PROBLEM BELLY FROM THE BRONX
DEAR CRABBY:
I am 50 years old and started working out last June. I have hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. And I am also perimenopausal. I try to go to the Gym twice a week, plus I work out at home every morning for about 20 minutes. I am very much interested in weight/strength/resistance training to prevent osteoporosis (my mother has it). I also do Pilates and stretching. I use my stationary bike at home, as well. I want to look better. My arms and legs have become firmer and my butt is getting there.
My problem is my belly. I do bicycles, crunches, reverse crunches and everything else imaginable to flatten my tummy. I did lose an inch from my waist, but my abs are still not there! I am wondering three things: Is my age a factor that prevents my tummy from responding to all that exercise and watching what I eat? Is it genetics that doesn't allow me to get rid of that fat? Do hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis play a part in all this?
PROBLEM BELLY FROM THE BRONX
DEAR PROBLEM BELLY:
Many women going through the menopause transition find that managing weight gain is most challenging. Because you are addressing other health concerns, you kindly forwarded additional information that I needed, so I could look at all the pieces of the “problem belly” puzzle.
One must be a detective during the menopause transition, addressing many areas such as health, lifestyle and emotions to find solutions. Since I am just like you, a gal going through “the change” looking for answers, I have taken this opportunity to research all aspects of your profile, just as I would for myself. It is imperative that menopausal women assemble all information (medical, emotional, lifestyle) so that they can present the material to their doctors for a proper diagnosis and/or treatment. You must share your entire profile with not only your primary physician, but each doctor you consult.
Approximately 90% of women going through menopause between the ages of 35 and 55 will gain weight. The majority of women gain about 10 to 20 pounds during their transition, so you are not alone. Weight gain is often the most frustrating “symptom.” Most women would rather get wrinkles than get fat.
The following is a checklist for women to review if they are struggling with weight gain. I will go through it with you and respond to each category that applies specifically to your situation. I am not a doctor, and this material is no substitute for professional medical advice. You will note, however, that going through a logical research process will yield valuable information that can be used when discussing your health with your doctors.
I became an expert in menopause matters because I was not getting the medical solutions I needed. I had to do extra research so I could provide my doctors with the missing pieces of my health puzzle. Many doctors are not experts at treating the menopause transition. It is a “slippery” area, because there is no single clear-cut treatment for everyone. But engaging in open communication with your doctors increases your odds of finding a solution. You often have to do a little extra research to get the results.
Causes for weight gain during the menopause transition
The physical
Estrogen: When your ovaries start producing less estrogen (estradiol) your body searches for other places to replenish its estrogen supply. Because fat cells can produce estrogen (estrone), your body actually works harder to change calories into fat during the menopause transition. Abdominal fat cells are the most successful at producing estrogen, so that fuller mid-section is normal during menopause.
You confirmed you are indeed perimenopausal, and in a follow-up email, mentioned that you had an FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) blood test of 49. You informed me that you would prefer to “go the natural route.” However, there are many options. Since there is no history of breast, uterine or heart disease in your family, you could be a good candidate for hormone therapy. So that your body does not feel compelled to work so hard to hold onto belly fat in its search for estrogen, you may wish to re-discuss hormone therapy with your doctor. When I began taking hormone therapy, I was finally able to lose 25 pounds in three months, because my body no longer had to store it around my middle as a source of estrogen.
If you supplement your body with a low dose of estrogen, your body will not need to hold that fat around your middle as a source of estrogen.
Click here for the NEW (March 2008) statement on HRT from the International Menopause Society (IMS):
http://www.imsociety.org/ |
