X-post from Daily Maintenance Group: Stupid hormones!!
I'm seriously freaked out about the slow, gradual weight climb I'm seeing (up 4 lbs. in the last month) and really questioning "why"? Looked over my food and exercise logs critically. All is well, pretty much the same for the last 5 months.
But then I started thinking about what else has changed recently. Oh yeah - I started HRT (that's hormone replacement therapy for you men) about a month ago. Ding, ding, ding - yes, we have a winner! In years gone by I could never do hormones like BC pills because it would raise my blood pressure much too high. And I tried HRT 6-7 years ago with the same kind of results and quickly stopped them. Of course I never recognized weight gain as a side effect because I was always super-fat in those days. And what's an extra 4-5 lbs. when you already weigh 220-240, right?
I recently decided to try HRT again, reasoning that with a normal weight I wouldn't have the BP issues - and I haven't. But the weight - this is NOT OK! I will be going off of them since it is not medically necessary and will continue on my regular eating and exercise plan to see if the weight naturally comes back down in the next 4-6 weeks. I'll report back...
God damn you, estrogen
I had the same thing happen with birth control and no, it doesn't just come right back off. I had to work ridiculously hard and took longer then anticipated to get off. I would strongly advise you not to just "let it happen" as it's really likely that it will not just happen. You might need to make a real concerted effort. Sorry, I wish I had better news.
on 9/9/14 3:18 am - Canada
I've been on HRT for over a month now. No weight gain but no relief either so not sure why I'm bothering. I'm going to my doc and asking to see a gyno...I can handle the hot flashes and all that but the decrease in sex drive is making me really mad. Some of the side effects of weight loss (like wonky hormones) are not good.
Check your consumption of any form of sugar or grain, including any of the so called "good" ones or fruit. Eliminate them all, yes even the "good" ones.
Then allow 30 days or so for your system to reset (it may take less, but 30 days should cover it). You'll be surprised at what happens.
Eat good meat protein and high fat foods. Cook with extra-virgin olive oil (get the good stuff) and eat full fat dairy (unless you have food issues with dairy).
Do all of this for 30 days and you're whole perspective will change. This applies to anyone really, but especially for those that run into these hormonal issues.
HW: 255 (6/5/13), SW: 240 (6/19/13), CW: 169 (9/16/14)
M1: -26, M2: -17, M3: -5, M4: -13 M5: -12 M6: -11 M7: -8
M8-10: Skinny Maintenance (10k Training) M11-13: On Break
M14+: **CROSSTRAINING FOR ALL AROUND FITNESS**
Google NSNG and learn the right way to eat each day