The Fat Loss TroubleshootThis is your place to troubleshoot your fat loss problems from nutrition to training. This section is led by Leigh Peele, author of "The Fat Loss Troubleshoot," the ultimate fat loss manual. If your results have slowed or stalled this is the place to come for advice for all your fat loss needs.
Hi How are ya? I am good, hanging in there, day by day! I have upped my calories the 15% and my weight has stablized, so that is a good sign, I think.
1. Electrolytes, how do you know if you are getting the right amount of sodium/potassium, etc, I have tried the ultima replenisher and having some type of allergic reaction to something in it? do you have any ideas, I have been going to the bathroom pretty regular compared to before so I thought I was getting in the right amount with my minerals and I do take a 1grm potassium pill and have being using the Lite Morton salt, But when I went to the gym for my first workout in like 6-7 weeks, It was great first off, used the right amount of weights, I was sweating---which is unheard of for me--I remember running 15miles and never dropped an ounce of sweat when everyone around me was drenched, BUT towards the end of my workout, I got a cramp in the palm of my foot that almost did not allow me to finish my workout? Any suggestions?
2. Maybe you know the answer to this--my Docs just look at me crazy? How do I know referring to my labs if the thyroid is functioning properly because of my medicine increase or because I am eating a proper diet and rest now? The last time I went to my Doc she told me to increase my dose because my FreeT3 was still on the low side, and I told her Are you sure I should do that,maybe I should wait and see what happens when I start eating?? ANd she looked at me real crazy like I was saying a joke, and I said No, really I have been overexercising and undereating for a couple years, which maybe the cause of alll this stuff--She glazed at me again like a joke, and said, no just increase your dose and the worse case scenerio we will have to decrease--They just don't understand--So had my labs done again on Friday, fasting just to double check my levels and my Freet3 is great,my Freet4 is great but my TSH is very low, which tells me that is why my hair is breaking off because I am going the opposite way now, like hyper--but she called me last night and said to stay on the same dose,even with hair breakage, and afternoon sweats,she said we are treating the t3,not the Tsh,---so that brings me to another question?
3. Moisture--I read some where that by week 2-3 you may/perhaps notice more moisture?? I am not--my hair is breaking and my skin is dry--do you have any ideas, I am getting in my fats/ my water, taking 3gms fish oils--maybe we are back to the electrolye thing again?? Could that be it? I remember one day I went to get a colonic when I was having problems with constipation and the girl told me if you are drinking a gallon of water and still constipated, then maybe my whole problem is even with the water intake I could be still dehydrated?? That the water I drink is never really getting to the cells?? With all the running and working out, the running team would ask me where is your gatorade or electrolytes--you just did 7miles of sprints--I would say nah, those have to much sugar--I will just do water--I just did not know any better,my gosh!!
4. Bodyfat vs muscle--I know I am jumping way ahead of myself here, but based on my body composition and how in the past year I have had a metabolic test done and showed that in one year Ihave lost 10 pounds of LBM--that must be the yo yo dieting/undereating, etc, Plus when I first joined the running team back 2yrs ago, I was lean/muscular with 13-15% body fat--now I am 24-26% when I start doing the fatloss plan--will I gain any muscle back or just get the fat off--I want both of course, but if I had my choice of the two I would rather get the fat off first--and then build some muscle up--Not sure if that is the right way, but just don't feel comfortable with this fat on me--I feel heavy sluggish, tired.
I remember my husband saying Are you sure you want join this team? Too much running is not always a good thing and you are going to get skinny--we then went to the first running meeting and all the girls had different frames some were a bit heavy and some were skinny/fat--but the one thing they all had in common was the flabby bodies--Is there some kinda correllation with running and bodyfat?? All of runners were so impressed how I was so tone, because for them that was a big problem?? What is up with that?
Atleast it gave my husband a bit of reassurance that not all runners are skinny/lean--
Which brings back a little of the past--I would go out on Saturdays to run with the team--there was about 80of us, so there were people at all paces, I would run about 9min pace for about 8 miles then 4miles at an 8min pace--we would all go out to breakfast they would eat--eggs, pancakes, waffles, etc--I would order my egg whites--and I would say how can you eat all of that--the only thing going thru my head is that is why I am muscular and lean, and why they are carrying more bodyfat--they responded "we run to eat--not eat to live, haha they would say order some fruit or something--I said no that is ok, I cannot have fruit until 3pm--based on the plan I was on--Gosh how stupid was that--a little more disciple/oc than I need to be--But did not want to give my trainer any reason to say well you did it wrong and that is why you are gaining bodyfat--I had a Garmen watch to measure my pace/mileage/and calories on those days and the days that I would do 7-8 miles of sprints my watch would say that i had burned anywhere from 700-1000calories, and I was only eating about 1300 calories--I remembered thinking to myself wow just burned all those calories, def cannot cheat and then take away all the hard work---DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!hahha!! I was obviously clueless--Ok sorry for that blurb, just venting and remembering--so I WON'T do that again!!
5. Weights--I know I have not trained in 6-7 weeks, and I felt weak, like I had not ever trained--What is the difference now then the past--there was a time when all I was doing was heavy weights/little cardio, still eating in a deficiet, but when I went to the gym I would find my inner strength and would get stronger and stronger each time I went--I was at a point where are the girls in the gym that this little 103 pound girl could leg press 350-400pounds--they would stand around and cheer, etc? And at one point I had to have a surgery and took off 8 weeks, started back at the gym at the same 103pounds, did not gain a pound of fat/same LBM, and started back at the same weight/strength? But I am sure I could not even come close to that now--I felt strong and empowered--even with the food deprevation--What happened--what is the difference now and then?? I guess body just said enough is enough?? I know I will get that back and it just takes time, but I thought with the extra eating an rest my body would respond with great pleasure and happiness, instead it is sluggish like I have a flu/or weak immune system--FRAGILe that is the word
6. Getting my GWF today, but that reminds me of a part of your book you mention the Blessed ones? Those blessed with fast metabolisms/and you mention the ones who have this do not have broken metabolisms just tired--So does this mean we go back to the metabolism we once had--I have always heard that we are born with a metabolism--it is part of our genetics and we can not change that?? Is there any truth to that?? I remember eating anything and everything I wanted, skipping dinner for huge chocolate cake, had no food allergies, like now--Will that come back--oh and no exercise and very little movement?? That word--Neat have never heard that word until now--did not do much of that before--I know what happened, But is it reversable?? Or is the thyroid and other hormones now in the way??
7. Speaking of the thyroid I have asked 3 docs the same question and just wondering what your opinion is? Did I already have underlying hypothyroid and was going to get it eventually but the diet and exercise just brought it on sooner? or did this eating/overexercising thing cause it all?? The docs votes were 2/1-- What do you think?
I remeber lifting weights yesterday and saying to myself--I use to lift such heavy weights--where did that inner strength come from--I must be a stronger person than I think sometimes, because whether it was running/working out, if my coach told me to do something and I was exhausted--I would find the inner strength and do it!! I thought they know what they are talking about and everyone else is doing it--Look at all those runners training hard for marathons, triathalones, etc--I guess the Big difference is that EAT!! Which I really thought I was too!! gosh I hope I get the chance to start all over--
Typical eating plan before: carbs(1/2cup oatmeal,4oz sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup beans) protien: 4oz of meat, or 5 egg whites, 30gm protien, veggies, unlimited fruits:5oz of apples or berries fat: 1tbs nut butter, or olive oil
Meal 1: 1protien/1carb
meal 2: 1 protein/1fruit
meal 3 1 protien/veggies/1/2 fat
meal 4: 1 protein/veggies
meal 5 1 protien/veggies 1/2 fat
Everyone told me that is a great Bodybuilding type diet, but should only be done temporarily--and you were doing it right, just TOOO LONG!!
that is just one example, this is pretty much what I stuck to, just changed around every 12 weeks, sometimes, would do higher carbs/ on workout days, etc?
I would swear that I was doing fine until I added running to the equation, but can't live in the past anymore, sorry for the long Post--just some where to VENT--no one really knows what I am going thru, how I am dealing and would probably not even understand--Even went to a different gym this week, don't want to run into the girls I trained with before--they really looked up to me and admired my training and my strength, they would sometimes follow my workouts and I would teach them different workout routines cause they were different and cool--my trainer was a Professional bodybuilder an had some really cool routines, I am sure the girls would understand they were great, but just don't feel good, I am heavier weaker, etc!! I will wait until I am well again--I know--sounds weak of me--but My hubby and my Dad and now you GUYS are the ones who know what is up!!
thanks for the support and allowing me to VENT--I have not a period in 3yrs but still some how become hormonal??? hahhaha
what thyroid meds are taking? If you are taking a med that contains T3 such as Armour or Cytomel it is very common to see the TSH get low. This also happens when you have been on thyoroid meds for many years. What is most important to look at are the levels of T3 and T4.
Hi How are ya? I am good, hanging in there, day by day! I have upped my calories the 15% and my weight has stablized, so that is a good sign, I think.
1. Electrolytes,
2. Maybe you know the answer to this--my Docs just look at me crazy? How do I know referring to my labs if the thyroid is functioning properly
3. Moisture
4. Bodyfat vs muscle
Which brings back a little of the past--I would go out on Saturdays to run with the team--there was about 80of us,
5. Weights--
6. Getting my GWF today, but that reminds me of a part of your book you mention the Blessed ones? Those blessed with fast metabolisms/and
7. Speaking of the thyroid I have asked 3 docs
Typical eating plan before:
Meal 1: 1protien/1carb
that is just one example, I would swear that I was doing fine until I added running to the equation, Thanks Dessie
Dessie,
This message you wrote was so well organized, it was REALLY easy to read and follow, even though it was long. Looking forward to hearing answers from others.
Hi Lara,
thanks for response, So it is normal for the TSH to run low?? I just thought that since two times a day I get hot flashes(not menopausal, haha) And my hair is breaking off--that maybe it is because the TSH is low? that is what I thought, but my doc said the same thing that you are confirming--so she told me to stay on same dose--which is Armour 2grains--I guess I will wait it out, How will I know if the dose is to high?? My hair is so dry--I told the doc that anyone lighting a match needs to stay atleast 10ft away, ahhah and this is after not washing it for a week--trying to accumulate oil-
Maybe I am just dehydrated like I said in last post? Thanks for info and if you have any other infor it would be great--I have often wondered if I even needed to be put on thyroid meds, because my antibodies were negative, but too late for that now, cause I am sure my body is liking the fake stuff!! Thanks Dessie
Hey Etana, thanks for your input, Sorry for it being so long, I tend to just ramble, Like I am talking on the phone or something, hha I am eager to get responses to, this is going to be my home for Venting--BE PREPARED< HHHAHHAAHA!!! Thanks Dessie
Desiree I am going to have to hit at this later because I will have to write a damn novel.
From now on I am charging 10 bucks for every post over 1500 words.
Hi Lara,
thanks for response, So it is normal for the TSH to run low?? I just thought that since two times a day I get hot flashes(not menopausal, haha) And my hair is breaking off--that maybe it is because the TSH is low? that is what I thought, but my doc said the same thing that you are confirming--so she told me to stay on same dose--which is Armour 2grains--I guess I will wait it out, How will I know if the dose is to high?? My hair is so dry--I told the doc that anyone lighting a match needs to stay atleast 10ft away, ahhah and this is after not washing it for a week--trying to accumulate oil-
Maybe I am just dehydrated like I said in last post? Thanks for info and if you have any other infor it would be great--I have often wondered if I even needed to be put on thyroid meds, because my antibodies were negative, but too late for that now, cause I am sure my body is liking the fake stuff!! Thanks Dessie
Hey Etana, thanks for your input, Sorry for it being so long, I tend to just ramble, Like I am talking on the phone or something, hha I am eager to get responses to, this is going to be my home for Venting--BE PREPARED< HHHAHHAAHA!!! Thanks Dessie
If your T3 or T4 become high that would be a sign your dosage needs to be adjusted. I wonder if your dry hair could be related more to the under-eating and lack of nutrients? I don't think dehydration would cause hair to be dry and brittle but lack of essential oils can make your hair/skin dryer.
Hey Lara, Yeah I have read that malnourishment will cause hair to fall out and be brittle, but since I have been on the program now 5weeks you would think my hair would be sucking it up, but it seems worse, and I have read a few things online and says both hypo and hyper can cause hair loss-so just kinda grasping at straws here, trying to figure it out, my nails have gotten alot better, but my hair, very very dry, scared to even blow dry--I am getting in my fish oils and my fats? Unless my body is having trouble absorbing them?? maybe that is it? My Doc says Oh don't worry about it, that is old hair anyway, the new hair is what matters??? Nice, huh??!! Of course easy to say when your on her end of the stick!! thanks Dessie
Well, it may actually be that it is a matter of the old hair is bad enough that it can't be saved, so to speak. You can try some baby oil, it may help. Basically right before washing it (like hour or so, maybe only 30 min if you have the time) saturate your hair with baby oil. It can help the older dry hair that isn't getting oils from yer head.
Actually I noticed a big piece of breakage from my bangs which I was trying to grow out, so that hair is really not that old?? But I understand what you are saying, but I have soft water which means it is hard enough to get the soap off my body and the shampoo out of my hair--OIL hmm I would never get it out, hhaha, thanks for the idea, but I would really like to know why my scalp is not producing oil, I remember as a kid, my gosh I could not go two days without washing my hair or it was a greese ball---Now it feels like straw--even at the scalp---thanks Dessie
Hi Leigh, I know it is long/but a novel--hmmm I am sure you get this all the time--but I think a good one-- would be a Thyroid Manual, the do's the don'ts, how to eat and how to workout--it would be PRICELESS!!
Re: dry hair. Yes it can be hormonal, but it could also just be too harsh of a shampoo/too frequent.
Get a shampoo without any sulfates ... and only use it once a week. In between, wash with conditioner (really scrubbing your scalp). I promise your hair won't look or feel dirty. It will smell clean and will be softer. Make sure the conditioner is free of silicones too.
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Life's a Journey ... Enjoy the Ride!
Re: dry hair. Yes it can be hormonal, but it could also just be too harsh of a shampoo/too frequent.
Get a shampoo without any sulfates ... and only use it once a week. In between, wash with conditioner (really scrubbing your scalp). I promise your hair won't look or feel dirty. It will smell clean and will be softer. Make sure the conditioner is free of silicones too.
Hi, hmm wondering if other hormones, still don't have my montly buddy on board?? maybe that? I only shampoo my hair 2-3 times a week, because I have been struggling with it being dry and brittle off an on for the past 6-8 months, just sometimes worse than others, right now is the worst--so was quick to blame thyroid levels? Only buy shampoo from hair salon, but not sure if it has sulfites in it--actually have been using that one for hair loss? forgot the name of it?? starts with a B?? thanks Dessie
Hi, hmm wondering if other hormones, still don't have my montly buddy on board?? maybe that? I only shampoo my hair 2-3 times a week, because I have been struggling with it being dry and brittle off an on for the past 6-8 months, just sometimes worse than others, right now is the worst--so was quick to blame thyroid levels? Only buy shampoo from hair salon, but not sure if it has sulfites in it--actually have been using that one for hair loss? forgot the name of it?? starts with a B?? thanks Dessie
I only wash my hair once a week. Does your hair get dirty? When I lived in NYC I had to wash my hair 2x/week. I would say I have "normal" hair, not dry or oily.
Hi, hmm wondering if other hormones, still don't have my montly buddy on board?? maybe that? I only shampoo my hair 2-3 times a week, because I have been struggling with it being dry and brittle off an on for the past 6-8 months, just sometimes worse than others, right now is the worst--so was quick to blame thyroid levels? Only buy shampoo from hair salon, but not sure if it has sulfites in it--actually have been using that one for hair loss? forgot the name of it?? starts with a B?? thanks Dessie
Have you had estrogen and progesterone checked? When female hormones are low skin/hair can become much dryer i.e. what happens to women in menopause.
So someone tells you to wash it only once a week, and you respond with "I only wash it 2-3 times a week." aroo?
Don't get me wrong, I mean you know what's going on best, but if everything suggested you have already decided won't work, when you've apparently not even tried, there's just not much anyone can say to help ya there.
Hey Lara, Yeah I have read that malnourishment will cause hair to fall out and be brittle, but since I have been on the program now 5weeks you would think my hair would be sucking it up, but it seems worse, and I have read a few things online and says both hypo and hyper can cause hair loss-so just kinda grasping at straws here, trying to figure it out, my nails have gotten alot better, but my hair, very very dry, scared to even blow dry--I am getting in my fish oils and my fats? Unless my body is having trouble absorbing them?? maybe that is it? My Doc says Oh don't worry about it, that is old hair anyway, the new hair is what matters??? Nice, huh??!! Of course easy to say when your on her end of the stick!! thanks Dessie
I know there are more involved answers to your questions....but 5 weeks is not long enough to repair every aspect of your body! IMO
Wow Aoife you almost got me there? I had to go back an re-read the post--it said use the sulfate shampoo only once a week, thanks
Hey Lara,
I had all the hormone levels drawn on Friday--got some of the results but don't really know how to read them since I don't have a period and they say if you are in follicular phase, mid cycle, luteal, etc? I have the FSH, LH, Prolactin and If I am reading correctly they all look normal, just waiting for the estrogen, estrodial and the progesterone results--go back to endo next week?? I go back to gyn next week as well--he wanted to start me on large dose of progesterone to start my buddy, but said that really I don't need one?? but my endo disagrees she said having a buddy once a month shows good health?? I think the gyno probably just meant in a childbearing manner?? who knows, thanks Dessie
Girl you are so right? I am not even close, don't even feel close, but just remember way back when I would go on a really high protien diet and my hair would get brittle, etc, but as soon as I got back onto a diet with higher fats/carbs my hair would respond right away--maybe I am still just BURNT OUT!! Maybe just getting old, hahha
I go back to gyn next week as well--he wanted to start me on large dose of progesterone to start my buddy, but said that really I don't need one?? but my endo disagrees she said having a buddy once a month shows good health?? I think the gyno probably just meant in a childbearing manner?? who knows, thanks Dessie
I had amenorrhea last year--it didn't last as long as your has (I went to the doc after three months--I'd always been regular so got scared and had visions of ovarian cancer or ovarian failure. *eyeroll*). I just saw my GP, but she did say that not having a period for that long "isn't healthy." I assume she meant "is a sign of poor health," though I guess it could be that if the lining builds up and doesn't shed that could lead to nastiness.
ANYWAY my doc put me on an Rx that I think was progesterone and that triggered me. When she and I discussed why it was happening we couldn't figure it out, but now I suspect it was underearting combined with poor sleep--neither of which she thought to touch upon other than "have you been feeling stressed?"
If you take the progesterone and that works for you, it (and I speak only from my personal experience, which admittedly hasn't been verfied) then I'd suspect that undereating/malnutrition got your hormones screwed up, rather than stress from work or whatever causing the loss. If it is from under/malnturition, thereotically now that you're taking care of your health you'd start up again naturally, but I don't know how long that would take.
Hey Scribess
How long did you have it for? I kinda did the same thing ran to Doc and she said, oh that is common for athletes and not to worry about it, then the next year, did my pap everything was normal so she said the same thing--it is common--I thought also that maybe because my fat % was so low--and now that my fat percent is higher--well why is it not coming back naturally--but I read some where in Leighs stuff that they have found it does not always have to do with bodyfat?? So I do have a prescription of provera 10mg which is progesterone said to take daily for 5 days and should bring it on?
Did you have any side effects??
One doc says don't worry about it and the other says Shows good health?
--My body is acting like a domino effect:
Undereating/ Overexercising
Causing stress on the body
period stops/ hormones out of wack
thyroid/immune system
then causing food allergies-which are caused by stress and now causing my body stress--
Like leigh says--which comes first the chicken or the Egg??
oooh forgot my whole point? with now food even causing stress on my body--it is probably a fat chance it will come back naturally huh!! Until everything is under controll, so maybe should jump into the prescription? but did ya have any side effects, besides you typical water weight gain--or did you even have that? I know every body is different and maybe you don't even remember what you experienced--headaches, etc?
thanks Dessie
My amenorrhea lasted three months plus the time to get a doc appointment and then for the Rx to take effect--so round up to 4 months. I don't recall any side effects other than what I'd normally experience with PMS, but I'm sure it's different for everyone. You could check with a pharmacist about possible side effects.
Honestly my cycle still isn't as regular as it was before my amenorrhea last year, but I think that's an issue with me since it's been a year now since I took the drug. I doubt it's still lingering in my system.
Regarding whether low body fat percentage can lead to amenorrhea or not, I have no personal experience, since I was never at a BF low enough for anyone to consider that as a possibility. I do, however, think dietary fat is an issue. At this time last year I was undereating, then went on a 1200-cal "diet" that did have me eating more cals than I had previously--but it cut down dietary fat. So the decrease in dietary fat (I stupidly cut out coconut and more importantly cod liver oil) could have been a factor in the amenorrhea as well.
And for whether it's necessary for you to get your period back, well, if it were me and knowing I'm trying to get back to a state of health and that a female body "wants" to be in a state where it could have a baby and all that, I guess my take would be that getting a period would be a sign that you're back where you ought to be. That's me, though. But hopefully Leigh will see and chime in, as well. I think she has more knowledge about this than I do.
oooh forgot my whole point? with now food even causing stress on my body--it is probably a fat chance it will come back naturally huh!! Until everything is under controll, so maybe should jump into the prescription? but did ya have any side effects, besides you typical water weight gain--or did you even have that? I know every body is different and maybe you don't even remember what you experienced--headaches, etc?
thanks Dessie
soooo... are you going to do REPAIR? Have you begun? what phase are you in? Do you have a log yet?
It will be nice to see you in the groove somewhere, in the present, doing actions... past all this stress and drama... and watch yourself as you slowly heal yourself.
Let us know where your log is, if you do/have begun REPAIR.
My GYN said that she doesn't like people to go more than 3 months wihtout a period (I am having issues after discontinuing birth control pill) If your estrogen levels are low that can lead to bone loss and other problems. If your estrogen is too dominant that can increase risks of some cancers. The progesterone challenge (which is what I think Naive talked about above) is a diagnostic tool they use to determine where the problem might be.
Amenorrhea is a tricky thing. You can lose it due to stress, dieting, overtraining etc but it might not come back when those issues are resolved for whatever reason. Something gets out of wack with the hypothalmus.
Image you are driving a old time 1930's hand crank car. A animal jumps out at you and you turn to face, miss it, and land in a low ditch. No real damage, you aren't even stuck, but the car is sputtering.
If you move in the right manner and press the gas just right, it will keep going and you are fine.
If it shuts off, the only thing that is going to restart that car is a crank.
Most of the time if you increase you eating and decrease aggressive training and 3-4 months later your period doesn't come back, then you have to go to the Gyno to get cranked.
That is great--love that little story, really puts things into perspective in a creative manner--liking that.
But what about the response to the above questions are you still working on my novel, anxiously waiting--
My weight is creeping up again--up about 1 1/2 pounds since the questions posted above, but was a bit sore after my workout this week, so maybe just swelling and water, Thanks Dessie
I know the Period shows good health, but boy when you mention the side effects being PMS, I will have to say I don't miss that,hhaha!
Progesterone Challenge, I have never heard of that? Do you mean taking the progesterone and hoping that it will start menstraul cycle?
I have been kinda waiting it out, and Leigh sure puts it a good way--Really makes you think, which is kinda what I have been telling myself--why not wait and see if my body gets it back naturally--that is what is suppost to do right? But then Lara you make a good point about the hypothalamus thing-hmmm, sometimes things are out of our control
Ya know my Docs-I kept telling them are you sure we should keep playing with the dose, I mean, I don't eat much I eat very low carbs and I kinda did an test on myself, I would eat low carbs check my labs and my Freet3 was really low and then for a month I would eat higher carbs and my labs would be a little better, but they did say that they were mainly treating the Free T3 because I am not a T4 converter? But they did not seem concerned about my diet nor my loss period, although they did do a dexa scan for bone loss and saw some breakage, but not osteoporosis, but enough to say to make sure and take calcium and Vit D? they just keep saying that loss of menstraul cycle is really common??
Now speaking of getting back to normal and stress levels etc and the causes of stress, my Nutritionist I was seeing about a year ago, swears that it is not related to my dieting at all--she thinks this is all being caused from me having 2cats and 2dogs which I am allergic to--which she feels stresses out the body and as the years go by-it continues to cause enough stress to throw everything out of wack? Makes some sense, until she said it did not matter my calorie intake?? But then again, I have had animals my whole life, I just take allergy medicine and figure I am good to go, although I did have to bane them from my bedroom, becuase allergies sometimes keeps me up at night-mixed with adrenals out of wack not a good combination.
Told her that I have had one of my cats 10yrs, and I did not loose my period until I started to exercise, which brings up another issue--I lost my period just from exercise--not strenous at all-cause I was 38 had not exercised since high school, and had not idea what I was doing--I would taebo tapes, and light weights--and was not dieting at all and lost my period back then??
Oh well, I guess we will wait it out a little longer, See ya, Dessie
The "progesterone challenge" is when you take the prog. pill for a certain number of days (I think 10) and then see if your period comes back. Sounds like that is what your doc has given you if I read your post correctly? When my period stopped years ago due to anorexia the Prog. challenge did not work. I had to go on full fledged HRT and then birth control pill to have a period. It took almost 7 yrs to come back on its own. I lost my period when I hit 90 lbs (I am 5'2) and then even after gaining back to 110 and maintaing there for several years it still did not come back for 7 yrs. and actualy when it did come back was after I had gained about 15 lbs more and had stopped exercising completely.
Oh my Gosh, why is when you here someone elses story--your own does not seem as bad---
How long were you anorexic? 7yrs to get period back, but how were you maintaining your weight of 110--maybe you were still kinda dieting and did not realize it?? could that of been it, the nutritionist I went to just recently kinda hit me with that one, kinda states that even though you are at a stable weight/ and bodyfat percent now does not mean that your body is still getting enough calories to survive or keep the engine running perse--The body fat you are gaining is just another survival technique--mixed with thyroid levels not being normal--so that may be the period issue as well --Now I do remember when I was having a period it was very light my whole life--I am talkiing 3days max--so maybe that is another reason I lost it so easily--was not a heavy bleeder--GROSS!! Not a great subject, ahha!!
And now off the pill, are you still have issues or has it come back? Are you are a particular diet now?? Which one? How did you handle gaining the extra 15pounds--that must have been a tough one--The extra weight I have put on is really disturbing to me--people just don't underestand when you work so hard and you get so lean--is there a crime for wanting to stay there!! I know I know--Health comes first!!
Leigh--Need to pick your Brain
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