Hormones question

 Background: I'm almost 48 and I'll be 4 years post-op in May and have been dealing with a weight gain of 10-12 lbs over the past 18 months.  Additionally, I've felt exhausted and just not myself. I have several low thyroid symptoms (cold, hair loss, weight, etc) but the initial labs came back normal so doc is doing further testing. (Iron was improved and other labs were good) During the exam she also thinks she felt a uterine fibroid which I'll have an  ultrasound for next week. Over the past several months my weight hasn't changed but seems to have shifted -- saddlebags, hips, waist, face. 

Has anyone dealt with estrogen dominance? After hearing of the fibroid, I began researching and found that they are estrogen-related. It's one of many symptoms I have that are listed by Dr. Christiane Northrup. Curious if anyone here has estrogen dominance and how you worked through the weight issues. 

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. 

I had horrible times with fibroids for years.  Had one removed before my pregnancies then dealt with them during pregnancies and after, finally had a hysterectomy about 20 yrs ago.  I was heavy then and don't know if that had any relationship. 

Sorry you are having problems but 10-12lbs after 4 yrs is pretty darn good.  Hopefully you get some answers.

    Thank you.  Since you've had fibroids, I'm sure you are aware of the symptoms I didnt share.  Not fun!  Fibroids are more common in obese women though may not always be detected. Since estrogen causes fibroids to grow and there is the belief that we store estrogen in fat, that may be the link. 
      It is very kind of you to say my relative maintenance is "pretty darn good"  I sometimes forget that it is an achievement.  The gain may not be as bothersome if I felt like myself, but I just don't. I continue to battle those pounds and feel like I'm doing what I should to lose.  When sharing it with my doc and hearing "calories in, calories out" I find it frustrating, depressing, and a little scary as I dont want to go back to where I was.  
~~Christine

Christine,
I am a little older than you at 54 and had a hysterectomy 18 months ago. Prior to that I had already gone thru menopause I thought as I hadn't had a period in over a year.  As a result we went ahead and took my overies with the uterus. Afterward I had menapusal symptoms again.
I just had my hormones all tested with by saliva. I had to spit in a tube 4 times in one day. I am so confused about the results and am not sure that they are just not trying to sell me something. You are about the same time frame out from your RNY as I am and I am having some trouble maintaining and especially dealing with belly fat and saddlebags. Always cold,dry skin and hair and fatigue. My thyroid is also OK.
Now, while the lab that did my hormone testing is a legit lab and the same one my doctor used in 07, the results were being shared with me by Metabolic Research Center. I have been going there to help me with my weight loss as they use a high protein diet.  I just am not sure that they are not trying to sell me their cortisol fighting medication as well as their progesterone creme.
My estrogen is very low but my progesterone is normal. How can that be estrogen dominant? I have so much research to do. Please keep me informed of what you find out and I will do the same for you if you want. PM me and we can keep in touch. Sounds like we are dealing with similar issues.

    Cheryl, Thank you for sharing.  I think that from what I've read estrogen deficiency can have some of the same symptoms as estrogen dominance..  
    I'm going to suggest the saliva test to my doc. I NEVER had saddlebags until about 6 months ago, read that alcohol/estrogen could cause fat deposits there.  Goodbye appletinis but they got worse.  Not horrid but not me! I've always been thick waisted but not like this especially without a huge gain. 
   I have read that cortisol can be a contributor.  I've also read that the thyroid can appear fine but estrogen is messing with it. 
    I have ordered DIM -- it's a supplement of broccoli, spinach, etc that is supposed to help with controlling estrogen BUT needs to be digested to work so further research ensues.  I also ordered progesterone cream. I think I'm On the right track.  In earlier years (18-39) I had PCOS.  Also considered an estrogen dominance issue.
     I'm not sure how to PM you, but would be happy to do so.  
~~~Christine 

I sent you a friend request. After you approve it we can send messages. Go to my OH and then messages.

I also had uterine fibroids and had an ablation in 1999.  Had my WLS in 2008.  I don't think the fibroids had anything to do with my weight, as it went up and down as usual during the next 9 years, and I wasn't thin when I had the ablation either.

My thryoid, however has always bveen normal. 

I'd take Cheryl up on her offer to continue to research and stay in touch.  You never know what you'll find out!

I am estrogen dominant and have adrenal fatigue per my saliva test. i lucked up and found a nursse practioner who is interested in womens health including bioidentical hormones.

I am using progesterone/testosterone/estrogen replacement via a compounded lotion.

I had many of the same complaints that you have. had fibroids and a complete hyst in the 80's. I have been on the BIHR therapy for 7 1/2 months and feel some better,having had one adjustment on my dosages since the beginning.

I am sure they want you to buy the cream because that is the treatment for the issue. I would insist on having a prescription to take to a reputable compounding pharmacy,though,instead of buying something "over the counter" from them,so to speak.

I do buy supplements from her,much like the other supplements we take,for the adrenal fatigue and feel remarkably better after taking those for the same time period.

I have a terrible time with low libido,feeling almost like I am being violated when DH wants to get cozy.  That was part of what sent me to seek treatment in the first place. That and night sweats keeping me up all night.

Overall,I feel better and feel like continuing the treatment is definately worth it for me. Hop you find some relief also.
GL
Holly

 I'm so glad you were fortunate to find someone to help find and address the issue. Did you have the hypothyroid-like symptoms that are from the estrogen Dom and adrenal fatigue?  Finding the right doc is not easy. I'll be pushing the doc for hormone level tests; I've  ordered the progesterone cream and am ready to try it this cycle but don't want to mess up labs. 
 Thank you for sharing. It gives me hope!
Christine

I already havet rue hypothyroidism from having radioactive iodine 20 years ago. it is non functioning so I take Armour thyroid replacement.

Glad I was able to give you hope.