PeriM weight gain is killing me

[TXGal]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 48 yr old female from Texas. I have gained alot of weight from perimenopause and cannot seem to find a way to lose it. I've always been someone who rollercoastered up and down with weight, but my natural state wants to be what I like to call "fluffy". But PeriM wants to pull me into Marshmellow stage and I'm trying to find ways to reverse this trend.

In the past during the beginning stages of my perim (after age 40), I could take phentermine for 3 months and lose weight and keep it off for a year or so, but in the last 2 years that's not as effective anymore. I tried semiglutide last year. My insurance didn't cover it (was going to be $1000/mo at the local pharmacy when my dr prescribed it). So I went to a local weight loss place that would get it from a compound location, still the cost high. And after 3 months, I lost 15 lbs. It didn't feel the cost was worth the loss and I was experiencing a bad gerd side effect. And with kids in college I decided it was a route I would have to come back to. And now is the time to come back to it. I'm intermittent fasting, OMAD and still gaining weight. I always take care of my family, but not myself. And I need to put my health as a priority. It's time.

Now I'm realizing everyone gets their supply from the same places and that I'm more than capable with some good research, knowledge, and support to do this on my own. I've ordered some Ret and I'm going to start that this week (arrived today). But only enough for this month, because I want to see how I do on it, before getting more. I'm hoping to find some friends in this forum to help along the way of this weight loss journey that seems to be kicking my butt as the scales continue to rise and my health continues to decline.

 

[Laxfinity]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 48 yr old female from Texas. I have gained alot of weight from perimenopause and cannot seem to find a way to lose it. I've always been someone who rollercoastered up and down with weight, but my natural state wants to be what I like to call "fluffy". But PeriM wants to pull me into Marshmellow stage and I'm trying to find ways to reverse this trend.

In the past during the beginning stages of my perim (after age 40), I could take phentermine for 3 months and lose weight and keep it off for a year or so, but in the last 2 years that's not as effective anymore. I tried semiglutide last year. My insurance didn't cover it (was going to be $1000/mo at the local pharmacy when my dr prescribed it). So I went to a local weight loss place that would get it from a compound location, still the cost high. And after 3 months, I lost 15 lbs. It didn't feel the cost was worth the loss and I was experiencing a bad gerd side effect. And with kids in college I decided it was a route I would have to come back to. And now is the time to come back to it. I'm intermittent fasting, OMAD and still gaining weight. I always take care of my family, but not myself. And I need to put my health as a priority. It's time.

Now I'm realizing everyone gets their supply from the same places and that I'm more than capable with some good research, knowledge, and support to do this on my own. I've ordered some Ret and I'm going to start that this week (arrived today). But only enough for this month, because I want to see how I do on it, before getting more. I'm hoping to find some friends in this forum to help along the way of this weight loss journey that seems to be kicking my butt as the scales continue to rise and my health continues to decline.

I would strongly suggest getting bloodwork done and, if you are not opposed to it, looking into BHRT. It has been a life changer for me. Good luck...

 

[Morbius]

My wife had similar problems and the combo of HRT and reta has been really great for her. Sounds like you are on the right track @TXGal. Good luck!

 

[Iamnew2this]

It sounds like a good plan is in place. Good luck to you and welcome 👋.

 

[TXGal]

My wife had similar problems and the combo of HRT and reta has been really great for her. Sounds like you are on the right track @TXGal. Good luck!

Yes, I've gone to my Gyno trying to get hrt, but there are so many options and opinions on that, that I'm feeling alittle overwhelmed, but I am wanting to get on them ASAP once I know the direction I should go. Thank you for the encouragement!

 

[TXGal]

I would strongly suggest getting bloodwork done and, if you are not opposed to it, looking into BHRT. It has been a life changer for me. Good luck...

Thank you for the encouragement! I'm going to get on bhrt soon.

 

[SparkleFadeHowever]

I’m 42 and have been on bioidentical estrogen and progesterone for a couple of years now, and it has helped my perimenopause symptoms so much! Some of my peri weight (it’s not much, but it’s ALL on my stomach!) has come off due to the HRT alone, but I’m here looking to get the rest off, I’m not ready to write myself off yet! Best of luck on your journey.

 

[MadisonB]

Welcome and I hear/feel this so much. I second getting labs done but also caution that even if the labs are a just a little off, you may have to find the right medical professional that listens to you/believes you/is educated that PeriM is in fact real! Best of luck in your journey!

 

[Foggy-Hollow]

Yes, I've gone to my Gyno trying to get hrt, but there are so many options and opinions on that, that I'm feeling alittle overwhelmed, but I am wanting to get on them ASAP once I know the direction I should go. Thank you for the encouragement!

Reddit has a menopause sub that has a great wiki. It was my binge reading 2 years ago. I couldn’t find any support locally so have ended up with online providers.

There’s an old study out there after which providers stopped paying attention. Menopausal society has made a statement about it.

Good luck. 🙂

 

[Adhdmomma]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 48 yr old female from Texas. I have gained alot of weight from perimenopause and cannot seem to find a way to lose it. I've always been someone who rollercoastered up and down with weight, but my natural state wants to be what I like to call "fluffy". But PeriM wants to pull me into Marshmellow stage and I'm trying to find ways to reverse this trend.

In the past during the beginning stages of my perim (after age 40), I could take phentermine for 3 months and lose weight and keep it off for a year or so, but in the last 2 years that's not as effective anymore. I tried semiglutide last year. My insurance didn't cover it (was going to be $1000/mo at the local pharmacy when my dr prescribed it). So I went to a local weight loss place that would get it from a compound location, still the cost high. And after 3 months, I lost 15 lbs. It didn't feel the cost was worth the loss and I was experiencing a bad gerd side effect. And with kids in college I decided it was a route I would have to come back to. And now is the time to come back to it. I'm intermittent fasting, OMAD and still gaining weight. I always take care of my family, but not myself. And I need to put my health as a priority. It's time.

Now I'm realizing everyone gets their supply from the same places and that I'm more than capable with some good research, knowledge, and support to do this on my own. I've ordered some Ret and I'm going to start that this week (arrived today). But only enough for this month, because I want to see how I do on it, before getting more. I'm hoping to find some friends in this forum to help along the way of this weight loss journey that seems to be kicking my butt as the scales continue to rise and my health continues to decline.

I feel all this so much!!! I am just starting PeriM and with pcos it’s also like anything you tried in the past no longer works. You get one shot and your body won’t give you results again! Good luck!

 

[joeylev]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 48 yr old female from Texas. I have gained alot of weight from perimenopause and cannot seem to find a way to lose it. I've always been someone who rollercoastered up and down with weight, but my natural state wants to be what I like to call "fluffy". But PeriM wants to pull me into Marshmellow stage and I'm trying to find ways to reverse this trend.

In the past during the beginning stages of my perim (after age 40), I could take phentermine for 3 months and lose weight and keep it off for a year or so, but in the last 2 years that's not as effective anymore. I tried semiglutide last year. My insurance didn't cover it (was going to be $1000/mo at the local pharmacy when my dr prescribed it). So I went to a local weight loss place that would get it from a compound location, still the cost high. And after 3 months, I lost 15 lbs. It didn't feel the cost was worth the loss and I was experiencing a bad gerd side effect. And with kids in college I decided it was a route I would have to come back to. And now is the time to come back to it. I'm intermittent fasting, OMAD and still gaining weight. I always take care of my family, but not myself. And I need to put my health as a priority. It's time.

Now I'm realizing everyone gets their supply from the same places and that I'm more than capable with some good research, knowledge, and support to do this on my own. I've ordered some Ret and I'm going to start that this week (arrived today). But only enough for this month, because I want to see how I do on it, before getting more. I'm hoping to find some friends in this forum to help along the way of this weight loss journey that seems to be kicking my butt as the scales continue to rise and my health continues to decline.

I 100% understand where you are coming from! HRT, especially Testo pellets and sema worked so well for me, but the cost got to be way to much. I got off the HRT over a year ago and had lost 60 pounds with them, but with out the testo I feel horrible, I wish I could get back on the T. Sema stopped working for me just over a year ago and I decided to take a break, the weight just started coming back. I wanted to try Tir but knew I could not afford that. Then by the grace of god I found this place! Now me and my husband are on Tir and a few other peps, I finally started to lose again, and I am hoping I can find a stack that will help with the other symptoms! I wish you luck!

 

[Zzf8540]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 48 yr old female from Texas. I have gained alot of weight from perimenopause and cannot seem to find a way to lose it. I've always been someone who rollercoastered up and down with weight, but my natural state wants to be what I like to call "fluffy". But PeriM wants to pull me into Marshmellow stage and I'm trying to find ways to reverse this trend.

In the past during the beginning stages of my perim (after age 40), I could take phentermine for 3 months and lose weight and keep it off for a year or so, but in the last 2 years that's not as effective anymore. I tried semiglutide last year. My insurance didn't cover it (was going to be $1000/mo at the local pharmacy when my dr prescribed it). So I went to a local weight loss place that would get it from a compound location, still the cost high. And after 3 months, I lost 15 lbs. It didn't feel the cost was worth the loss and I was experiencing a bad gerd side effect. And with kids in college I decided it was a route I would have to come back to. And now is the time to come back to it. I'm intermittent fasting, OMAD and still gaining weight. I always take care of my family, but not myself. And I need to put my health as a priority. It's time.

Now I'm realizing everyone gets their supply from the same places and that I'm more than capable with some good research, knowledge, and support to do this on my own. I've ordered some Ret and I'm going to start that this week (arrived today). But only enough for this month, because I want to see how I do on it, before getting more. I'm hoping to find some friends in this forum to help along the way of this weight loss journey that seems to be kicking my butt as the scales continue to rise and my health continues to decline.

I'm also in periM and know exactly what u mean about putting yourself last! I tried Ret but didn't have as much success as Tirz. Both were much better than Sema. I am hoping to find a safe, reliable $ saver source through this forum.

 

[kimmykat415]

I relate to so much of your ride. I've always been curvy but within the same 20lbs band depending on my diet and activity levels. Peri/menopause took the high end of that band and added on another 20/30 lbs. It has been brutal and diet, tracking macros, fasting, and working out would only make a 10lb dent at most.

I hoped HRT plus diet might be enough to break the barrier It was not. HRT helped with sleep, hot flashes, and aches and pains. Sadly nothing for making weight loss easier.

I started Reta 6 weeks ago with a similar small order to see how things went. I started low and am going slow. I have lost 10 lbs without feeling like i'm starving. I'm waiting for my first kit to arrive. Welcome to the Forum and good luck!

 

[wwwAngels]

Yes, I've gone to my Gyno trying to get hrt, but there are so many options and opinions on that, that I'm feeling alittle overwhelmed, but I am wanting to get on them ASAP once I know the direction I should go. Thank you for the encouragement!

I hear you. Peri is just the start. Meno will kick your butt body-wise.

Reddit can be toxic, but if you go to r/menopause, the ladies can tell you everything you want to know. The study that used to scare the hell out of us were seriously flawed. Our bodies need estrogen. I lost weight with sema, but the patch (which is the safest, and I get it from Canada, much cheaper) helped me to lose two inches off my waist with no change in weight. I wish I had done it sooner. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[oguard]

I 100% understand where you are coming from! HRT, especially Testo pellets and sema worked so well for me, but the cost got to be way to much. I got off the HRT over a year ago and had lost 60 pounds with them, but with out the testo I feel horrible, I wish I could get back on the T. Sema stopped working for me just over a year ago and I decided to take a break, the weight just started coming back. I wanted to try Tir but knew I could not afford that. Then by the grace of god I found this place! Now me and my husband are on Tir and a few other peps, I finally started to lose again, and I am hoping I can find a stack that will help with the other symptoms! I wish you luck!

If you cannot find a provider to give your testosterone for HRT, then I would recommend finding some testosterone cypionate from black market sources and start at 5mg/week, wait 8 weeks and get blood work to see where your testosterone levels are and then titrate up as needed to a max weekly injection of 20mg. It’s rare most women need 20mg/wk to get optimal T levels. Even at that high dose, a 10ml 200mg/ml vial of testosterone cypionate will give you 100 weeks of shots and shouldn’t cost more than $50 if you look around a bit. Hope this helps.

 

[Laxfinity]

I 100% understand where you are coming from! HRT, especially Testo pellets and sema worked so well for me, but the cost got to be way to much. I got off the HRT over a year ago and had lost 60 pounds with them, but with out the testo I feel horrible, I wish I could get back on the T. Sema stopped working for me just over a year ago and I decided to take a break, the weight just started coming back. I wanted to try Tir but knew I could not afford that. Then by the grace of god I found this place! Now me and my husband are on Tir and a few other peps, I finally started to lose again, and I am hoping I can find a stack that will help with the other symptoms! I wish you luck!

Look into injx. They are much cheaper.

Please don't listen to anyone else about dosing. I would get your bloodwork done, find out where you are and do what works for you. Good luck.

 

[Foggy-Hollow]

Look into injx. They are much cheaper.

Please don't listen to anyone else about dosing. I would get your bloodwork done, find out where you are and do what works for you. Good luck.

Pinning has been better for me. Oral estrogen goes through the liver and my … tolerance? Went up after a year. (Took more intake to move blood levels). I’ve moved to injx and it’s been better.

 

[TXGal]

I relate to so much of your ride. I've always been curvy but within the same 20lbs band depending on my diet and activity levels. Peri/menopause took the high end of that band and added on another 20/30 lbs. It has been brutal and diet, tracking macros, fasting, and working out would only make a 10lb dent at most.

I hoped HRT plus diet might be enough to break the barrier It was not. HRT helped with sleep, hot flashes, and aches and pains. Sadly nothing for making weight loss easier.

I started Reta 6 weeks ago with a similar small order to see how things went. I started low and am going slow. I have lost 10 lbs without feeling like i'm starving. I'm waiting for my first kit to arrive. Welcome to the Forum and good luck!

Thank you! Makes me feel better to know I'm not alone. That sounds exactly like me. ❤️

 

[TXGal]

If you cannot find a provider to give your testosterone for HRT, then I would recommend finding some testosterone cypionate from black market sources and start at 5mg/week, wait 8 weeks and get blood work to see where your testosterone levels are and then titrate up as needed to a max weekly injection of 20mg. It’s rare most women need 20mg/wk to get optimal T levels. Even at that high dose, a 10ml 200mg/ml vial of testosterone cypionate will give you 100 weeks of shots and shouldn’t cost more than $50 if you look around a bit. Hope this helps.

Thank you for that advice! I'll look into it

 

[HereInTX]

If you cannot find a provider to give your testosterone for HRT, then I would recommend finding some testosterone cypionate from black market sources and start at 5mg/week, wait 8 weeks and get blood work to see where your testosterone levels are and then titrate up as needed to a max weekly injection of 20mg. It’s rare most women need 20mg/wk to get optimal T levels. Even at that high dose, a 10ml 200mg/ml vial of testosterone cypionate will give you 100 weeks of shots and shouldn’t cost more than $50 if you look around a bit. Hope this helps.

What’s an optimal T level for a perimenopausal woman? I’m waiting for a consult with an online provider and hoping to go in armed with info. My T total is only 17 but “normal” range goes up to 45. Plus, I’m hearing that this number fluctuates and can’t really be trusted. Not sure what to believe.

 

[oguard]

What’s an optimal T level for a perimenopausal woman? I’m waiting for a consult with an online provider and hoping to go in armed with info. My T total is only 17 but “normal” range goes up to 45. Plus, I’m hearing that this number fluctuates and can’t really be trusted. Not sure what to believe.

Unfortunately it’s sort of the Wild West with women’s HRT and opinions vary wildly on optimal T level for women. While doing some research I found 15-70 being normal range for women. Two doctors in the HRT field had differing opinions on what optimal levels were in regards to what they shoot for in treatment. One was 80-120, another was 150-250. Even in men optimal levels vary wildly and I still think it’s more of a matter of treating the patient and not the number. Simply if you are feeling way better on your dose and not having side effects then that might be right for your own unique chemistry

 

[Hulkow]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 48 yr old female from Texas. I have gained alot of weight from perimenopause and cannot seem to find a way to lose it. I've always been someone who rollercoastered up and down with weight, but my natural state wants to be what I like to call "fluffy". But PeriM wants to pull me into Marshmellow stage and I'm trying to find ways to reverse this trend.

In the past during the beginning stages of my perim (after age 40), I could take phentermine for 3 months and lose weight and keep it off for a year or so, but in the last 2 years that's not as effective anymore. I tried semiglutide last year. My insurance didn't cover it (was going to be $1000/mo at the local pharmacy when my dr prescribed it). So I went to a local weight loss place that would get it from a compound location, still the cost high. And after 3 months, I lost 15 lbs. It didn't feel the cost was worth the loss and I was experiencing a bad gerd side effect. And with kids in college I decided it was a route I would have to come back to. And now is the time to come back to it. I'm intermittent fasting, OMAD and still gaining weight. I always take care of my family, but not myself. And I need to put my health as a priority. It's time.

Now I'm realizing everyone gets their supply from the same places and that I'm more than capable with some good research, knowledge, and support to do this on my own. I've ordered some Ret and I'm going to start that this week (arrived today). But only enough for this month, because I want to see how I do on it, before getting more. I'm hoping to find some friends in this forum to help along the way of this weight loss journey that seems to be kicking my butt as the scales continue to rise and my health continues to decline.

Same here. The weight gain was brutal!