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| I recently changed GYN MDs as my MD retired. The new GYN is a woman and she tested all my hormone levels and ordered Vivelle Dot (estrogen) and progesterone cream. I've been on this for 1 month and just got my follow up blood work done today. If my hormone levels are not satisfactory she will add some more hormones. She explained that all my levels were down and connected to each other as is the thyroid. She said my thyroid is struggling even though my level is in the normal range and my Internist said my thyroid levels were fine. She said with the regulation of other hormones (estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone) I should feel better, have more energy and my metabolism should speed up so I can lose some of this belly fat. I hope this works as I am really been sticking to a lower calorie intake, less carbs, and daily exercise. It is a struggle as we all know.
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LOVEBEINGMIMI
3/7/07 8:20 A
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| My doctor told me when I hit menopause I would get a little belly and that was a physical thing due to menopause. She was right, but it got a lot bigger than it needed to. Now that I have lost some weight, it is just a little pooch. I wanted to prove her wrong! I don't want to make excuses for getting bigger.
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Hi Shar,
I'm just on Thyroxine... (T4), 1150mcg a week (roughly 164mcg a day) sometimes I have low energy, but have found if I have a good fibre filled bread, I'm fine. (Tried cutting out carbs... bad mistake) My Dr told me after I had my thyroid out, not to expect to loose weight, but I lost half of what I wanted to. The rest is just plain hard work. I'd love to spend more time exercising but when your energy levels are low it's hard. Mr Dr said an hour walking a day is plenty. Well my legs are toned, it's the stomach I need to work on.
I guess we need to stand back and make the most of what we have... if we're eating right and exercising, that's better than doing nothing at all.
We need to be positive, even if it's hard sometimes.
Katherine
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YARNSPINNER
3/6/07 7:36 P
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Hi, Katherine;
Yes, I am also on thyroid medication. My current doctor switched me from Eltroxin and Synthroid to Armour Desiccated thyroid and it made a big difference energy-wise for me. The desiccated thyroid includes T-3 as well as T-4, where as the two former medications just have T-4, I'm told. If your body doesn't easily convert the T-4 to the more active T-3, you have energy issues.
Thankfully I am doing much better now, although -- as you say -- the weight continues to be an issue.
.. Shar
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Hi ladies, I'm new to this thread.
Just read a few of your comments. Just wondered if any of you have had a thyroid blood test. I started having menopause symtoms in my early 40's, with weight gain,, dry skin, tiredness, forgetfulness and several other problems. Finally 2 years ago I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. It was removed 18 months ago, I'm still struggling with some weight, (I was able to loose around 28 pounds). Would like to loose another 25, but is hard with a thyroid problem.
It's twice as hard for a person with a thyroid problem.(I'm on thyroid meds for life)
Hair loss is another symtom of a thyroid problem.
I remember those sweats well. At one time they were every 20 minutes during the day, and every hour at night. I'm glad I'm on throught it now. Look on the bright side... they can't last forever.
Katherine
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YARNSPINNER
3/6/07 12:38 P
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I, too, have had a lot of hair loss over the last ten years. My doctor's personal theory is that it's related to insulin resistance and hormone imbalances, but he has no theories on treatment other than the standard ones: Rogaine, etc. Unfortunately, Rogaine never worked for me. I'm in the process of trying a new shampoo system called Margo-Alive, but -- since it's only been days -- I have no idea if it will work. Here's hoping ...
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ETHYLMERMAID
3/6/07 12:12 P
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| My heart goes out to you because I'm pretty much in the same spot. My weight fluctuates all the time, sometimes 3 or 4 lbs OVERNIGHT. My hair is thinning in the front (just like dear old Mom's) so I've been using Rogaine for women but no results yet. I've been lucky in that I have very few night sweats and they're very mild. But the weight is just impossible. My MD says just be patient, eventually it gets better. I still have periods every other month or so but they are incapacitating and if I didn't work at home I'd be in trouble. Hope things get better for you.
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MOBLUEEYES
3/6/07 11:56 A
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| I am 56 and have gained 20 lbs. in the past 5 years. My weight flucuates as much as 2 lbs overnight. I joined Curves in Dec. and am trying to get back into shape. The weight just won't come off. Is anyone else losing their hair? Mine is getting so thin. I shed all the time. This has gone on for a couple of years. I had my last period nearly 6 years ago. I never took any hormones. I do have some night sweats still but I can live with that. THe hair loss and the weight gain are my big concerns.
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| I like Dr. Northrup, too. Have her original book. Thanks for the reminder.
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I am a fan of Dr. Christaine Nortrup and just viewed her PBS special on her take on Menopause and Beyond with great tips on weight management.
Her website:
http://www.drnorthrup.com/
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| isn't there a natural sleep aid called melitonin? I have try it before might work for you.
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Hey there,
I wouldn't get too excited about taking Ambien. My doctor put me on it a couple of years ago(took away
my clonazepam) and seriously, I thought I was losing
my mind. I made mistakes at work, I did things in my sleep that others told me about, but I had no recollection of doing. And it made my scalp feel like
something was crawling on it.....sounds stupid I know. But I would try something else first if I were you. Just a little bit of advice, for what it's worth, and besides that, Ambien is very expensive if you don't have really good insurance benefits. Anyway, hope you find something that works.
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I can't find the facts at the moment, but when all the hoopla came out on HRT I remember I was shocked because the reports also included the prescription bioidential hormones I was taking. I'll have to search further for the truth and let you know.
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YARNSPINNER
3/2/07 10:26 A
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Thank you for the link to the mayo clinic article on bioidentical HRT. Interesting. I'm always interested in learning more about this topic.
I think it's important to note, however, that the article differentiates between TWO forms of "bioidentical" HRT. First, the unregulated over-the-counter products (which are untested and may be suspect) and SECOND, the regulated prescription-grade FDA approved "bioidentical" products.
I, personally, only use the prescription-grade bioidentical products that I get prescribed through my doctor. I've found the efficacy of over-the-counter products to be unreliable.
Unfortunately the area of HRT is one that requires every woman to do her own research and make informed decisions because not even doctors can agree on the best course of action.
Hope you're able to solve your sleep problems. I use Progesterone cream and take the occasional 1.0 mg. melatonin tablet for sleeplessness. Prescription-grade Progesterone cream does help many women with the sleep problems that arise in menopause.
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In regards to bioidential hormones, you may find the following article from the Mayo Clinic interesting:
http://tinyurl.com/2yrtlo
I'm not sure that bioidentical is any better for you than non.
OK, I have no proof of the following but you might find it interesting. In the "olden" days food was scarce, older people needed to store as much food as they could since they couldn't hunt or gather as much as the younger ones. It was a self preservation mechanism. I guess that is one explanation for the old metabolism slowing down. I tried to increase mine by walking more and gave myself plantar facitis 
As far as libido goes, sure the sparks don't fly like they used to but if you just "get started" you might find you enjoy it anyway.
I was on bioidentical hormones and could never get adjusted. The nail in the coffin was when I got a period week before we were leaving for Hawaii. I'd give anything if I could just sleep 8 hours. Going to ask for some Ambien next.
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Thanks to all of you for your input on this subject. I haven't had time to read them until now. Seems like there aren't enough hours in the day to get all the things done that I need to do. So busy and eating the right foods and still no change in my weight. I want to exercise, but just can't get it done. I know, excuses, excuses, frustrated and no one to talk to. I spend my days alone whatever I am doing,sorry, just feeling a little down tonight. I appreciate the info on Suzanne Sommers books, will try to get them and do a little reading. I used to read everything I could get my hands on to try to be "the best you can be" so to speak. But lately, haven't read much.
I WISH THAT TURTLE WOULD MOVE TOWARD THE END OF THE LINE.............
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YARNSPINNER
2/25/07 2:08 P
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HRT is Hormone Replacement Therapy.
There are two kinds of HRT:
The first uses precription drugs like Premarin (horse estrogen) and Androgen (Testosterone pills). Premarin is BAD and that has been proven in drug trials.
The second form of HRT is usually called bio-identical HRT and it uses plant-based products which are purportedly chemically identical to the hormones we produce while we're young.
The most effective products are also only available by prescription through a pharmacy that has the ability to compound them. But most people don't consider them drugs because, being formulated from natural products, they can't be copy protected by the large pharmaceutical companies. They have been widely used in Europe for years.
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MARINEMOM5
2/25/07 1:06 P
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| what is HRT?- i can't take prescription drugs for the symtoms of menapause so i use estroven. I've been in menapause since my early 30's and i am 51 now!! A couple years a go i thought i was going to explode. I was having hot flashes about one every hour. I told my husband that if he woke up one morning he would find a pile of ash because i self combusted. I thought maybe i finally burnt out and they stopped for awhile but no! They came back. I have never been a size 9 and had pants that didn't fit. But losing weight in this mode seams to be a lot harder. And of course i carry it all in the belly. I have 3 sisters and the are considered pears with the weight in there butt. Not me i have to be built like my brothers and have the big belly. That isn't fair. So have a better day and be happy is all i can say. mary anne
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YARNSPINNER
2/23/07 3:00 P
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Cat;
I understand exactly what you're going through. I've been there. But I am starting to come out of it and I'm feeling better. Unbalanced hormones is what did me in, and are probably what's causing your problem.
According to Susanne Somers books, she went through the same things when she hit menopause. Despite how I may personally view her (I'm not a big fan), her books do definitely have a good message to share with women in our situation.
Working with a physician who believes in prescribing bioidentical hormones has made a big difference for me. Although he doesn't believe in cycling the dosages as T.S. Wiley recommends, I've come a long way from what I was. I have energy again!! AND a low risk for cancer which is important to me as I lost my mother to breast cancer in 2005.
Take care.
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| I lost 60 pounds 3 years ago doing WW and kept it off. I gained a few pounds back but was still thin. 6 months ago I was 137 and now I'm 162. I feel awful, I'm so disgusted. I do eat more but more out of frustration. It was like the weight just packs on.
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YARNSPINNER
2/19/07 12:08 P
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For more info on libido, weight issues, and others associated with menopause, I highly recommend reading Susanne Somers books THE SEXY YEARS and AGELESS available from almost any library. Another really good one although not as easy to find is SEX, LIES, AND MENOPAUSE by T.S. Wiley. A lot of food for thought is offered. She also has a website http://www.thewileyprotocol.com/
Both ladies explain how, when the studies were done that show HRT to be dangerous, the analyses were done with the standard prescription HRT: Premarin - which is made from the estrogen in horse urine. And horse estrogen is vastly different from human estrogen. None of the studies were done using bioidentical plant-based hormones. Which means there is still a lot they don't know. The articles on T.S. Wiley's website are interesting as well.
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KITPROFIT
2/19/07 10:38 A
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Hi everyone,
I really appreciate all your comments. Weight gain seems to be a real problem. I also appreciate the comments concerning libido (what's that?) LOL I'm
beginning to think that is a thing of the past,like gone with the wind, it's gone with the weight or something like that. I could really use some sound "tired and true" advice in that category.
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LOSINGDAILY
2/18/07 1:07 P
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| I had surgically induced menopause at 38,(I'm now 53) I took hormones for years and when the news about the high risk of heart disease and cancer came I stopped taking them..I take an herbal supplement now, doesn't work as good but I feel safer, it's true menopause makes you gain weight, at 38 was when my weight problem started..it'a nice to have some comrades going through the same thing..
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WEIGH2MUCH1
2/16/07 3:05 A
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As usual, good information from women going through "it"! Doesn't matter what "it" is, I have found being on this site is educational.
Yep, I too am "pre-menopausal" which is so unpredictable its becoming funny. (At least that's what I am trying to tell myself!) I don't want to take HRT due to the known issues but I am trying to take the herbal vitamins to help the symptoms.
I am only annoyed because this can go on for years but the good thing is I am coming up on 1 year w/o a monthly.
All this to say - you are not alone. But thanks for letting me vent!
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YARNSPINNER
2/15/07 10:21 P
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| Although both progesterone and estrogen have some effect on sexual desire, for the most part libido is increased by the testosterone cream. When I was surprised by his recommendation for testosterone cream, my doctor told me that contrary to what many people believe all women produce some testosterone, and all men produce some estrogen. We just produce them in different amounts. He prescribed a blend of 2 Mg per Gram and I only need about a teaspoon of cream per day to keep my libido at a reasonable level.
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VASQUEZMOM
2/15/07 9:53 P
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| I hear a lot of you talking about Progesterone or Progesterone cream. Anyone that have - has it increased your desire to have SEX?
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YARNSPINNER
2/15/07 2:54 P
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| I was also plunged into instant menopause 10 years ago when I had a hysterectomy for endometriosis. I was put on Premarin (horse estrogen) and Androgen pills, but felt horrible for years. I have only recently begun to discover what a difference bio-identical hormone replacement can make. I use a prescription grade Progesterone cream and Testosterone cream along with Bi-Est (plant based) estrogen capsules. I am still not entirely happy with the Bi-Est as it mimics estrogen levels in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, but it's infinitely better than the Premarin which is linked, my doctor says, to a 40% breast cancer rate. The progesterone cream does wonders for the hot flashes.
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DOLLYDUMPLING
2/15/07 2:17 P
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| This is so nice to know that I'm not alone! I'm pre-menopausal (for the last 2 years!). The weight just piles. I tried the herbal remedies, but they didn't even touch the night sweats or mood swings. I finally found a Gyno who immediately diagnosed the problem and gave me FemHrt. It has really done the trick. Now, I'm focusing on SP and making good healthy choices. I figure at my age (53) I may not be a size 10 again, but I'll be healthy inside!
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VASQUEZMOM
2/15/07 12:58 P
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| Believe me you are not alone. I had a hysterectomy 20 years ago and was plunged into menopause at the age of 33. I have been on HRT for those 20 years, but the weight thing just stinks. I am working with my Dr. to look at alternate hormone treatment. I just can't get off of them, have tried. I can't sleep because of the hot flashes, and I become a person I don't want to be - moody, bi#@%y, etc. Hang in there and don't give up.
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It is such a relief to read that I am not alone. I kept asking myself, 'What is going on!?' I am doing everything right; eating right and excersizing regularly. Let's hope someone reads our posts that knows how to overcome this hurdle.
I am 50 and pre-menopausal and I take organic herbal HRT. It helps alot with the hot flashes and mood swings.
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| Yes I feel the same as you. I am 59 turning 60 in 3 months. I always wore 12 petite and it seems like suddenly I am a size 16! I am not on or even want to be on hormone replacement therapy. According to my reading on menopause estrogen has so much to do with our bodies that it effects every part of our body including weight gain. I really try to stick to 1500 calories and walk as much as possible 3Xweekly but nothing is working. I just keep gaining! One cookie or piece of chocolate and I swear I gain 2 lbs!So believe me you are not alone.
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KITPROFIT
2/15/07 12:12 A
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Hi!!
I have not posted a message before,but just wondering if anyone feels like someone took control of their body after menopause. One day my size 6 clothes were loose and the next day, I couldn't even get them on. Frustrating does not compare to what I feel.
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