49 and entering menopause, HeLp???

[Dawne27]

(whew) i'm a newbie starting out (ie. '0' knowledge) and a thought just occurred since i've had my last menses (November) my estrogen levels will lower thus giving some rise to more testerone (?) and, will this effect how my muscles develope? my mind is spinning. i'm ready mentally for this challenge but, unknown about how my body will react and if this is a good time to begin. i've already noticed my body 'feels' puffy and swollen (eeks) ...again, fear of failure setting in. Any suggestions? Knowledge? Advice? Experience (with menopausal bodybuilders?) Perhaps I should simply look it up in an A&P book or something and get the 'get go'. Or, maybe i should peruse this site and other active/healthy/athletic places to learn more. I guess, another thought just occurred (this thinking can be dangerous) regardless of the physiological 'stage' anyones in....exercise and eating right is the best medicine! Any input is welcomed from you gals. Thanks!

[Hawkwind]

Hello Dawne27,

I'm smack dab in the middle of a whirl-wind of activity surrounding my family so I just caught your post a bit late. I will try and get back to you in a few days. (I'm 47 and post-menopause.)

I'm doing well with my lifting and my muscle development has been going along pretty well.

My apologies that I cannot delve into this further at this time. But I did want you to know that your post has been noticed.

~Hawkwind

[mitchcumstein]

You will have less testosterone in your body once you hit menopause, not more. Thats why women experience a drop in libido. Most doctors dont treat menopause with just estrogen therapy anymore either. Alot of them have gone to testosterone replacement because testosterone will convert to estrogen too so that kills 2 birds with one stone.

[Dawne27]

Thanks for your replies (Hawk & Mitch)....I'm still pushing through regardless of my ignorance and weather (gulp - northeast)! I've gotten a lot of excellent advise from just perusing the various blogs on this site...and Hawk...I've read most of your older emails regarding the hypothyroidism...wow
you're truly inspirational ....as, I've tested for this problem as well. Not satisfied with the doctors advice (just over the lower end of hypo...and, it's duly noted the range has changed). One of the first things for me this New Year is going to a endocrinologist for further testing. I'm tired of feeling exhausted most times. Our bodies are amazing...we can see results rather quickly and when we don't it's frustrating. And, this is when the 'spirit' takes over the 'matter'.....and, jus' keeps on truckin'! Merry Christmas ladies to you and yours!

[dogsoldier]

I'm not a lady, nor do I play one on TV.

Somehow this caught my eye. The wife has been doing the change for about a year now. She found some herbal stuff called Estrophine????? It seems to help her with the hot flashes, she hasn't been as moody and still has the drive to work out.

If you are heading to an endo, try to find one that's more of a progressive thinker. (How to do that, I don't know). Most of the older more conservative endos that health insurance companies like tend to be conservative and may just blow you off. If the endo doesn't go for new blood work and spend time with you, ask for another referral. My sister was having a really hard time with the change. Multiple symptoms, some very painful. Plus she put on about 50 pounds in one year. She was given the menopause shuffle by her family doctor and the recommended endo. She was told about another guy in town and went to see him. Turned out her pituitary was shutting down due to her hormones being out of wack.

I guess what I am trying to say is be your own advocate. If what you are being told doesn't add up, or the doctors don't address ALL of your symptoms, be polite but forceful so they LISTEN to you.

Good luck.

[jlozan84]

Leaving courgar-hood and entering jaguar-hood. Awesome.

Urban Dictionary: jaguar

jaguar

In the lexicon of older women seeking younger men, a jaguar is 50 and over, where the cougar is in their 40s, and the puma under 40. Jaguars tend to be financially stable and are only looking for sex from their 20 something prey.