Belly Fat…The Cause & Cure
We’ve created clever euphemisms to describe it – like muffin top, mid-life bulge, and a thickening waist. But however you want to refer to belly fat, it’s an unfortunate fact of life for most women in mid-life and getting rid of it is, as a friend of mine put it, like chiseling cement.
I’ve been in search of diet and exercise books to find the cause as well as a cure to belly fat and I came across From Belly Fat to Belly Flat: How Your Hormones Are Adding Inches to Your Waist and Subtracting Years from Your Life — the Medically Proven Way to Reset Your Metabolism and Reshape Your Body, by Dr. C.W. Randolph.
Dr. Randolph, a board certified OB-GYN, is well known for advocating the use of natural medicine to treat women’s health concerns and he has been a leading proponent in the use of human-identical hormones to treat symptoms of hormone imbalances. I contacted Dr. Randolph by email to ask about the connection between hormones and abdominal weight gain and how hormone-balancing can help. His responses follow:
Wendy: A lot of women begin complaining about abdominal weight gain, along with sleep problems and an inability to focus or concentrate in their 40s, but because they’re still getting their periods, they don’t attribute it to menopause. When do a woman’s hormone levels begin to get out of whack?
Dr. Randolph: In a women’s early to mid-30′s, progesterone levels are the first of the three sex hormones (progesterone, estrogen and testosterone) to decline. In fact, progesterone levels decline 120x more rapidly than estrogen levels. The result is a disequilibrium of estrogen to progesterone medically termed “estrogen dominance.” Too much estrogen with too little progesterone is the culprit responsible for the more subtle (or less well recognized/diagnosed) symptoms of hormone imbalance such as sleep disturbances, foggy thinking and abdominal weight gain. Dr. Erika Schwartz explains it well in her book, The Hormone Solution: Naturally Alleviate Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance from Adolescence Through Menopause”
No, you’re not losing your mind: you’re just losing your much-needed progesterone. When you don’t have enough progesterone circulating, estrogen is the dominant hormone. Estrogen in overabundance makes you angry, edgy, short-tempered and anxious. At the same time, estrogen increases the water content in your brain making you groggy, fuzzy and unfocused.
Wendy: The weight creep experienced in mid-life seems to land (and remain) right in our abdomen. Why is this?
Actually, hormone related abdominal weight gain typically begins in the early to mid-30s, coinciding with decline in progesterone production and the incumbent estrogen dominance. Medical research shows that the average woman will gain one to two pounds each year between the ages of 35 and 55 and these pounds will cement around the waist, butt and thighs.
Estrogen dominance is the culprit. To get and keep those pounds off, it is essential the optimum hormone balance be restored via bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). To accelerate the body’s off-loading of its extra estrogen, there are foods and supplements medically proven to help the body eliminate the extra estrogen.
Wendy: What types of foods do you recommend?
Dr. Randolph: The stars of my nutritional plan are cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits, insoluble fiber and lignans because these foods will all function within the body to reduce an unhealthy estrogen load. The consumption of cruciferous vegetables is a critical pivot of my plan’s success.
In my next blogpost, I’ll list examples of the cruciferous vegetables that Dr. Randolph suggests. If you’ve tried Dr. Randolph’s estrogen-reducing diet, let us know if and how it’s helped you.
Belly fat – so sick of it! I had an emergency complete hysterectomy nearly two years ago, and I went from a trim, fit, athletic woman to a mushy flabby mess! I am 5 feet tall, I weighed 100 lbs before surgery; I have gained 25 lbs since surgery. That doesn’t sound like very much, but that was a 25% weight gain in only a few short months. I crave junk food, sugary sweets, and bread all the time. Prior to surgery I ate very healthy foods everyday – nothing processed, no fast food. Now it’s all I want. It seems like an uphill battle all the time. I feel as if I have gone from a youthful vibrant woman into an old lady. The lack of energy is a tough symptom to deal with as well. I take bio-identical hormones, and have done well with them. But I’m still wondering when I’m going to feel like myself again.
I’ll try it! Thanks for the recipe…
OK folks – from reading your posts it stillllll looks like you need some help – So here it is –
This is a special drink & a cereal I make for my clients that are almost all POST-menopausal. This drink works on everyone – yes even men!!.
First let me say: GET RID of the Beans, Grains, Starches (they ALLLL turn to sugar in your body 30 minutes after you eat them) and your body was never made to diegest them – Also your cells do not even begin to know what to do with them.
OK let’s begin to ReNew You and Your Cells:
Seed Cereal (all are Tablespoons)
2T raw wheat germ
1T organic flax seed
1T raw hulled sesame seeds
1T raw hulled sunflower seeds
1T raw hulled pepitas seeds
1T raw dried coconut chips – (NO preservatives)
1T raw chia seeds
4 or more raw almonds
1 small teaspoon of raw unfiltered honey
***DO NOT GRIND WHEAT GERM or Dried Coconut Chips***
Put all seeds in a grinder.
Grind 1-2 seconds
Put in bowl add wheat germ, coconut chips & berries & raw honey on top + milk or ½ & ½
The DRINK: (The drink is the same recipe that the Cereal is except add the following to a glass mason jar – don’t put in a blender)
(leave out the berries and “do” grind the coconut)
1 raw fertile egg
1 BIG tablespoon Natural plain Yogurt
1 small teaspoon raw unfiltered honey
8oz milk
Put all of your ground seeds,& ground almonds, raw fertile egg, honey, yogurt, & milk in the mason jar – shake real well and drink down.
Read my posting from Dec 2011 about rebounding on the trampoline, & Bee Pollen – YOU WILL become Happy, Healthy, & see BIG results.
“Caveman” or Paleo are not so much about increasing animal fat as they are about eating foods in a more natural state- hunt, gather or pluck – which includes a good number of foods that are not high in animal fat. Like any other diet we have (I use “diet” as “what we eat” vs. eliminating foods) we need balance. I think forgoing products in my food that are chemical in nature isn’t eliminating food groups.
some interesting info to consider on this blog post. http://rawfoodsos.com/2011/12/22/the-truth-about-ancel-keys-weve-all-got-it-wrong/
Hi Peggy – I agree that processed foods contribute to weight gain, but I’m not convinced that a diet of saturated animal fat, even though it’s high in protein, is the answer. I’ll be interested in your results if you do give it a try.
Hi Gavi – well, this is a first. No one has ever suggested bee pollen and a trampoline as a remedy for menopausal symptoms and weight gain but I’m sure some readers will be curious enough to try it. I’m going to research the benefits of bee pollen – maybe there’s something to this! Thanks for your comment.
EVERYONE PLEASE read (I published this in June and I know it WILL answer your questions and give you direction on how to solve the problems):
OK everyone listen up – If you’re not allergic to Bee stings – I will tell you a little best kept secret
For many years I was on HRT – (not the Bio-HRT – I tried the BIO-HRT and had a horrible reaction)
I went through menopause with NO side affects at all – no hot flashes – nothing. And here is why: Bee pollen granules. Yes our little buddy the bee – God got it right – That little bee supplies you with everything your body needs.
The last time I looked we do not sprout leaves or stay in the sun – no folks we are not plants. And our cells do not recognize anything that we ingest or rub on our skin as anything they can use because the cell structure is different. We are mammals and we need real amino acids, enzymes, protein – and that does not come from a plant. (ok now that you got it – lets move on)
Invest in a book (one of many from Roydn Brown) and read all about what bee pollen can do for you. – It feeds every cell in your body – (But you say “oh the bee gathers its pollen from flowers and that is a plant) – Here is what takes place: the little bee ingests the pollen and turns that pollen into a animal protein – that is true bee magic!!
Start slow with the amount you take – and work up to 3 tablespoons a day – CC pollen has a fabulous web site that will give you tons of information on the bee hive – (no I am not affiliated in any way with the company) I personally order my fresh bee pollen from Marc at Honeyville in Durango Colorado (again I am not affiliated in any way with their company) I will tell you they have the Best fresh pollen anywhere).
Here is how I take it everyday of my life – I put a spoon full in my mouth and drink it down with water. I take it AM and lunch time & early afternoon.
Now lets talk about that “Post-Menopause” weight gain – I use the small trampoline (called re-bounder) I do 15min AM & 15min PM – it firms every part of your body up and yes it gets rid of the fat – but most of all it gives you perfect health for life – it revitalizes your whole Lymphphatic system.
(when you buy one make sure it has the springs) I have had mine for 23 years I bought it from Needak (no I am not affiliated in any way with their company)
You only do 2 movements and your feet never leave the matt – the movements are “heel – toe kind of like a jogging or walking” That’s it folks – get healthy and stay healthy for life.
Thanks to the bees and the rebounder
(if you were stranded on a desert island with only water and bee pollen you could live the rest of your live very very very very healthy – yes that’s how great all the things that bee pollen gives to your little cells that are starving to be feed).
I believe it *is* our diets. I think a lot of it has to do with the artificial things we are eating instead of real food. Fat doesn’t make us fat – our bodies do need GOOD fats to function properly so eliminating them and using fake fats doesn’t help. Take a look at what we are eating and see how many things are chemicals instead of food. It’s not easy to eliminate the things we can’t pronounce, but I believe it is key to some degree. I think that these things also do affect our hormone levels, even if we think we finally have it all in balance. Testing is all point in time but our food intakes fluctuate from day to day. And obviously, moving more as we age helps, but it doesn’t need to be high energy over the top exercise either. I’m at the point of frustration that my PA finally suggested I go to caveman diet & see if that helps. That’s my next goal to see if I can do that, but obviously with the holidays, I’m not going to work on it right now. That would be setting myself up for failure. I need to focus on it for a year before I can work my way thru the holidays.
This is the part I don’t get. If we’re all doing HRT and now we’re balanced the way we were when we were younger then it must be something other than hormones that is causing the belly fat. What else has changed in our bodies that is different from before menopause? It’s not the food or the exercise, so what is it? There has to be something we’re missing? And it seems, no one has a clue what that is.
I gained a lot in my middle due to the Vivelle dot. I had a hyster at 36 and did not have any problems until age when I went into menopause.
The estrogen in the Dot did help with all my symptoms but the downside was the weight gain and mostly in my middle. I went from a 10-12 to a 14 in 3 months. I looked 5 months pregnant.
I have tried everything from just estrogen to Biodenticals progesterone and estrogen. and then only progesterone. All of it made my stomach stick out. I am sick of it.
I am now off everything except vaginal estrogen.
I am so concerned. I am 62 and have two grandchildren, yet I feel young inside my brain. I don’t want to go down the old lady trail just yet.
I am worried that doing only progesterone is also a problem as it causes the body to PRODUCE more ESTROGEn.
Help.
Hi Gina – Well, why it’s not a given that all women gain wait during the menopause transition, most do. I certainly did. After years of maintaining the same weight, the scale crept up on a weekly basis even though my diet and exercise regimen didn’t change. Eliminating wheat, dairy, soy and most oil (no salad dressings except when in restaurants, for example) helped me lose pounds. And exercise is a must. But another factor is sleep. If you’re short-changing yourself in this department, that can affect your appetite too and make you so lethargic that you don’t want to exercise. Thanks for sharing your story.
I’m 49 and haven’t had a period for 6 months now. Started having night sweats in the past 3 months now. I started at 124 pounds and since I haven’t gotten a period, I am now 136 pounds. I’m disgusted! I power walk on the treadmill 1 hour and a half 5 days a week and still can’t get rid of this belly fat that seemed to grow over night like yeast! I went to gyn….never been to this particular doctor, and was floored at her response. She tried to tell me there is no such thing as menopause weight gain, and said its a myth. Obviously I don’t believe her. She wanted to send me for a cat scan….anything for their partners to make more money! Gonna try the no soy, no wheat and no dairy and see what happens.
I’m taking promethium in the evening and divigel in the am, I’m 53 and have been taking these for approx 2 years. I just started putting on weight, could this be due to the divigel 1mg that I’m taking?
Hi Kate – Check out two other blogposts I wrote on Belly Fat and diets that could help: http://www.menopausetheblog.com/2009/09/03/banish-belly-fat-with-the-right-kind-of-diet-exercise/ and
http://www.menopausetheblog.com/2008/08/24/rx-for-belly-fat-eat-cruciferous-vegetables/ The redistribution of fat at this time of our life is a fact of life. it stinks, I know. I did go on a diet that was free of dairy, wheat, soy and even oil and the pounds (and belly fat) melted away. Of course, I was exercising a lot too. Alcohol doesn’t help. Try some high quality tonic water with lemon instead. I put it in a wine glass and it feels like a treat.
Hey Wendy,
I just got on this blog tonight and enjoyed reading everyone’s comments.
I, too, am really dissatisfied with my “belly fat!” I can’t stand it any longer. I am 59 yrs. old and the belly fat just took over this summer for some reason?! I started menopause at age 50; and do not take any hormonal therapy. I’ve never really had any need, I thought, for it……never had the hot flashes or night sweats. I am a Weight Watchers Life Time member (keep my weight in check)and exercise 5 days a week. I just don’t understand WHY, all of the sudden, I’m gaining this awful belly fat that jiggles and forms rolls under my shirts!!! I’m so disgusted with it!! The only part of my diet that has changed in the past few years since we’ve retired, is that I do have a “cocktail” almost every night with my husband…..it could be ONE beer, a glass of wine, or a vodka drink. I’m wondering if the alcohol is what is contributing to the belly fat? Or could it be the dairy, the wheat bread, etc. etc. etc.????? I dont’ even know what a GOOD DIET for someone like me is anymore???? Any good suggestions for diet restrictions in order to lose belly fat???
Thanks.
Kate
hi wendy and gang(fustrating women),
just to let you all know, my load of gps are all unless,
take a pill get out get over it,
well all i say is lets see them try it,
i have read loads of these messages on here and they all have the same trouble as me size 10-12 now size 16-18,
i have made a decision i think the only ones that can really help is us,
so i am going to a well women clinic,as all of them there seem to know about this issue,
my daughter goes to them for every thing from a cut arm to periods,
she says our drs are all—- i can’t print that bit lol,
and now she is as fit as a flea,so something must be working,
she to is on the menopause as it runs in our family once you hit 29-30 no periods all start flushes,can’t sleep you all know the rest,
she know sleeps like a baby goes to work full time at 6 till 4,
runs around this her 6 yr old son, does the house work like a mad women,and still got the energy to help me as i’m shattered all the time,
well i say wot have i got to lose,i shall keep you up dated when i get liver and bladder tests bad,well the drs will blame anything rather than admit defeat,
lynn
Aren’t we amazing?…women are simply amazing….we just wont lay down and die!….thank God for women like you, who care enough to gather!….Thank you!
Terri
OK everyone listen up – If you’re not allergic to Bee stings – I will tell you a little best kept secret
For many years I was on HRT – (not the Bio-HRT – I tried the BIO-HRT and had a horrible reaction)
I went through menopause with NO side affects at all – no hot flashes – nothing. And here is why: Bee pollen granules. Yes our little buddy the bee – God got it right – That little bee supplies you with everything your body needs.
The last time I looked we do not sprout leaves or stay in the sun – no folks we are not plants. And our cells do not recognize anything that we ingest or rub on our skin as anything they can use because the cell structure is different. We are mammals and we need real amino acids, enzymes, protein – and that does not come from a plant. (ok now that you got it – lets move on)
Invest in a book (one of many from Roydn Brown) and read all about what bee pollen can do for you. – It feeds every cell in your body – (But you say “oh the bee gathers its pollen from flowers and that is a plant) – Here is what takes place: the little bee ingests the pollen and turns that pollen into a animal protein – that is true bee magic!!
Start slow with the amount you take – and work up to 3 tablespoons a day – CC pollen has a fabulous web site that will give you tons of information on the bee hive – (no I am not affiliated in any way with the company) I personally order my fresh bee pollen from Marc at Honeyville in Durango Colorado (again I am not affiliated in any way with their company) I will tell you they have the Best fresh pollen anywhere).
Here is how I take it everyday of my life – I put a spoon full in my mouth and drink it down with water. I take it AM and lunch time & early afternoon.
Now lets talk about that “Post-Menopause” weight gain – I use the small trampoline (called re-bounder) I do 15min AM & 15min PM – it firms every part of your body up and yes it gets rid of the fat – but most of all it gives you perfect health for life – it revitalizes your whole Lymphphatic system.
(when you buy one make sure it has the springs) I have had mine for 23 years I bought it from Needak (no I am not affiliated in any way with their company)
You only do 2 movements and your feet never leave the matt – the movements are “heel – toe kind of like a jogging or walking” That’s it folks – get healthy and stay healthy for life.
Thanks to the bees and the rebounder
(if you were stranded on a desert island with only water and bee pollen you could live the rest of your live very very very very healthy – yes that’s how great all the things that bee pollen gives to your little cells that are starving to be feed).
Hi Colleen – the same thing happened to me – I gained five pounds so rapidly. I tried for two years to take off the pounds, but nothing worked until I eliminated soy, wheat, corn and dairy products from my diet, cut out the wine and even olive oil (mostly). This, in addition to my exercise, caused the weight to peel off. I feel so much better that I more or less stick to this way of eating all the time. I also drink green tea. I also recommend reading the blog called HappyHealthyLongLife.com. Its written by a medical librarian who writes a lot about nutrition. I’ve learned so much from her. Let me know what you think.
Hi Lynne – it certainly sounds like you’re stressed out. If your belly has “shot up” as you say, your doctor probably wants to rule out a serious condition that could be causing it before calling it menopausal belly fat. I hope you’ll take her advice and have the right diagnostic tests to rule out anything serious. Then, if your weight gain proves to be a result of hormonal changes, you should seek out a naturopathic doctor or an integrative medicine expert to help you find the right set of solutions – nutrition, exercise, supplements, herbal remedies, HRT if you choose, even Yoga! There’s so much you can do to help yourself, but it’s important that you get a good check-up first. See my blogpost on deep breathing too. It works for a lot of women!
hi to all us stressed out women,
i have been to my dr who then sent me to the hospital,
who has no idea why my belly has shot up,
so they sent me to see a specialist who has now idea either (dietian)next to useless,
i now have another appontment to see if a mri scan of my liver and bladder can come up with something.
it just seems like i’m hitting my head on a brick wall,
i did mention herbalist but was told quite sharply if i go down that road my gp will have nothing more to do with me as i should go meddling in things!!!!!!know i ask you is it fair when they can’t help me i can’t try and help myself,
it just seems to me like they want to drain the national health not lower it.
i think if this next lot of tests fail i’ll treat myself as they can’t,afterall i’t my body their messing around with and not helping at all,
now gone from a uk size 12 to a 16 and still gaining it,
haven’t seen my feet for ages,can’t get up out of chair by myself and walking a nightmare as legs swell up no end,
so if any one out there has had mri scans let me know how you got on,
regards all us suffers,
lynne
Help….I’m 50 years old and since November, 2010 I’ve gained 9 lbs. I went from a size 2 petite to a tight 4. The belly fat is keeping me from wearing many of my summer work dresses and my pants are tight in the thighs. What is going on and what can I do to help beat this weight gain? I had a hysterectomy at 49 and currently wear the .05 vivelle dot. Unfortunately I have a PPO for health insurance which limits me seeing any doctor without a referral from a relucant physician. My diet is fairly clean and I started running 3 miles 4 days a week 6 weeks ago and haven’t lost an ounce. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Lynne -thanks for sharing your story and advice. It sounds like you have yet to find the right set of solutions (i.e a diet plan that you can live with, hormone balancing etc.) to put you on an even keel, even after 5 years! Looking back, I’m wondering what you think could have helped you feel better and avoid the repetitive weight gain. Have you found a medical professional (M.D. , ND, Herbalist etc…) who you have confidence in?
Around age 44 gained 30 lbs in 1 year. Was eating some unhealthy food and not exercising but nothing that would have me gain that kind of weight that fast when I was younger. Tried bicycling, swimming, counting calories. No weight loss. Did the low carb diet and lost 14 lbs in 7 weeks. Good, but can’t stay on that diet forever. Gained the 14 lbs back. Lost a lot of weight doing gluten-free as well. At age 46, now weighing 162, tried the raw vegan diet and WHOA!! Lost 35 lbs in 2.5 months! And with NO exercising. No joke, ladies. I had tons of energy, all the “fibromyalgia”, (which I don’t think exists) pains went away, slept like a baby. I think a lot of our modern “diseases” are due to our overprocessed foods and nutrient deficiencies. Despite the fact that this diet was a miracle, it was a royal PIA and I eventually caved and went back to the SAD diet. Gained back 30 of those 35 lbs. I think gluten is a big factor in weight gain for everyone, and at our age it takes a much bigger toll for some reason. Now at age 49, hot flashes, weight 158. Doc put me on prometrium due to extremely low levels (almost 0!). Still having hot flashes. Estradiol is 35. FSH is 98. Bottom line on belly fat is, I believe, cut out as much sugar, gluten, and refined carbs as you can and you WILL lose weight! Hope this info helps some people.
Hi Cathy- I’m sorry to hear that you’re having such a challenging time. It sounds like you need some really good advice, and not from me. First, find a doctor – a naturopathic doctor or one who specializes in hormone balancing, functional medicine or integrative medicine. They are the type of doctors who will order up the right tests so they can see what is going on with your hormones and adrenals. They will also be knowledgeable about botanicals, supplements, and other options that you can try. If you go to http://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu/alumni.html, you can look to see if there is an integrative medicine doctor near where you live. You might want to try a telephone consultation with the doctors at womentowomen.com. They have a practice in Maine, but they might be able to help you by phone and/or recommend someone locally. I hope you get the help you need. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Please, please do your own research on bio-identical hormone replacement!. I go to a specialist in natural hormone replacement, even the naturopath in this doctors office has misquoted to me “results of rearch” about the cancer-estrogen link. I know this because I have done the research. Any “research” has been done only on Synthetic hormones!!, not natural hormones. If a doctor “quotes” some scientific findings to you, demand to know the survey name, who conducted, where you can access it (there are plenty of white papers on the internet), etc.
Hey everyone. I have lost weight. For about a year, I could feel it coming on…felt like my digestive system had basically stopped functioning….I was never hungry, always feeling bloated….could hardly eat. I was taking estrogen as part of standard HRT, with the prometrium pills. The progesterone cream 1/8 tsp. a day, taking a break monthly has helped. I am off estrogen forever, and we are all done with anything other than organic milk. Cayenne pepper with meals might have assisted with getting the ball rolling, but the only thing I have done consistently is the progesterone cream and switching to organic milk to avoid the hormones.
I read on some site to use the progesterone cream at night, and that might be helpful for anyone who has some side effects. I personally believe in it. My lips are full again, and my face looks more youthful.
I have recently moved to a more urban location, and I am really very surprised to see the number of docs who are specializing in the bioidentical approach. They can’t work with insurance, because insurance won’t pay (yet), but it’s there, and I’d like to do things using the saliva testing. It is here, but I know it’s not everywhere.
I have been battling chronic fatigue, but found a good website (finally) about it. Sleep IS important. Exercise IS important. Napping is a bad thing to do. Green smoothies are great for energy, fill you up, and give you all those servings of fruit you are supposed to eat in a day without the effort of chewing it all
. Toss in a little kale, and you have a super healthy drink that will fill you up.
They are recommending light for fatigue, B-12, DHEA, and a dab of cortisone cream to offset cortisol loss due to stress….magnesium to help with sleep.
I feel like I’m getting my life back
.
Hi Lynne – Don’t give up on yourself and sit around. Nearly every mid-life woman struggles with weight gain and a lot of other menopausal symptoms including depression, hot flashes and insomnia. So, please…talk to a nutritionist or integrative medicine specialist, or a naturopathic doctor to see what they advise and increase your exercise. The exercise alone will give you more energy and make you feel better emotionally and physically. Thanks for visiting and participating in this discussion.
hi i have been told by my gp that i can no longer take hrt as cancer runs in my family and have been on it for over 11 yrs the safe time is 10 yrs so i stopped,i was a size 12 now i’m a size 16 still putting it on. i have pills for hot flushes that dont work.wont go out as ashamed just sit and watch tv all day as it now hurts my legs to walk.
need help urgently regards lynne
Hi Christine – given your family history of heart disease, I would consult a medical professional – either an integrative medicine specialist or a naturopathic doctor who can suggest supplements to help you through the menopause transition if you are unable to take hormone therapy. I would not take testosterone cream without first discussing this with someone who specializes in hormone balancing. You may not be deficient. There are also side effects to be aware of (like acne, or irritability). It’s easy to spend a lot of money at the health food store buying products that you don’t need. Better to spend it on testing first and then use only the products (in the right doses) that are truly helpful to you. As for abdominal fat – you’re doing all that you can do which is maintaining a low-fat, healthful diet and exercising. The elimination diet is not a weight loss diet. It’s a way to find out what foods are contributing to allergies, insomnia or other health issues. You eliminate all the possible culprits and then add them back to your diet one by one. I did this last year and felt so much better that I continue to eat that way, though not as strictly. The foods I eliminated included: wheat, dairy, soy, sugar, liquor/wine. I lost all the weight that I had been trying to lose for two years with no luck. thanks for checking in!
HI – Wow! After reading all of the comments on here, I am so relieved that I am not alone in my battle to find answers to my belly-fat issues. I am 51 and considered to be peri-menipausal, or at least that is what I’m told since I still have my periods. I was having a lot of the symptoms that all of you are talking about – hot flashes, mood swings, depression, lack of sleep, migraines, but the one that gets me the most is the gradual weight gain. I am a petite woman, 5’2″ and weigh 110 pounds, but my middle section is beginning to bulge. I went to my obgyn last week and she basically just said “You will just have to get through it.” She didn’t give me any solutions, didn’t run any tests and really just looked at me like I was crazy. Which by this point, I probably am! I want to get this under control before it gets worse. I go to the gym faithfully and I eat organic foods. My calorie intake is minimum. There has got to be some answers for us! My question is: My parents and maternal grandparents all died early of heart disease. I have been told that I can’t take anything with estrogen in it, due to my increased risk. Is this true? Does anyone know of a natural substitute? I am going to the health store today to get some testosterone cream. Hopefully that helps. What is the elimination diet?
Thanks for your comment Jeanne – after two years of weight gain, the elimination diet finally helped me to lose that weight. It was amazing. It just peeled off. It’s well worth the try. It’s hard at first, but you get used to it. I’ve basically kept to that diet since then. You’ll feel better too!
Great Blog! I’ve been increasing my exercise trying to preserve muscle strength into my 50s. I’m slim but now have a spare tire which is really making clothing tight and sitting uncomfortable. Glad to know I’m not alone. I take synthroid but have avoided any other hormones or drugs. So far menopause symptoms have been rare other than umm… brain freeze and occasional migraine headaches (which I never had before). I’ve been vegetarian for years, but want to try Wendy’s elimination diet to see if it helps.
LOL No I am not on birth control it is just funny that at my age because I am still having my period and my meno numbers are not in meno yet that they are concerned I could get pregnant…ALso my husband was fixed years ago….Cortef or hydrocortizone is a natural steriod and they saved my life 7 years ago when I was really really in adrenal failure…I did not know what was wrong at the time as my nautral thyroid meds would not work so I found the site :Stop the Thyroid Madness” and she explained that if your adrenals are dead then ur thyroid meds wont work. So I talke to my doc about it he put me on cortef. The thing is though I was really bad
most people it only takes a few months I had to be on it 9 months b4 I felt better and when I felt better I was back to my normal healthy self again. We got a sailboat this summer and I partied my stupid brains out long nights too much food and alcohol and I was smoking a little too. So basically I wore myself out again so I got back on and am feeling better now but still not 100% with all of the holiday stuff and being back to work.
Linda – I had to read your comment a few times to grasp all that is going on. You’re on birth control pills (which contain a form of estrogen) at 60 but you’re estrogen dominant. Your adrenals are “worn out”and you’re taking hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid. How are you feeling?
I am also 60 and still having a regular period (my mom was 64 when they put her on prempro 40 yrs ago for her period and fibroids and she got breast cancer in 6 weeks) My aunt was 68 when she had her last period.. My docs are always warning me about birth control (OMG at my age could you imagine LOL???). I have been on compounded progesterone cream (200mg twice a day) with testosterone for over 7 years as I am estrogen dom. I also take a natural thyroid. Itried taking estrogen because I thought I was getting hot flashes this summer but it didnt help and made me gain weight and then I found out that once again (I had this 7 years ago) I had worn my adrenals out. IMy doc put me back on cortef for a month and all of the symptoms (hot flashes, restless legs, nightmares, sleeplessness and fatigue) went away so I got off the estrogen and havent had a problem, I do have to say though I stopped my periods last June and they started again the week I got on cortef in August and are still on time every month. I am very lucky though I have two wonderful docs….One here in Ohio and one right over the border in Mi.
Hi Sandi – I had the same problem with weight gain – I maintained the same trim weight for 20 years until two years ago and then it was as if someone else had taken over my body. Every day I was a pound or two more. The only thing that helped me finally lose it, after two years, was going on an elimination diet. It’s not a weight loss diet, but I stopped eating soy products, wheat, dairy, sugar, white foods (rice, potato etc) and not only did I feel better but the pounds just peeled off. It was amazing. I continue to eat like that, with (lots of) exceptions . Did your doctor explain what s/he means by “you haven’t hit full menopause yet? The menopause transition (that’s what it is) begins a full year after your last period. After that, everyone experiences it differently. Here I am writing about it for three years while my sister hasn’t had one hot flash. So things change as we age, whether it’s related to our hormones or not. I’d love more info if you care to share. Thanks for weighing in on this.
Susan I totally agree with you. I weighted the same from age 15 to age 49, then the weight started coming on. I never had belly fat before and when you tell your doctor this, they don’t even respond! I just can’t accept it that this is the way it’s supposed to be. Have you seen Jane Fonda lately? She’s 72 and looks amazing. I feel so ugly that I won’t even undress in front of my husband. I’ve put on about 15 pounds and every time I lose 5, it comes right back, I’m on a constant diet. I exercise too. And how are you loving the beard you’re growing these days?
And to top everything off, after having all my blood work done, I’m now finding out that I haven’t hit full menopause yet and I’m 61 almost 62!!!!! How’s that for a shocker?
Hi Susan – I’m glad you’ve checked it. I have some suggestions for finding a medical professional who can help you. First, try the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine (IM). This is Andrew Weil’s fellowship program and doctors come from all over the country for a certificate program in Integrative Medicine. (I wrote about them on 2/23/09). Their website has a directory of physicians who have completed the program. My own I.M. doctor went through this program. There’s a doctor in Ridgeway, CO on this list. Are you near that town?
Alternatively, check the directory for the American Assoc. of Naturopathic Doctors. There are some listed in the Denver area. Call first to see if they are experienced in hormone balancing. The naturopathic doctor I’ve consulted here in the Bay area was excellent. Another idea is to contact a clinic of female doctors in Maine called Women to Women (http://www.womentowomen.com/default.aspx). They seem to specialize in menopause-related health care and they do telephone consultations. Check out their website – they have tons of information. Let me know if you have luck with any of these resources.
I want to add that I weigh 20 pounds more than I did 2 years ago. When I hit ten pounds I thought, okay, maybe this isn’t so bad. I can live with this. But I just keep getting heavier and it’s not stopping. I wish I could find a doctor who appreciates how terrifying it is to feel out of control of your own body like this.
I don’t know whether to feel relief or sadness that I am not alone. I see my story reflected in these comments and I just get more and more frustrated. Can you imagine if this happened to men? No one tells men that aging related changes, such as erectile dysfunction, are “normal and natural” and they just have to accept it. If so we wouldn’t have viagra! I am wondering, after reading this page, if I am estrogen dominant. I just ordered some DIM online. If it works I will share. In the meantime, if anyone knows a good doctor in the Denver area, could you post it?
My weight was the same from 18 to almost 50. Then my thyroid went crazy. I can’t seem to get that regulated — and now I’ve got hormones on top of that. I’m trying a combo compounded natural hormone prescribed by a nurse practitioner: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. But my weight — I should say my belly — just keeps growing. Like many women here I eat well and exercise a LOT. The out of control feeling is the absolute worst.
Whoa, Ginny – You have got to stop self-diagnosing and self-prescribing and see a physician or naturopathic doctor who can help you with hormone balancing. If you’re buying these creams over the counter, they are not going to help you. Find someone who will do the proper testing and work with you to find the right formula of products that will help you feel better. One way to find a physician trained in integrative medicine is to go to http://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu/alumni.html and see if there is a physician who trained in Andrew Weil’s fellowship program, in your area. If there isn’t, let us know what city you live in -in this comment area- and perhaps I or another visitor can suggest someone.
48….started taking estrogen + progesterone pills from doc #1, who didn’t get it that I was perimenopausal. Doc #2 had me on Divigel (1 mg) and Prometrium (15 days per month). Over the course of maybe 4 months, I gained 15 lbs !!!….The last 5 came on all of a sudden, and I looked 8 months pregnant, totally bloated….could not eat. Feeling of total fullness (like stuffed…as in paralysis of stomach) might have been stress-related and lasted maybe 1.5 weeks, but had to pay for expensive CT scan.
I stopped the estrogen RIGHT AWAY, and actually, a day or 2 before the unbelievable bloating + weight gain, I had forgotten to use Divigel, so brilliantly decided to take 2 doses at same time. Not sure if this create the dramatic explosion or not.
My menopause symptoms are leg aches and sleep trouble…no hot flashes, and estrogen did nothing to help with either. Prometrium seemed to help with leg/joint pain.
There has been so much written about estrogen dominance, but my doc said it’s not scientifically supported. Well, it may not be, but I’m not sure why she put me on the estrogen and then kept me on it when it really didn’t help at all.
Having stopped the estrogen cold turkey, I have had no symptoms (e.g., hot flashes). Makes me wonder why they put us on estrogen at all.
I have not tried prometrium without estrogen, but almost don’t feel like bothering.
Instead, I had some bioidentical progesterone cream and gave it a shot….mainly because I was reading how it increases breast size and libido….yes, this is true….it does (whoah!…rub it on breasts and almost right away, they are bigger and forget all about vaginal dryness (wow!)….I read DO NOT put estrogen on breasts due to breast cancer risk). I’m so intrigued by this, I’m going to invest in the pills and cream that allegedly reduce menopause symptoms AND increase chest size….photos at breastmd.com are pretty amazing.
It would be so great to enjoy having larger fuller breasts and have this ugly abdomen disappear. Cross fingers!!!!
And, for hip and back pain, but myself some Skechers and just walking around the house in them a couple days has made a difference.
I just don’t see any need for me to take the estrogen…..I’ll keep up the progesterone cream just for the breast and libido effects and then give the pill/cream combo a chance. All the companies manufacturing the breast pill/cream combo offer a year guarantee and have exactly the same ingredients….just seems to be a matter of price.
Who says we have to get old and fat!!!!
….if that’s inevitable, at least we can possibly become more vuluptuous and more interested in you know what (despite fat bellies 
….
If you know anything about those products, please let everyone know. Very surprised they aren’t marketing them more to our age group. I think it will be fun to try anyway, kind of exciting trying to *get* things rather than the depression of trying to *get rid of* things….anything that will motivate me to exercise and get back on Vitamin C and D will be a good thing.
I have added compound Bs in cream form. So far I don’t see any difference but the druggist said don’t use this afternoon 3 pm unless you want to be up all night!
So it increases energy and mental focus I guess. i am still doing fine on progesterone and estrogen. But one of these 3 is making me feel a little itchy. I expect it is the Bs.
I want to do this to stop the hot flashes once and for all. It is winter and I can’t wear sweaters or warm jammies? Everyone has on a coat and i am in a sweater outside? I hate it.
It is easy enough to change the dosage of all of this because it is in cream form and is prepared just for me. So I am going forward. My is in Assisted Living with mild dementia and never took ANY hormones. But she also didn’t have a hyster like me. So who knows, but I don’t want to risk it. I think the Bs (B12 especially) are very important in later years.
I am so much better on this progesterone formula than premarin. Man, that stuff made me nuts.
I’m glad to hear you found a new doctor that believes in BHRT, so many don’t. So far, I’m doing great on my new prescriptions, but, it’s only been a little over a week, but, I sure feel better.
I have tried talking to all my women friends about hormones until I’m blue in the face. They just won’t listen. I’ve had one friend end up with breast cancer and another with a 7 pound fibroid that caused her to hemorrhage so bad that she needed an emergency hysterectomy. I truly believe all could have been avoided if they had kept their hormones in check.
Why do women think their GYN’s are Gods and will accept anything they tell them? Why won’t they check for themselves and question their doctors? I just don’t understand. I have found that most doctors give the same generic advice to all women, take their money and run.
I recently lost 10 after stopping estrogen but I have been dieting. I had a hyster at 36 and kept ovaries. Stayed slim for 20 years! I was a size 10-12 at age 56 and had a flat stomach until my doc put me on Vivelle dot!! In 3 months I had belly fat and was a 14. My symptoms of meno were gone but I was got fat!
After a year of that nonsense I started oral estrogen. Still did not lose.
Now I am 61, & 3 months ago, I stopped estrogen and my belly started to go down (I am dieting and exercising tho) am now cranky, hot flashes, no sleep, bitchy,etc.
My new doc put me on bio progest and estro to see how I react. My husband says I am calmer after 2 days but, I haven’t started the estrogen cream yet. She said lack of progesterone was responsible for my 3 miscarriages and now my belly fat!!
My doc said her 90 yr old mom is on bHRT and is still practicing law. She said we need bHRT if we want to stay youthful into our 60s, 70s.
One thing about the bHRT, it can be adjusted for you. With the pills or patch, forget it.
I will let you know how I do with bHRT. Maybe she is right and I have always been deficient in the progesterone.
I read that on proges your symptoms may be worse for two weeks then you even out. I did get a little bump on my face so it happens.
Hi Sandi – I’m so glad to hear that you found someone who could help you. Your experience underscores the need to know how experienced your physician is with BHRT and pellets in particular. And always insist on proper testing prior to taking hormones to ensure that you are being given the appropriate dosage.
After seeing a GYN for over a year using the bio-identical pellets for HRT. The GYN had my levels so messed up that I was bleeding everyday for months on end and her only suggestion was to have a hysterectomy! This did not sit well with me. I was so disgusted by the GYN that I knew I needed to find a different doctor who would try and figure out what was going on with me. I had my first visit with a Naturopathic Doctor and she was wonderful. She determined I was estrogen dominate and immediately put me on progesterone, the bleeding stopped within a couple of days. Imagine that, no surgery needed. I have now been on the progesterone only for about a week and testosterone. I too have belly fat that I never had before, so I’m hoping that having my levels balanced, possibly for the first time since I’ve been on BHRT will make a difference. I had lost 5 pounds just before I started this new program and so far, I have been able to keep it off. I’m hoping that I will continue to lose a few pounds, I have about 7 more to go. I do exercise and try to eat healthy, but, I’m not good at staying away from Mexican food and a few sweets here and there. I will keep you posted. I am 61 years old, 5’4″ and right now weight 130.
And I thank everyone for sharing, this is the first time I’ve seen this blog and it’s great.
Hi Juliette- I recommend that you consult a doctor — one who specializes in integrative medicine or naturopathic medicine and will do the proper testing to determine your hormone levels. With that information in hand, a holistic-minded physician can prescribe a combination of supplements, diet and perhaps hormones that will make you feel better. The symptoms you are experiencing are very typical of the menopause transition, so please…get some help!
I am 51 soon to be 52. I have lost about 8 pounds but think it is due to menopausal bone loss. However, it appears that I have gained inches around my waist. I am 5’5″, was weighing in at 158-160 was wearing size 12 clothes, now size 10 and now can wear some size 8. I now look sick because with the frame I have I need to have more weight, just not around my belly. I work out but not consistently. I was on premarin, it made me feel bloated therefore I stopped taking it. I now have problems focusing, staying asleep, remembering and lots of sweet cravings. Any comments and suggestions are welcome.
I’m a 52 YO menopausal woman who’s been doing bio-identical HRT for over a year now without any issues. Now, in the last 2 months, “overnight” I’ve gained 7 lbs and a muffin top. I exercise regularly (roughly 6 hrs in the gym, weights, cardio, yoga) and time outside the gym as well playing hockey. Nothing has changed in the way I eat or exercise, in fact, I think I’ve stepped up my intensity. Since I’m basically moving from peri to menopause, would this cause a more drastic drop in my progesterone and time to review what I am taking? After years of working hard to maintain my weight and shape, this is incredibly frustrating feeling like I am out of control.
Thanks for your comment and your great research. I appreciate your sharing these valuable links. When I can, I always point out conflicts of interest in research that I write about or link to. Since the conclusions of research studies are usually in alignment with the interests of the funders, it’s always important to see who is funding what appears to be unbiased, scientific research. The way I now read and write about research studies is that they are biased until proven otherwise. Thanks again for bringing this to our attention.
I found this site while searching for solutions to this belly fat I’ve got now. My shape has changed and I’ve done nothing different then before. So, the following links are very very informative. Being an RN/respiratory therapist, I will frequently go to a particular site for free online medical journals and articles. Up until now I was under the mistaken notion that the medical journal sites that I liked were published unbiased data from clinical trials. But there is one problem. There are some that are heavily biased by those selling products that will then further influence the physician– who in turn influences YOU. . So much for trust! One day, looking at an articles footnotes for additional reading, I recognized a name. I discovered the doctor involved in testing this wrinkle cream was promoting it in this article but he was part of the group profiting from promoting it as this amazing wrinkle cream. It was a wake up call for me. That brings me to my second link(s ) from the University of Mass. Here you will find the clinical trials, many related to estrogen, that are brief, accurate. There is no vested interest other then to report the data and explaining it. In otherwords, it helps yo make up your own mind, based on trust worthy information. Compare this to the first link re: Pharmeceuticals. Grrrrrrrrr! It’s criminal
http://www.plosmedicine.org This is the pharmaceutical company.
This is a site I found that has good summaries of clinical trials that may help you make decisions in regards to estrogen. I have yet to look through them all as I wanted to post this first. good luck in our search to loose that belly fat. But first we need to be educated with the truth. Not med companies that lie to you. (I’m sure not all do this but it’s bothersome that anything can be written up and presented to physicians. My goal is to find out what journals and sources are reliable and how do they screen.
Effects of conjugated equine estrogen on health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy: results from the Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Clinical
http://works.bepress.com/ockenej/88/
Symptom experience after discontinuing use of estrogen plus progestin
http://works.bepress.com/ockenej/80/
I found this site while searching for solutions to this belly fat I’ve got now. My shape has changed and I’ve done nothing different then before. So, the following links are very very informative. Being an RN/respiratory therapist, I will frequently go to a particular site for free online medical journals and articles. Up until now I was under the mistaken notion that the medical journal sites that I liked were published unbiased data from clinical trials. But there is one problem. There are some that are heavily biased by those selling products that will then further influence the physician who intern influences YOU. . So much for trust. Looking at an articles footnotes for additional reading, I recognized a name. I discovered the doctor involved in testing this wrinkle cream has. It was a wake up call. That brings me to my second link(s ) from the University of Mass. Here you will find the clinical trials, many related to estrogen, that are brief, accurate. There is no vested interest other then to report the data and explaining it. In otherwords, I believe it to be trust worthy information. Compare this to the first link about how Pharmeceuticals have been altering. Grrrrrrrrr! It’s criminal
http://www.plosmedicine.org This is the pharmaceutical company.
This is a site I found that has good summaries of clinical trials that may help you make decisions in regards to estrogen. I have yet to look through them all as I wanted to post this first. good luck in our search to loose that belly fat. But first we need to be educated with the truth. Not med companies that lie to you. (I’m sure not all do this but it’s bothersome that anything can be written up and presented to physicians. My goal is to find out what journals and sources are reliable and how do they screen.
Effects of conjugated equine estrogen on health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy: results from the Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Clinical
http://works.bepress.com/ockenej/88/
Symptom experience after discontinuing use of estrogen plus progestin
http://works.bepress.com/ockenej/80/
Hello Gale. It sounds like you are going through the perimenopausal transition and need some help with hormone balancing. Supplements help with some symptoms of menopause but not all and for some women but not all. And trial and error can cost you A LOT of money. I strongly suggest that you find a women’s health resource center, naturopathic or integrative medicine doctor or even a menopause coach in your area who can help you. If you let us know what city you’re located in/near, perhaps I or others on this site can recommend someone who can help you.
One year ago I was a size zero, now I’m up to a size four. I’m 48 years old, My periods are so eratic, I’m severly depressed and I don’t know what to do! I have no health insurance, so I need to know if any herbal supplements worked. I’m disgusted with the way I look and feel. Help!
Hi Sarah-Thanks for your comment. A lot of women have been in your shoes. Mood swings and weight gain are very common symptoms of menopause. It sounds like the estrogen that your doctor prescribed did not solve your problems. You may also want to consult a doctor who specializes in holistic or integrative medicine. They will do the proper testing and work with you to get your hormones balanced and perhaps prescribe additional supplements.
Hello, I am a 29 year old female and had a complete hysterectomy at the age of 27 due to cancer. Since then I have gained 25lbs. I used to be extremely motivated to work out for an hour a day. I have no energy for it and my appetite has skyrocketed since this surgery, especially for sweets and salts which I NEVER ate before. I am currently taking .625 mg of premarin and 100mg of zoloft. Has anyone been in my shoes…I am desperate!
I too seem to continue to gain weight no matter what I do. I have not had my period for almost a year now. I dont believe in drugs …what else can I take that is natural and will eliminate belly fat.
Thanks for your comment Karyn. It sounds like you’ve got a good attitude about all of the inevitable changes that occur during this mid-life transition.
Thanks for all this information. I have an appointment with my OB-GYN in two weeks: now I know to be sure to ask her to run blood work and check all my levels. I am 46.
In addition to night sweats, and a period gone AWOL, my belly looks like a basketball sitting out front. I look like I’m pregnant! I can testify that while diet and exercise helps (I’m a runner and my legs are toned and lean, as are my arms) it doesn’t do much for the belly– even with increases in intensity and frequency I can’t seem to melt it with diet or exercise. Good news is, even with the belly, the exercise has kept my heart strong, risks of diabetes low, and my blood pressure normal. The bellyis annoying, but I’m healthy– just changing.
I do think there is something to be said for coming to some level of acceptance with our bodies as we age. I’m not the woman I was at 25 and it makes sense that I shouldn’t look like her either. I feel that our culture gives women such hard time about being youthful–and it’s unfair. I’m not crazy about the belly and while I’m willing to consider some BHRT, I’m not sure I’d start it just for weight loss. I really hope to embrace this new phase of my life with some measure of grace… rather than trying to scramble back to what I once was, or drive myself crazy worrying about the way I look.
After reading all of these comments, I too had a hysterectomy 8 years ago and have been on .025 mg of estrodial until a month ago – I am 48. Now I’m not taking anything and have all the menopausal symptoms – including the weight gain in the middle. I don’t want to just go back to the estrogen so I am thinking of trying a 3 way cream (estrogen, testosterone and progesterone). I haven’t seen anyone say if that works or not ??? Thanks ladies for sharing all of the information here. I don’t feel so alone in this area now.
Hi BeeBee – thank you for your comment. It makes me angry to hear about doctors who are quick to write a prescription without a proper work-up. When a mid-life woman (40+) presents with symptoms like mood-swings, depression, joint pain, insomnia – it’s imperative that a proper testing be prescribed. It’s clearly up to us to insist upon the necessary tests and if they dismiss your concerns, find a new doctor. Right away. There are plenty of good, caring doctors who specialize in women’s health. See my blogposts on how to find the right doctor.
Nice to find this site. I was postmenopausal at 40. I had symptoms of irritability and the doctor put me on zoloft, never suggested a hormone work up. Why is women’s health such a joke? I have joined a gym to melt my “muffin top” and am thinking about weight loss programs such as transitions. Has anyone had success with this? I hate my belly!
I recently had all my blood chemistry checked by my Dr. I was high in testosterone, plenty of estrogen (in the belly fat), low in progesterone and estridol and vit D. I think Vitamin D is probably the initiator which starts the domino effect. I would suggest just getting the blood work done so you can get on the right bio-identical hormones replacement therapy. Some compounding pharmacies are not that high priced as the women’s bio-identical clinics charge. Plus your insurance will pay for the bloodwork. I found the pharmacy and called and they told me the Dr.’s who can write the prescription. Get tested for dhea and cortisol also your vitamin D levels. I have the belly fat and will be able to get this taken care of with mixing of estridol and progest. By the way, thanks for the DIM information. I had seen it but did not think it was to reduce estrogen in the belly fat.
Yes, I can relate alot to many of the comments here. I have suddenly develpoed a thick middle and belly fat after a lifetime of being slim and having a good metabolism thanks to my ancestors. After my period stopped, in 6 months…I don’t recognize my body! I also developed muscle pains, sleeplessness, and depression. Who is this person?
So I started taking DIM. Wow is all I can say! It has changed me for the better! Unless you’re eating totally organic you can pick up estrogens in your food and by using plastic. Pesticides are the culprit and can hide in non organic prepared foods as well as flour, grains, etc. Plastics also leach hormones into foods and liquids. Like bottled water? Give it up! I’m also concerned about GMO’s in food and am making an effort to reduce my intake as much as possible.
Vitacost has some good deals on DIM. There are lots of different brands and blends to choose from. Read the reviews. I feel like a different person…
No more hot flashes (used to wake up all night with these!), crying spells & depression, muscle & joint pains ( I thought I had arthritis!), and the belly fat is going. Be patient…it may take awhile for your body to readjust.
Best of luck!
I totally agree that a drop in progesterone is one of the major aggravators of the belly fat problem. It’s important to realize that belly fat per se is not the culprit of everyone’s health problems—rather, it’s a natural consequence of something bigger that occurs in all women as they progress through menopause.
One property of progesterone that not too many people know about is that it’s an upper airy muscle dilator. Essentially, it give the tongue more muscle tone. We also know that the human upper airway is prone to obstruction due to tongue collapse, mainly due to our ability to talk and modern human’s smaller jaws (due to a change in our diets and artificial feeding devices such as bottle, pacifiers, etc.).
This is why many women (and men) can’t sleep on their backs. When on their backs, the tongue falls back due to gravity, but when the jaw is smaller, it falls back even more. When you add muscle relaxation in deep sleep, it obstructs your breathing and you’ll wake up from deep sleep to light sleep, preventing efficient sleep. Chronic sleep inefficiency causes weight gain via all the known physiologic mechanism. Weight gain narrows the throat even more, and the vicious cycle continues.
I had an elective surgery 3 years ago… and it up the balance of body
totally i told the doctor the next day …that i was not me … I truly felt changed immediatly after surgery… I was not menopausal or had no symptoms the day before the surgery.. the next day i had all of them.
i could accept it it was a gradual change but this was like running into a wall…i went in a matter of 1 day .. very happy, high sex drive… libido
next day no sex drive no libido brain fog … body temperature down by 3 degrees… i know because i have tracked my tempearature for 16 years… i used rhythm/cycling method…i am a person that execsised 5 times a week … yet i could not stop gaining weight.. my loss of joy
spontaniety, no desire, none of my clothes fit.. all my doctors dismissed me. Even the surgeon urged me to go else where I explained all of this in agonizin grave detail to my gyn .. she could have cared less. Its menopause deal with it… Menopuase overnigt….it happened overnight… Dr Erika Schwartz described it as Trauma induced Menopause she said it happened to her mother…after surgery for her appendix her body never recovered..its like shocked.. and she entered
menupause from the trauma of surgery… ok thats fine …but what about the mid section weight… i hit the gym 2x as hard… and i lost not one lb….i know from all my symptoms i have estrogen dominance… and are you ready for this as your body is doing every thing it can to feed its demand for estrogen by making you fat
.. did you know that you can still have low estrogen.. because its low from the beginning and your body is trying to make it from Fat you have estrogen dominace symptoms — becasue you also dont have enough progesterone they say it goes before the estrogen and your body does little to restore it ..for all the estrogen you are trying to make you and you still dont have enough — well it wont matter because you dont have enough progesterone to support it anyway…
The agony of this viciuous circle… i am praying for relief…. has anyone actually lost any weight on BHRT…. and didnt it require drastic changes to your diet… i had a resonably healty diet.. and was active… but even this is not enough to combat this MONSTER. My life partner for years has moved out … been put out some combination there of… because i am no longer at all the person I used to be …. so my life is hinging on the wing of a prayer.. my appoiment is in March 2010… i have to wait for my next cycle to test days 19-20 to do all my blood and saliva…. i will post then and keep all you in my prayers because I too understand how devastating this is ….my weight gain was so sudden its frightening…and its all abdominal and hips… i went from a size 8 – 12 in 6 months… i daily fight to hold 14 and i am loosing fast
my only hope is bhrt… so I am counting on this …..I will share everything….
Bee
I struggled w/the same frustrating weight gain (particularly around the mid-section) until I found this terrific female doctor who specializes in NATURAL hormone replacement therapy, menopause, and weight loss. She is compassionate and really listens to me (unlike most typical MD’s who try to give you a quick-fix pill and rush you out the door!) Anyway, Dr. Fradin-Read at LifeSpan Santa Monica is the BEST w/menopause/women’s issues and weight loss…I highly recommend her!!
Cindy:
Well, that’s ridiculous. I do agree that you have to really reduce what you eat to be very healthy and excercise much more, but I don’t think you have to just “accept” it! I have an appointment to talk to my OB/GYN about this issue soon and will let you know what I find out. Just to clarify, I’ve only gained about 7 lbs. however those are some seriously stubborn lbs and they are all in mid mid-section.
Ann
Hi Ann:
Estratest and Prometrium combination for six weeks now and gained six pounds..AAARRRGGHH!!!
Ob/gyn said, you’re 48 and should just accept your weight gain as natural…NATURAL?!!!. I am not naturally overweight. I practically had to force her to put me back on Norethindrone and pull a blood sample to check my levels. I’m a believer that estrogen dominance can cause this weight gain regardless of whether you are using synthetics or naturals. Will keep you posted.
Cindy:
hi! Just wondering if you have any further results to report yet with trying the Estratest? I take the Vivelle Dot and Prometrium too. I’m on Vivelle 1.0 and am wondering if I should decrease the doseage or look for something new like the Estratest? I am 40 now but went into early menopause at age 37 and also had a complete thyroidectomy. SO, I have some things stacked against me. Can’t seem to lose any weight and it has been three years!!! I still consider myself young and I’m not ready for middle age spread yet! Let me know if you think the new medication is making a difference!
I rapidly gained 40 lbs. at age 43. My ob/gyn tested me for a thyroid condition and found that I was in menopause. He prescribed Estratest and Norethindrone. I lost all 40 lbs in 4 months. Three years later I decided to go BHRT creams and the weight started coming back, not to the same extent, but mid-section weight. I just started back on Estratest, but switched to Prometrium for progesterone. No change in weight yet, but it’s only been 2 weeks. The Prometrium does help me sleep better. I read that Norethindrone has a higher androgenic effect so I’ll be curious to see if that’s the difference.
I’ve been on BHRT for 2 weeks. Some remarkable changes in my body, I am very happy with that. My husband said that I should be the poster child for BHRT (must have something to do with my attitude change)
The one thing I’ve noticed is that I have broken out in my armpits wierd. Maybe it’s something else. Not sure. I am 50 and on very low doses of testosterone, estrodial and pregesterone.
Hi M. – I also gained weight rather quickly when I used the Vivelle Dot, but only 5-7 pounds, which still took me a long time to shed. All I can say is eat less and exercise more and consider adding a nutritionist to your “team.”
I too have added over 20 lbs. since using Vivelle DOT. I am 52, have always been a size 8 or 10. Within 3 months of using Vivelle patch I am now a size 14-16. This is humiliating. Like someone else said, we all can’t go out and buy new clothes. I have never had a huge belly (have never had children either) and it is really depressing. I’m not a neurotic or vain woman but the fat is really gross and upsetting. No doctor I have spoken with has a clue either!!!
Hello,
I have had my thyriod killed by RAI and and an hysterectomy ay age 40 I’m now 54. Since I had the thyroid killed I went from an size 12 to 16. I tried every diet I can find and was told by my GP that I have no chance to lost this fat belly because of the thyroid being gone, plus the hysteredtomy.
Plus I just had two spinal surgries two years in a roll. WOW I need to get any advice on how to rid myself of this belly? HELP!!
Hi. I am 35 years old. Had a complete hysterectomy 5 months ago. I take estradiol as well as testosterone. I have always been physically fit but am now seeing my belly protrude and about 8 lbs heavier. Glad to know I am not alone
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
M
Do you just take estrogen, or are you also taking testosterone and progesterone? I am taking all 3 compounded together. I have cut back by about a 1/3 and I’m getting hot flashes now. I decided to take over the counter estroven with soy and black cohash. We will see if that works.
I just don’t want to have the extra weight.
This “middle weight” is very upsetting; especially the dramatic increase in 3 months time for me. I am 51 and can’t wear any clothes and we all can’t just run out and replace our wardrobe! In one of Suzanne Somers’ books, one of the doctors she interviewed said that to prevent weight gain he adjusts the estradiol/estrone amount to 50/50. I’m going to try this through a compounding pharmacy. Forget Vivelle!!
Hi Barb – I will be interested in knowing if your symptoms re-appear with the reduction of estrogen. (By the way – I believe the lowest amount of the Vivelle Dot patch – which is estradiol only- is .025, then .0375). Thanks for your comments.
My estrogen is the lowest, .5mg, but it is added in a cream with testosterone and progesterone. I have decided , on my own, to decease the amount that I apply daily to see if it makes a difference. I tried that a week ago. It may be my imagination, but I think my middle is getting less thick. I have even eaten more with the holiday and all. If I start feeling hot flashes and such, I will go back to the original amount. I’ll let you know after being on a smaller amount for a while if indeed it did help.
I had a complete emergency hysterectomy 2 years ago. I’m 5′ 8″ and
weigh 140. But, I’ve always weighed 128 to 132 for many years and never
worried about my weight. Now I have so much weight around my mid
section. I take a small amount (.45) daily of estrogen only. I don’t eat
any more calories and I exercise as usual. But, I’m going to have to change something……… I just don’t know what.
I too have way-excessive middle. 23 yrs ago I was diagnosed hypo-thyroid, taking Synthroid since then. Simultaneously, when thyroid went down, adrenals over-worked. Gallbladder removed 15 yrs ago. Now I’m 53, still have occassional periods, and BIG tummy! I used the Vivelle & progesterin tabs for 3 yrs. stopped them 1 yr ago. Now taking OTC Walgreens Estroven. What to do?
Thanks Wendy.
I still want to know from anyone if the hormones that I have been given since my hysterctomy (see above), are causing weight gain. It just came on all of a sudden since January when I had my surgery.
Barb
Hi Barb – As you can see from the number of comments on this blogpost about Belly Fat, you’re not alone. I had the same experience. After two decades at the same weight, my weight creeped up in a matter of weeks and like you, the weight seemed to land in the middle. I’ve been told that there are evolutionary explanations for why the fat in a woman’s body shifts to the waist and thighs once we are past child-bearing years. The book I mentioned in this blogpost should give a good explanation and recommendations for keeping it in check. Recently, I’ve had good results on a (mostly) vegan diet and finally lost the weight that I had gained due to menopause, but my shape has definitely changed. We might have to just re-calibrate our attitudes about self-image and aging. Not easy, I know. Thanks for you comment.
To add to my last comment, the inches I have gained are all around my middle. It just hangs there. I have never had this issue before.
I had a complete hysterectomy 5 months ago. I am 50. I am taking a combination cream of estrogen, progeterone, and testosterone. The estrogen is for menopausal symtoms that would happen since they took my ovaries. The testosterone is for muscle loss that could happen since I am not making the testosterone from ovaries. They said that I need progesterone to help balance the hormones. All 3 are combined in a cream that I apply daily.
I have not gained any weight according to the scale, but I have gained several inches. I work out a lot and eat healthy.
Does anyone have any idea about the inches I have gained? The compound pharmacist said it is not from the hormones. It has just happened in the last 5 months.
I think the only solution is starvation and exercise. Maybe 700 claorie/day diet and workout like you are a teenager. So depressing. I hardly want to leave the house due to the sudden weight gain. I am so ashamed.
I was using 200 mg of Progesterone and had acne for the first time in my life. – Pimples all over my cheeks. It looked awful. I had to reduce the dose to 100 mg a day. I have used bio- identical hrt for a year and a half and have not lost any weight. I use to be a very thin person 45 pounds ago. I’m 55 and have seen better days. I’m hoping by continued use, I’ll lose weight like Suzanne Somers says one will. That’s how I came about learning of bhrt.
Hi. I’m 52 and had a complete hysterectomy 2 years ago due to endrometreosis. I have been on the Vivell 0.05 since (2 X weekly). It has helped with hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings (anger/saddness) and foggy thinking. I feel I need to get off of it and would like to use a natural alternative. What would you suggest? Also have put on about 20 lbs which I have really struggled to loss. Thank you for time and consideration.
Christy Willaims
Hi Judy – Thanks for your comment. I’d like to know the answer to that too, so I will seek out a response from a doctor who has experience with this. I also gained weight when I started taking BHRT, but not the combo gel. I only saw a drop in weight when I stepped up my exercise routine (duration & frequency). That just might be the only solution.
My gynecologist recently prescribed testosterone cream, 2.5%, which I apply daily to my forearm – to treat my belly fat. Several months ago I stopped taking the BHRT gel which was a progesterone/estrogen combo. I started gaining weight using this combo. So, now – I’m using the testosterone cream. I am a 54 yr old post menopausal female. Any advice or research to show that testosterone cream will help belly fat or harm me?
Thanks for the info about DIM! I will look for it at my health food store.
Thanks for this resource but it doesn’t address the issue of the post menopausal woman who is not on HRT.
DIM is great when you produce estrogen but what happens when you stop?
My research indicates that most estrogen now comes from your body fat once you pass beyond menopause. So how you going to shift that if you don’t want HRT?
Plus more fat is deposited on the stomach because of high cortisol levels (stress again) so the liver can use it fast. Except it never does becasue the cortisol is always high. Recent studies show promise of vitamin C as a cortisol modifier.
I have yet to find a website or information source devoted to post menopausal women and their body image problems i.e weight gain.
And what to do about it more’s the rub. I keep searching though …
live long. Live well.
Rick Rakauskas
Thank you Jacqueline & Linda for your comments. I recently started taking DIM-plus, so I did some research to learn about it. DIM (diindolylemethane) is a phytonutrient found in cruciferous veggies (i.e. broccoli, cauliflower, and kale). Here’s what is written on the Nature’s Way DIM-plus box: DIM supports the activity of enzymes that improve estrogen metabolism. Scientific research shows diindolymethane increases the level of “favorable” estrogens (2-hydroxy-estrogen) while reducing the level of ‘less favorable’ estaogens (16-hyroxyestrogen). Hope that helps!
DIM takes the excess used estrogen out of you liver so your body doesn’t have to store it
Copy and past DIM and you can findit online.
oops — Anti-Estrogenic
@Linda — My brain is probably just foggy from all this excess estrogen, but what is DIM?
Also, FYI, Ori Hofmekkler also has a book on this topic — The Anti-Extrogenic Diet.
I agree, that progesterone loss is responsible for weight gain. The key is to balance estrogen and progesterone as well as thyroid hormones and cortisol. For more information about hormone replacement therapy with bio identical hormones: http://www.doctorkalitenko.com/1-22-Rejuvenate_yourself
I have been using 200mg of progesterone for 4 years and am 58 and still have my period every month. It has helped me in many ways but NOT AT ALL to lose weight around my middle or anywhere else. I do a low carb diet and I exersise. Also he recommends lignans as in flax which doesn’t make any sense because they cause the body to produce more estrogen and I quit taking it because of that. I take DIM everyday to get rid of excess estrogen..
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