Hormones?

[Dogmama]

Wow, I'm so glad I'm not the only one! I've always had some PMS, but lately I've been terrible. I finally gave in and went on an estrogen patch. Felt a lot better, but had yeast infections from hell. I went to a compounding pharmacy and they prescribed two pills: estrogen/testosterone and progesterone. They said that stress kills testosterone in our systems and we end up with crushing fatigue.

Believe me - I am the original flower child and hate to take any kind of meds, but the grumpiness, fuzzy thinking and fatigue were too much. I like to "ride my age" on my birthday and this year I'll be 49, so I have to start to feel better soon!

[Terry]

Woo-who! Thanks a lot Sportslegs! Very generous offer. And I did read the research on the product and liked even more what I was reading. Price wise...sigh...Designer Whey used to be a VERY pricey product when it first hit the market, but, the cost of manufacturing came down as the processing became more advanced...so, I understand and I know that good products need support or they go away.
Thanks again.

Terry

[VenusdeVelo]

Here's another subject thread I would love to hear from you on.

I have had problems in the past year, including some surgery to address cramps that double you over and lay you out for 2-3 days. Since that time we were also trying to conceive so I went off the pill...and that's when all he__ broke loose.

In any case, I am back on the pill after about a year long hiatus (Yasmin) and exactly since the time I started taking it, my riding has tanked. My heartbeat is higher, I feel like I have little left in my body to give on a regular ride. I was steadily improving since April, doing 50 milers with no problem....now, when I try and attack some hills, well it's depressing! Not sure if it is just pure coincidence with something else.

Any feedback? Many books say birth control pills sometimes show an increase in performance in women -- would love to hear any experiences and also, whether it has affected you differently "after 40". Thanks!

[Yasmin]

Last weekend I had a tough time keeping up with my group, and felt physically lousy. I got some tips about how to improve which I'm trying but I was still thinking of dropping to a slower group. Well today I rode with my same group & felt great ...perfect weather and an easier warm up helped. But in retrospect I realized I was "PMS-ing" the week before my lousy ride, which included eating poorly... Does anyone out there (esp in the 45 + age group) notice monthly changes in performance related to there cycle (menstrual that is!)?? I never even had any PMS symptoms til I passed 40!

Yes, I sure feel it 1 week prior to my periods (I'm now 49).. I get overwhelming tiredness...almost feels like I've been drugged! When the family & life allow me, I will let my body rule. Now I take cat-naps in the afternoon pre menstrally when I can. This I have NEVER done before. I'm fighting the guilt of mid afternoon naps & am so embarrassed I've told no one except the girls here at TE. Thank goodness I can let it all out here.
KTeach, you're not alone!

[anne_77]

I went off the pill about a year ago for purely lazy and financial reasons and suddenly started experiencing utter exhaustion during my period. But recently, on the advice of a thread I read here, I started taking iron supplements during my period. They have definitely helped for the last two periods. Something to think about.

[crazycanuck]

I've been on the pill for a while however i do wonder if i skip the non hormonal green ones (to have a romantic night with the OH..) for a few months am I doing any damage to my body? I'm one of those women who thinks having thier period gets in the way of cycling, running n swimming, life in general and it's a nuisance. (no desire for young uns tanks)

IF i go off it completely, how much weight will i gain? Is it harder to keep the weight off???

I'd ask my doctor but i can't be bothered as i feel like she's rushing me out of her office each time i see her....(at least i don't have to pay to see her....some other taxpayer does...hahah...)

c

[CorsairMac]

actually - more years ago than I can count I went off the pill and Lost weight when I did. I had always heard you gain weight on the pill.

Corsair "thanks the Lords of Kobol she doesn't have to deal with that anymore" Mac!