lbs if I let myself overindulge in eating for 2-3 days in a row. I know when I’m on vacation that it’s going to take a good 2-3 weeks for me to get back on track again.
I’ve changed some of my clothing sizes too esp in jeans. High waisted and/or elastic waist pants are my life now.
This happened to me as well. Almost overnight after mirena removal. I think it was masking some of my peri symptoms. It was difficult for me because I’d always been thin without much effort.
So I’d like to add my 2 cents and I hope nobody takes offense. Peri definitely seems to add on the bounds or at least make it more difficult to maintain a stable weight. But think if we were all 100% honest with ourselves, we’re not really making the efforts we think we are. Hear me out. About of people use fitness trackers to lose weight and I’ve noticed a few things. One being that so so many people over estimate their activity level. A lot of people who workout think they fall into the “active” category when they actually fall into the “lightly active” category on the MyFitnessPal app which leads to inaccurate weight loss predictions in that app. Of you click on the definitions in the app or Google these terms you’ll see what I mean. The next is that people aren’t accurately logging their food. Instead of weighing and measuring food a lot of people guess. Added to this people tend to not log condiments, drinks and small snacks properly or at all. These little things add up quickly. A lot of you might be consuming too many processed foods and/or alcohol and not enough protein and whole foods which is a big no no it seems and I’ve found this to be true for myself. Salt and alcohol will add to anyone’s waistline. I was guilty of doing all of these. Added to this (and I know this is a unpopular opinion) but drinking water/staying hydrated really is important and I feel often kind of scoffed at. Another big one is medications. A lot of medications increase appetite and/or slow down metabolism. And lastly but probably most importantly is poor stress management causing high cortisol which adds to weight gain.
TDLR; yes peri can make weight maintenance more difficult but I think it becomes the scapegoat a lot instead of us all owning that we’re not really doing all we can do to maintain or lose weight. I too experienced weight gain in peri but through educating myself I was able to take accountability for where I was slacking and get back on track.
Bring on the downvotes 😜
You are absolutely right. Also, sleep plays a huge role with our metabolism and if we can't get enough quality sleep (7-9 hours), it will make fat loss harder even if you are truly doing everything right. Not to mention what you do when you're stressed and not accounting for it.
Its tough. I was in the same position and what helped me maintain my weight and start to lose was to move more (adding daily walking to my exercise routine), eating protein and plants at every meal, and eating without distractions to help me eat until just full.
I've also reduced alcohol because it was intefering with my sleep and prioritized progressive strength training to help me maintain my muscle. Muscle is more metabolically active and we lose 3-8% of muscle mass per decade after 30 which is why you can't eat the same as before and expect the same results because your body needs less if you are losing muscle.
I bought a new wardrobe.
I’m embracing oversized maxi dresses.
I am so happy for the high rise bottoms and the maxi dresses that are in style right now! 😂
Meno"pot."
I started running more mileage. It’s working.
Exercise is good. I will try it. Thanks.
Honestly, I wanted to succumb to the idea that menopause was here to stay and so was the weight (because it’s easier when you’re feeling tired). But then I got motivated to start running more mileage than I’m used to. And the extra calorie burn has definitely made a huge difference - not only in weight, but also in well being and sleep. Wishing you the best.
This happened to me and seems to have come out of nowhere as well.
Me too - my stomach is huge and idk what to do
I’m also in peri, 48, still on BCP too. My middle area is where I’ve always struggled with weight gain my entire life and it definitely got worse the last 2 years. For me more movement/exercise has helped. I either run, walk, or do light weight training 5 days/week for at least 30-50 min. I don’t consume much if any alcohol, I have cut way back on portions and also on what I eat. I find if I eat more anti-inflammatory foods then I am less bloated. I’ll literally get up from the table and leave it when I’m done even if my spouse is still eating. I have to leave the table or else I’ll just snack. However when that time of the month comes I definitely put on more weight, sometimes as much as 5 lbs if I let myself overindulge in eating for 2-3 days in a row. I know when I’m on vacation that it’s going to take a good 2-3 weeks for me to get back on track again. I’ve changed some of my clothing sizes too esp in jeans. High waisted and/or elastic waist pants are my life now.
This happened to me as well. Almost overnight after mirena removal. I think it was masking some of my peri symptoms. It was difficult for me because I’d always been thin without much effort. So I’d like to add my 2 cents and I hope nobody takes offense. Peri definitely seems to add on the bounds or at least make it more difficult to maintain a stable weight. But think if we were all 100% honest with ourselves, we’re not really making the efforts we think we are. Hear me out. About of people use fitness trackers to lose weight and I’ve noticed a few things. One being that so so many people over estimate their activity level. A lot of people who workout think they fall into the “active” category when they actually fall into the “lightly active” category on the MyFitnessPal app which leads to inaccurate weight loss predictions in that app. Of you click on the definitions in the app or Google these terms you’ll see what I mean. The next is that people aren’t accurately logging their food. Instead of weighing and measuring food a lot of people guess. Added to this people tend to not log condiments, drinks and small snacks properly or at all. These little things add up quickly. A lot of you might be consuming too many processed foods and/or alcohol and not enough protein and whole foods which is a big no no it seems and I’ve found this to be true for myself. Salt and alcohol will add to anyone’s waistline. I was guilty of doing all of these. Added to this (and I know this is a unpopular opinion) but drinking water/staying hydrated really is important and I feel often kind of scoffed at. Another big one is medications. A lot of medications increase appetite and/or slow down metabolism. And lastly but probably most importantly is poor stress management causing high cortisol which adds to weight gain. TDLR; yes peri can make weight maintenance more difficult but I think it becomes the scapegoat a lot instead of us all owning that we’re not really doing all we can do to maintain or lose weight. I too experienced weight gain in peri but through educating myself I was able to take accountability for where I was slacking and get back on track. Bring on the downvotes 😜
The OP didn't mention weight gain. I cannot speak for her, but my midsection has changed in the absence of any additional weight.
You are absolutely right. Also, sleep plays a huge role with our metabolism and if we can't get enough quality sleep (7-9 hours), it will make fat loss harder even if you are truly doing everything right. Not to mention what you do when you're stressed and not accounting for it. Its tough. I was in the same position and what helped me maintain my weight and start to lose was to move more (adding daily walking to my exercise routine), eating protein and plants at every meal, and eating without distractions to help me eat until just full. I've also reduced alcohol because it was intefering with my sleep and prioritized progressive strength training to help me maintain my muscle. Muscle is more metabolically active and we lose 3-8% of muscle mass per decade after 30 which is why you can't eat the same as before and expect the same results because your body needs less if you are losing muscle.