So here's the deal....back in April I had some bloodwork done and found out that I had impaired blood glucose (pre-diabetes), raised liver enzymes, high cholesterol...so something had to give!! It was time for some lifestyle changes. I was weighing in at almost 180 pounds, most I have ever been while not being VERY pregnant. I was a sloth, and was eating a really poor diet. I felt crappy, looked crappy and kind of didn't care.

So.....I started Weight Watchers and also started walking. I was pretty consistent for the first couple of months and lost 12 pounds pretty fast. During this time I also reduced my Paxil from 20 mgs a day to 10 mgs. I cut out most refined carbs, junk food, fast food, etc.

Then summer finally arrived and sometimes it was just too hot to walk, and the BBQ was going all the time, and the lovely summer salads that aren't "diet friendly" so it became a bit of a struggle to maintain the new lifestyle. However, I only ever gained back 1.5 pounds, which I promptly lost again!!

About 6 weeks ago I added Testosterone to my BHRT, only a wee bit, 0.15 mgs a day. I also started cycling Prometrium vaginally at 100 mgs every other day for 2 weeks out of every 8.

I am still losing weight, not quickly, but still losing. I have not be very consistent with the diet plan at all lately. More refined carbs are finding their way back into the diet. I have been quite physically active (painting my house) but haven't been walking for a couple of weeks at least. And still, I am losing.

Don't get me wrong, I am happy it is this way....but I am wondering WHY!!

My blood sugar is back into normal ranges and I am down 20 pounds. Could it be the T? Or the much smaller amount of Progesterone? Or the fact that my fitness level is so much better than it was? Or the half dose of Paxil? Or all of the above??

Just curious as to what your thought are....

Ok Floatssssss,

Going to sound like a broken record here but.....P tends to pack on the pounds, in addition to other not so lovely side effects. Also, according to 2 of my docs, just about everybody eventually gains weight on all the AD's (or makes it impossible to lose). And the T is yet another hormone our bodies were used to having before peri/meno (so, yes that could be helping too). imo - The fitness level being better does help but in a more limited way (once we hit peri and especially meno.) Our hormones gave us hips/boobs and girly figures ----- so losing our hormones make us lose our hourglass shapes and gain (more often than not. Also contributes to the dreaded Meno-pot.) Anyway, see other posts in regards to frustration on weightloss for those not on hormones or those using continuous P. These are just my thoughts based on research, docs, and personal observations. But, there are always a few exceptions to every rule. I'm sooooo proud of you miss thing....oxoxoxo JZZ

Float,

Forgot a biggy. The P can have a huge impact on insulin (among other body systems.) Yet another reason why to cycle the darn stuff in and not do continuous. Regards, JZZ

Bev>Wow that's great>>>So proud of you!
Don't worry if you don't feel unwell!

Ditto to everything JZ said, all of the above, less P, more T. Both ADs and BZD cause weight gain, as they calm our brain and endocrine system follows.
Most diet pills work on brain level, overstimulating brain and it stimulates endocrine system and we love weight.
Happy to hear you are doing good, congrats.
Hugs,
I.

Hey Floater! I used to live in Alberta! Anyways....these are my guess'. Do you have naturally thin people in your family? Could be that you kick started your metabolism. Another thought is something that is unrelated to menopause but can mimic menopause. Insomnia, feeling hot, jittery, rapid heart, weightloss = hyperthyroid. If you have hand tremors that is different from menopause and see if your neck is swollen looking on the sides. Something to suggest to doctor if you suspect it.

Angela

I've been taking Lexapro (2 weeks 20 mg) and xanax for break through anxiety (maybe 1 1/2 mg day) I have found that my appetite has decreased, I actually have absolutely NO cravings for sweets whatsoever (which is a biggie for me). I think I have lost a few pounds and I have yet to really get my tush up and moving quite yet. Not, feeling unwell at all. When I eat i enjoy my food, but, once I've eaten i'm done, no munching or seconds afterwards. Weird, cause I have had a truckers appetite for so many years, now it seems more normal. Hope this continues

snow, I think you confused me with my sister, Float. She's the tall, skinny one, I'm the short, FAT one!! hehehehe

So, you think the T is what helped floater to lose weight?? How do I get some? But I do NOT want the heightened libido! I cannot even imagine it being worse than it is now!

God, this is such a balancing act! Is it even possible to even the scales??

LOL, well I was picturing the right people just got confused with the names!

heeeeee Bev I was just over to your post .

meno brain fog is bad today girls!!!!

Honey, I understand very well! I was totally teasing!

I call my children by the wrong name all the time.

They are starting to answer too. hehehehe

TW, its not just adding the T but ALSO the RATIOS between all the hormones. And, yes it most certainly a balancing act. PLUS it must be customized for each womans own UNIQUE physiology. After almost 2 1/2 years I finally feel GREAT!! For now, it only took switching the estradiol patch for an oral pill. And, I did add a small amount of T about 6 weeks ago. Talk to you soon kiddo, JZZ

What part of Alberta did you live in? I am close to Edmonton.

I had all my thyroid levels checked no long ago, TSH, T3, T4 and all were in range with the T3 being on the low end of normal so hyperthyroid isn't an issue. My family has a strong history of hypothyroidism, so I check often, but I seem to have missed that particular issue.

Thanks for your response.

Well JZZ, I am not sure exactly what has caused the continued weight loss, I am happy to still be losing. I am also feeling better than I have in a long time. Much much more energy, I don't feel like I am dragging my butt thru the day.

I started the 2 weeks of P last night, so it should be interesting to see how I feel over the next few days.

I think it is a balance of hormones and you have been busy even if you aren't getting out and walking.

Thanks for the support Ira!!

I think it is most interesting that my blood sugar has gone back into normal ranges, granted they are on the high side of normal, but before they were above normal. I made too many changes at the same to be able to determine what has caused what.

Thanks Snowy! I know you meant this for me!

HAHA!! The tall skinny one!! LOL!!! NOT......yet!!

Must be. Apparently my body really does not like the progesterone. Maybe I should rip out the old useless uterus so I never have to use the dreaded P ever again!

St. Albert!!!!! 1976 - 1984

Good it isn't thyroid. Well then, enjoy the weightloss. Maybe you earned it!

Angela

not to go off into another zone but is your saying about the love of a dog in 3d ? or is it just my eyes?