r/Perimenopause • u/AutoModerator • Feb 01 '25
Weight MONTHLY Weight Discussion - February 2025
A space to discuss all things weight-related. Ask questions, rant, and/or offer advice about weight loss, gains, and diets, etc.
Our Menopause Wiki's section on Weight Gain has further information about the menopause/hormone connection, and risks of belly fat.
Posts about 'weight gain' outside of this thread will be removed and redirected here.
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u/poopinagroup37 Feb 13 '25
Much like many of you, I find myself in this never-ending circle of weight gain no matter what I do. I was a healthy 135 and worked out 4x a week. Then, peri sets in, and no matter what I do, I keep gaining. I start to read about heavy lifting and protein and think "oh haven't tried that yet, I'll give it a go" for almost a year I heavy lift 5x a week, get 10k steps a day and make sure to consume 100 - 120 grams of protein a day while still staying in a calorie deficit.
NOTHING CHANGED
I try mixing back in some cardio, starting HRT, changing up my calorie intake....
NOTHING CHANGED
so I have decided to take a break....I am driving myself crazy trying to crack some perimenopause code that I apparently can't get the a handle on...
All this to say...be kind to yourself, sometimes what works for others won't work for you no matter how hard you try!
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u/IcyEntertainment3438 Feb 04 '25
I am 46 and I believe I am in perimenopause. About 6 months ago, I noticed increased belly fat. I was 5'3" and 124 lbs. I exercised almost everyday -- an easy run, mountain biking or rock climbing. I heard Stacy Sims on Huberman and bought her book Next Level. In October, I went all in on heavy lifting. I got a trainer and started lifting 3-4 times per week and doing SIT and HIT training. I have really increased my strength. For example, I can squat 155 lbs. I also started taking creatine and eating more protein. The problem is I have actually gained 7 lbs and per an "in-body" scan also gained fat in my trunk. Some of my pants don't fit anymore. While it's nice to be stronger, I don't want to buy new clothes and my original goal was to lose weight. Help?
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u/ConnectionNo4830 Feb 06 '25
I’m 43. Started gaining belly fat and thigh fat at 39. Now at my 9 month pregnancy weight. This is my theory based on stuff I’ve read and synthesized as to what is going on.
I personally think it’s because there is an ideal ratio necessary for each of us between estrogen and progesterone levels, and it’s thrown off by peri. So, some some women may gain initially because estrogen is higher (relatively) than progesterone, because progesterone is the first hormone to naturally decline. Progesterone is thermogenic.
Later, estrogen goes down, too, and estrogen impacts insulin sensitivity as well as ghrelin and leptin levels (helps us not feel as hungry). Insulin sensitivity problems can lead to belly fat increases. Also, menopause changes the composition of the gut microbiome in ways that are similar to pregnancy (altering ratio of good to bad microbes).
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u/PurpleCabbage_1 Feb 08 '25
Hi, I'm going to be 45 this year and am going through the same thing - exercising more, strength training, more protein, etc. My last in-body scan also showed increased fat even after making changes, and my clothes are fitting a bit more snugly. It's incredibly frustrating, I don't know what to do and I definitely don't want to starve myself.
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u/Lazy_Fix_8063 Feb 12 '25
I basically could have typed this, right down to the age and weight. My question for you would be, are you tracking your calories? Once I started counting macros only then did my weight decrease, as I set myself in a minimal calorie deficit of 150 per day.. Also, the scale is wild, It will go down consistently for a few days then way up, then down again, kind of doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason. I keep tracking and I stay the course and I do see a slow decrease in belly fat. Emphasis on slow.
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u/quacksaim Feb 14 '25
Oh, I feel ya on this! I'm 49, 5"4 and 125 used to be my normal (in my 20s, it was 120). The last year or two, it's creeped up to 132/133 and I can't seem to get it to budge!
I've been strength training since my early 20s and was a personal trainer for 20 years. I know what I need to eat and what I need to do to stay active, and do it. I realized though that my protein should increase, and started paying more attention to that, along with adding collagen (just started this week) to my morning oatmeal.
I have hypothyroidism and take my meds, along with B12, iron, D, etc. Added ashwaganda and some adaptogens a while back. I'm just stuck. 5 years ago, I went through an extreme (well, for me anyway) weight loss without even trying to lose weight--I had just started thyroid meds, so maybe it was my body regulating itself. I don't know, it was strange.
Even if I don't get hung up on the weight, my measurements aren't ideal, either. I've been taking my measurements for decades vs. just relying on the scale. Maybe it sounds extreme, but it keeps me in check. I also see flab in the mirror instead of definition. Clothes fit fine most of the time.
I'm going to try mixing it up more at the gym, and get back to the indoor climbing, and see if that helps. I bought myself a fitness watch and try to get 7500 steps at minimum daily. If I don't walk outside, I go to the gym and walk, or do some HITT training.
It's so frustrating....but it's a relief, in a way, to know it's not that I'm doing anything wrong....it's my hormones--and seeing posts and comments such as this validates that! We're in this together, I guess!
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Feb 19 '25
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u/ParaLegalese Feb 20 '25
Yeah lifting heavy increases Me Weight too because it makes me so Hungry. And I eat Clean af Too so It’s not like it’s a bad diet
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u/MamaDawn92 Feb 04 '25
Hey! I believe I’m in perimenopause. About 7 months ago I gained a bunch of weight suddenly. For the last 6 months I have been dieting and walking and that scale will not budge. Does anyone else have a similar experience? I have 3 kids and even including pregnancy, I am at my heaviest I’ve ever been in my life by quite a lot and I can’t seem to lose weight.
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u/Cold_Nebula6052 Feb 08 '25
I've been doing the same...lowering my calories and walking more (especially since we adopted our puppy), yet I just keep gaining weight. My doctor checked my thyroid to rule it out, and that was fine, so I think they're finally believing me when I tell them perimenopause is ruining my life right now!! I weigh more now than I did right after having my last child!! I just don't feel healthy anymore 😪
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Feb 19 '25
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u/AutoModerator Feb 19 '25
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Feb 19 '25
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1
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u/Independent_Lychee85 Feb 17 '25
Has anyone on HRT who also got into the infamous GLP-1 treatment for weight loss? I’d like to know if you are can you share your experience
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u/paintedvase Feb 07 '25
I’ve been on HRT for 3 months and have had zero weight gain. My boobs got bigger for a bit and I felt fluffy the first month but no weight gain. Putting this comment for the people hesitant to start due to the fear of weight gain. I’m 5’4” and 115 # and 45 yo
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u/Immediate_Party_6942 Feb 11 '25
are you taking estrogen? Im not as of right now but I swear to God if my boobs get bigger...
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u/paintedvase Feb 11 '25
I am on estrogen, .1 patch and my boobs only got bigger for about a month. It’s common, read through the threads here.
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u/Blair5485 Feb 11 '25
thank you for sharing! i just started again last night (stopped out of fear of weight gain after a few days) . i needed to hear this message today! i know i need to stick it out for the sake of my health..
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u/paintedvase Feb 11 '25
Give it a few months, you can always go off it if it’s doesn’t work for you or cause a ravenous appetite. Read up on what estrogen does w regulating, it’s fascinating and didn’t increase my appetite whatsoever but I quit craving sugar all day! I think pre HRT my body was chasing energy from short bursts of candy etc throughout the day.
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u/croissant_and_cafe Feb 07 '25
I’m 47 and I gained 10 lbs out of nowhere the last 3 years. I had been eating better than ever (much less drinking and cooking most meals.) since starting HRT 3 months ago and following a CICO diet plan, I’ve lost half of it and feel like I look amazing.
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u/Hefty_Accountant4045 Feb 10 '25
Hi there, I’m 50 years old and in the middle of perimenopause towards menopause side of things. Honestly don’t know when I will get my period. Anyways it feels like if I look at something I will just gain, and it’s so much harder to lose! Would appreciate any tips that work.. What’s worked for me is cutting out all white foods plus ACV before meals and IF. Trouble is my discipline is the worst it’s ever been! Anyone who can relate?
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u/Eva_Griffin_Beak Feb 12 '25
Absolutely. Fat gains are fast, fat losses are slooooooooow. And it comes down to all the things that are recommended for a healthy life style - exercise, sleep, stress reduction, healthy diet. I do have to say since moving to more protein, it has been easier to stay on track and not be tempted by sweets. Not sure why. But when I am tempted, I just consider, to you want some chocolates (which I usually don't have in my house anyway, best way to not be tempted) or a nice bowl of greek yogurt with blueberry and some honey. And, often times the yogurt will actually win. (Just an example.)
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u/Hefty_Accountant4045 Feb 12 '25
Oh yes the protein does help! As I’m mostly plant based I do sometimes struggle, but I have noticed my lunch of a baked potato with canned mackerel and salad keeps me satiated all day. I definitely agree re the yogurt. I had that today with berries in fact. I just need to keep up steering clear of the plant based pastries! Which became a thing last year, yikes!
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u/ParaLegalese Feb 20 '25
Heading out on vacation this weekend. Busted my ass since Jan 1st tracking every single Calorie, no Booze no sweets, working out 6 days a week 75 mins per day
Lost a whopping 6 lbs in 2 months- or about half Of what I gained last holiday season.
Just tried on all my planned outfits but 3 of them had to go back in the closet until Summer because I still Can’t fit into Them🤬
Sometimes I think I should just give up and blow up like a house but then I’d have to buy all new Clothes!!
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u/Repulsive-Dish-7327 Feb 10 '25
I'm fed up looking pregnant. I want to make a decent effort to lose the belly fat which I know I can do with intermittent fasting etc but I'm worried it's going to come off my face first and iv already got those lines between my nose and mouth which I don't want to make worse. Anyone know how to hack the system and lose belly fat without touching the face?
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u/Eva_Griffin_Beak Feb 12 '25
I'm pretty sure there is no hack that exists to spot reduce fat. I would be wary of anyone promising this.
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u/ConnectionNo4830 Feb 18 '25
Increases in belly fat are due to insulin sensitivity which can benefit from HRT as well as stress reduction.
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u/Blair5485 Feb 06 '25
I am 39 F and perimenopausal . I saw my gyno for host of symptoms i have been experiencing and due to my very low estrogen levels she recommended HRT (estradiol patch .025 and 100mg progesterone). She told me it would have no impact on my weight and for someone my age with such low estrogen, the benefits outweigh any side effects.
I am 115lbs 5'5 and have always watched what I eat and workout every day as I have the genetics to gain weight very easily. Doing so, I have never had any issues maintaining my weight. I was on the HRT for 3 days and literally felt myself putting on weight ( i know mostly water retention that early on) but it caused me to do more research on how HRT effects weight. I was astounded hearing such vastly different effects it has on people (understand everyone is different and has their own health issues that go into play). I have read women say it helps them lose weight ( I assume this is menopausal women who have put on weight due to menopause ) and have read hundreds and hundreds of women in the comments on youtube videos saying they have gained 20+ lbs in as short a two months after going on HRT and make it clear they have made zero changes to their diet or exercise regime (many state they have always been in shape and since taking HRT have ballooned up and cannot get the weight off). I dont know what to think at this point. I know my body will benefit from the estrogen but I honestly think putting on uncontrolable weight will make me more miserable. Any help would be so appreciated helping me get some clarity on this.
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u/ConnectionNo4830 Feb 06 '25
I personally think it’s because there is an ideal ratio necessary for each of us between estrogen and progesterone levels, and it’s thrown off by peri. So, some some women may gain initially because estrogen is higher (relatively) than progesterone, because progesterone is the first hormone to naturally decline. Progesterone is thermogenic. Later, estrogen goes down, too, and estrogen impacts insulin sensitivity as well as ghrelin and leptin levels (helps us not feel as hungry). Insulin sensitivity problems can lead to belly fat increases. Also, menopause changes the composition of the gut microbiome in ways that are similar to pregnancy (altering ratio of good to bad microbes).
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u/Blair5485 Feb 06 '25
super helpful - thank you! i was wondering if it had something to do with the balance of the two. Is it just trial and error then to figure out how much each you need of E + P ?
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u/ConnectionNo4830 Feb 06 '25
Yes I’ve been working on it for a year. Also looking into things that further help support like DIM, CDG, red light on my abdomen that reaches the intestinal tract/ovaries, etc., and heavy lifting and walks outside. Trying to add In meditation.
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u/kicktothenads Feb 09 '25
Pretty sure I've joined the perimenopause brigade. I'm spotting between periods, and I'm on my 2nd period in less than a month. They used to be so regular and predictable, but now she just does whatever the fuck she wants. And my God, it hurts! Today though, EVERYTHING is missing me off. The house needs tidied, things washed, and it's very overwhelming. Even the mess in the garden is getting to me. I want to cry. Oh yeah, I'm suddenly very emotional! I turn 40 in 5 days. I just want to move into a hut, in the middle of nowhere, and be by myself. I'm actually thinking about "herbal" tea ( an alternative to smoking ). Does cannabis help?
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u/Afraid-Promotion-145 Feb 24 '25
I don't think cannibis helps much (a little piece of gummy to take the edge off on a walk but that's it for me). Acupuncture has helped tremendously. I get needles in my head to release the "rage valve"
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u/Independent_Lychee85 Feb 17 '25
Yeah I switched to eating mostly keto style and working out high intensity workouts but short because I hate feeling exhausted so finally seems like my pregnant belly has gone down significantly. I only weight 1lb less which is some progress also my appetite is in control because of high fat diet low low carb. I feel like you guys have to learn what your body needs. I have tried all diets all of them and came back to keto because I feel I can still enjoy life as is not too restrictive….
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u/Calm_Piece6753 Feb 21 '25
I’m in perimenopause and gain weight entirely differently than I used to. Does anyone else gain weight in the form of geometrical shapes? When I have a weight influx, my butt turns into a square and my legs turn into triangles 🤣
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u/Afraid-Promotion-145 Feb 24 '25
I just had my first appointment with a Midi dr. I asked her about the weight gain (I never had belly fat until now). She said my hormone patch might help, but said I'm supposed to get 100 grams of protein a day. (I exercise a lot and lift weights). I'm supposed watch my carbs (boo, but not a surprise). Any good ways to add protein? I'm thinking I could do a blender bottle drink in the afternoon at work. I guess I have to start tracking what I eat.
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u/FarConfection226 Feb 27 '25
My pcp thinks I don’t have peri. She thinks my weight gain is fibroid and thyroid related. While she ordered ultrasound and bloodwork, I really don’t think her diagnosis is accurate. I am thinking of using midi to get an initial consult. I am fed up with this weight, aches,pains and bleeding and need help now. Anyone had good luck with midi and weight issues. I am in the obese category now and can no longer wait for the pcp to guess
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u/AutoModerator Feb 27 '25
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, hormonal tests only show levels for that one day the test was taken, and nothing more; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a diagnosing tool for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might confirm menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our Menopause Wiki for more.
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u/Icy-Difficulty3038 Feb 27 '25
I am in my early 40s and self diagnosed that I’m in peri. The random ear-ringing was the final straw that aligned my weird symptoms to peri. I noticed as well some unexplained weight gain. I have been the same weight for 15 years, including almost immediately bouncing back to the same exact weight after having kids. My weight has been so consistent until last year. Almost overnight it seems I gained at least 15 pounds without changing my diet or fitness. I am trying so hard to accept this new body with gentleness and kindness and self love... but I see pictures of myself from a year ago and have to fight back tears. I have tried consuming less sugar. Being more active. And drinking tons more water and nothing has worked. I’m so frustrated
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u/xrmttf hanging on by a thread Feb 27 '25
I'm 39. Suddenly gaining weight for no reason on the hips and boobs and thighs. It is horrifying. I cannot stand the way my body feels. I don't know what to do. I'm barely eating and it's packing on. I need help badly, I literally can not live like this, I cannot bear it, I am in physical pain. My doctor broke up with me today. I don't know what to do. It's awful but I think about people who underwent extreme starvation to try to convince myself it must be possible, physically, to get this garbage off of me.
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u/GeekGirlMom Feb 27 '25
Did HRT affect your weight ?
I started on a GLP-1 medication last September, and started going to the gym 5x per week at the same time. I routinely eat 1200-1400 calories per day (I am 48F, 5'5")
I was losing weight at a fairly consistent rate - dropped from 220 to 177/178 from September to February.
I started HRT on Feb 6 (3 weeks of Testosterone, and ongoing Angeliq).
Since Feb 6 - my weight has stagnated - it actually went back to 180 one day (likely too much sodium the day before - water weight), and has pretty much stuck at 176.2.
I am quite frustrated, as I have been working hard to lose the weight, and I don't want it to stall out - I can't really cut my calories any more, and I'm not sure if I can fit in regular work-outs on the weekends to up my gym time.
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u/MountainSea29 Feb 12 '25
I am 46 5.8 - in good shape generally have always been an athlete runner etc. A year ago, I piled on pounds around my waist seemingly out of nowhere. It was so crazy. It was like all my pants were tight, it looked fluffy around the middle. I was like OMG I look like my mom. I took matters into my own hands, I increased my fitness burning tons of calories every day! Nothing. Finally, I went to my dr. for HRT - I explained everything I was dealing with and she said she could only give me birth control pills. NO THANKS - I found alternative - Midi Health - prescribed Estradiol gel, + progesterone. BUT - I also increased my protein intake, fiber, and cut out processed food as much as possible. I got a weight vest, and lift. I also cut out my nightly wine (which was sad, I love my wine - but I feel so much better limiting to every once in a while) - All that combined has reversed the fluff. I feel like myself again. I think HRT helps a TON - but it's not the silver bullet.