menopause

[Linda51]

I am in my early fifties and have always been a size 12 but recently I have put on weight not round my stomach but my waist area, has this happened to anyone else, and have you any ideas on how to get rid of it. Also I am always very hot and everyone else in the house is cold, any suggestions what can help as I don't want to go on HRT.  Thanks.

[Kay]

Hi Linda,This is typical during menopause and a flipping nusiance! Its excess fluid so drink as much water as you can. I could'nt take HRT besides not trusting it,I take Black Cohosh tabs and they've really eased my flushes.you can buy then with or without liquorice in them,the liquorice is ok if you get constipation. Ok windows open.LOL.

[mullein]

linda...you and me both drinking sage tea will stop the flushes...i am still walking round in flimsy tops even though its winter ,,and trying to keep cool..i am also taking lecithin as this breaks fat up its perfectly safe...i am also taking ginseng and vitamin b complex for extra energy...try not to go down the hrt road its not worth it the doctor will give you that if you complain about symptoms...as the last person said liqourice is good as its a natural hormone but its also a laxative and can deprive you of essential nutrients..some people have had excellent success with sage tea and a cup at bedtime can relieve symptoms for 2 days in some people...the only way to move the weight is eat sensible and exercise more,,,try drinking water all day and just treat yourself to the odd cup of tea or coffee in the morning...its not the best time of the year to be dieting but every little effort helps...apparently our fat cells shrink when we reach approx 55 so thats something to look forward too..i have managed to loose a few pounds over the last 3 weeks..to get exercise i keep drinking dandelion tea which gets rid of excess fluid then i use the upstairs loo so i am running up and down stairs all day..every little helps,,,mullein

[woofgang]

I have been using natural progestogen cream (google on those words to find the supplier) and while it hasn't entirely dealt with the symptoms, it has been more helpful than I ever would have imagined.

Before that, I tried sage, red clover, black cohosh, agnus castus, and the vitamins and essential oils suggested,2 kinds of hrt, both of which made my symptoms worse Imagine a teenager with PMT AND the menopause, it was horrendous.

Now I have my memory and personality back and the hot flushes have gone from hourly by night and about two-hourly by day to about 3 or 4 in 24 hours; also the feelings of dizziness and palpitations that accompanied them are greatly reduced.

I have never been a great caffeine user, so haven't cut down, but do find that increasing the water intake has helped.

But ladies, ain't it all a pain, makes me think that God must be a man with an unpleasant sense of humour!!

[FP]

Linda51. I won't take HRT either.  My doctor recommended Soya products, so I have porridge made with soya milk most days.  As for the weight round the middle - I hate it.  I get jeans that fit perfectly everywhere and cant do the waistband up and if I buy the next size up then they fit on the waist (if I am lucky!!) and look like clowns trousers everywhere else. 

I will keep returning to the question to find out if someone knows of a miracle for trimming the middle.  Exercise hasn't helped with this particular problem.

 

[Eastender]

Hi know the feeling. Weight gain and so hot, that you think your blood is boiling, and having to kick the duvet off. In fact i'm thinking that i may never wear a coat again !!!!!!! Anyway try taking a product called Confiance, you can get it from superdrug and holland and barret its about �10 for 90 tabs.I also would not like to take HRT, as I have tried most products, but these tabs seem to help, or are all tablets a placebo effect??? Anyway chin up and positive thinking, your going into a new stage of life, we cant stay the same forever.

[mullein]

fina..i dont know why they edited your answer either..they should have a look at editing some of the rude questions posted on this site...we may be able to help each other by reading this question and answer..as its all trial and error..with menopause remedys what works for one doesnt work for another,,,i wake up every morning about 4 hot and then i am up dancing around my husband goes mad as he reckons i make noise..hmmm..he wont sleep with the bedroom window open so i cant help it if i get hot,,mullein

[mullein]

if any of you see this then go to anazon books uk and type in everything you need to know about the menopause ..then search and the first book you will see is written by ellen philliphs,,,and its really good it tells you all the for and against hrt..loads of alternative remedys..diets recipes etc...i have got a copy and its well worth a look...by the way mine cost �10 more than the amazon books are selling it for i have been robbed...mullein

[Linda51]

Thanks all, you have been very helpful!