Like most women, especially those going through “the change,” I feel as though I’m constantly battling my weight. Not that I’m over weight mind you, and I don’t think I have an issue with body image, but I know I can put on 5-10 pounds in a heartbeat if I’m not careful. I know the non-runners out there are wondering what the big deal is, but the runners know that even just a couple extra pounds adds time to every race. The impact is greater on longer races, but even the 5-10K’s are affected by extra weight.
I know what makes a difference and I know how to take it off if I really need to. Sugar is a big trigger and I know it’s so bad for you in so many ways, but it tastes soooo good! I love cake and chocolate and ice cream. I don’t eat them every day but I do like to have my treats. I also know that reducing my bread and pasta intake helps me drop pounds. By eliminating sugar, greatly reducing bread and pasta and cutting out all alcohol I can drop 5 pounds in about a week.
But for me that’s not sustainable. I can go a week or two like that but I also get very cranky…. And believe me, a menopausal woman does NOT need any extra reasons to be cranky! So I do it the week before big races and anytime I think my weight is heading too far from where it usually is. That seems to work but I’m hoping there are other ways to help in this area. Naturally more exercise could help but honestly, I exercise 5-6 days a week including running, cross training and strength training so I’m not sure just how much I could do in that department.
I’m exploring some natural supplements to combat my peri-menopause symptoms and many of them claim to help with all symptoms including weight gain so we’ll see how it goes. If any of you readers are on any natural supplements (not hormone replacement, I’m not a candidate) that work for you, please let me know what you’re using. The one I’ve been taking that was recommended by my doctor has only one extract, rhubarb root, but I’ve found others with a combination of ingredients that have gotten good reviews. Logically I would think that trying something with several different extracts might work better than just one because you have a better chance of reacting positively to at least one of the ingredients. The thing is there are so many options out there it’s hard to know where to start! So any input you all might have would be welcome…
First of all, Nice blog, Mandi!
I think I told you before that sugar gave me a lot of emotional problems, including the feeling that my blood was boiling. As you know, I cut way back on sugar a while back. Still have problems if I eat too much of it. I am curious as to whether or not cutting out sugar has helped with your symptoms at all? I have similar though more subtle reactions to white flour products.
I have to disagree with you on “women not talking about menopause”, though. Maybe that’s true in your experience, but I’ve found that women who are experiencing it talk about it. Those who haven’t, don’t. My poor (former) boss was in the middle of it while I worked for her and struggled quite openly for many months. She told me all her feelings and experiences and what she did to overcome the situation, but it was not easy. In fact I don’t know if she really resolved it. Our Mother, Aunt and Step-mother have all shared their experiences and are glad to do so again, if asked.
What I’ve found is that (at least in Colorado) the more intense and challenging the symptoms, the more likely a woman is to talk about it. I’ve had a few symptoms but very sporadic. With my variable sleep schedule and other issues sometimes it’s hard to tell why I’m irritable in the first place.
A lady I work with said acupuncture was the only thing that worked for her. I do know that what I felt the few times was awful – and came out of nowhere. I was very hot, angry and irritated. I kind of felt like the Incredible Hulk, only red and female. This can be a very powerful feeling, causing men to cower at your feet and beg for mercy. You know?
Your comment about not talking about it is interesting. At first I thought that many of my age peers just weren’t there yet since I started really early, but now that I’ve started talking more about it and sharing my experiences, I am finding many more of my peers who are also going through peri-menopause but I had no idea since they never said anything to me. I find it really helps. Have been limiting my sugar and alcohol intake and I think it does help. I’ve also come to accept the fact that I gain a couple pounds when I start my period and those go away in a few days. It’s probably been happening all my life but I haven’t really paid too much attention to it in the past so I never noticed. I do have bad mood swings, depression and anger seem to come from nowhere and it makes you really feel out of control. I think running helps to curb those swings and level the hormones some, but it can still be bad at times. Thanks for sharing your experiences, Cari!
I merely wanted to thank you a lot more for the amazing blog you have built here. Its full of useful tips for those who are genuinely interested in this particular subject, in particular this very post. You’re really all absolutely sweet in addition to thoughtful of others and reading your website posts is a great delight if you ask me. And thats a generous treat! Dan and I really have pleasure making use of your recommendations in what we must do in the near future. Our list is a mile long so your tips will be put to beneficial use.