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Suggest Treatment For Severe Tiredness And Upper Abdominal Fat
Question: Hello,
I am a 48 year old female and am no longer having periods. The last few months I have feeling extremely tired and have accumulated upper belly fat which is a first for me. Last year I was running 5 to6 miles 5 times a week and was relatively fit. I eat healthy foods and occasionally treat myself but mainly organic with not too many carbs. I know this is cortisol levels perhaps or something to do with my adrenal glands but I need to know if there are natural supplements or foods I can take for this or if you think I need to be checked for something else. I have gone through a very stressful year dealing with a nasty ex husband and shared custody of my nine year old, finiancial difficulties and my mother in the UK died in April from Alzheimers..
I am a 48 year old female and am no longer having periods. The last few months I have feeling extremely tired and have accumulated upper belly fat which is a first for me. Last year I was running 5 to6 miles 5 times a week and was relatively fit. I eat healthy foods and occasionally treat myself but mainly organic with not too many carbs. I know this is cortisol levels perhaps or something to do with my adrenal glands but I need to know if there are natural supplements or foods I can take for this or if you think I need to be checked for something else. I have gone through a very stressful year dealing with a nasty ex husband and shared custody of my nine year old, finiancial difficulties and my mother in the UK died in April from Alzheimers..
Brief Answer:
it may be peri-menopause, but you should have your thyroid levels checked as well
Detailed Answer:
Thank you so much for asking your question on healthcare magic. I will do my best to help you.
There are many possible reasons for what you are experiencing, but it is most likely a combination of many factors. Menopause itself can increase the risk for weight gain, and changes the hormonal balance in your body significantly. It is almost certain that this is part of the problem. There are some herbal products that may help with menopausal symptoms such as dong Kwai, evening primrose and others.
However, stress and lifestyle changes are probably involved as well. It sounds like you were doing well with exercise last year, but the fact that this year it was harder to exercise may also be a contributory factor. Stress itself, and it sounds like you have many stressful issues in your life, can also cause some of these symptoms.
I would suggest though, that you get tested for thyroid disorders, which are common in women of this age group, and can effect weight gain and other things you are experiencing.
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards
it may be peri-menopause, but you should have your thyroid levels checked as well
Detailed Answer:
Thank you so much for asking your question on healthcare magic. I will do my best to help you.
There are many possible reasons for what you are experiencing, but it is most likely a combination of many factors. Menopause itself can increase the risk for weight gain, and changes the hormonal balance in your body significantly. It is almost certain that this is part of the problem. There are some herbal products that may help with menopausal symptoms such as dong Kwai, evening primrose and others.
However, stress and lifestyle changes are probably involved as well. It sounds like you were doing well with exercise last year, but the fact that this year it was harder to exercise may also be a contributory factor. Stress itself, and it sounds like you have many stressful issues in your life, can also cause some of these symptoms.
I would suggest though, that you get tested for thyroid disorders, which are common in women of this age group, and can effect weight gain and other things you are experiencing.
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I had my thyroid levels checked about 8 months ago and they were fine. I think undoubtedly depression is an issue and even went to a phycologist recently who was not much help and could not prescribe medications. The OBGYN I have been seeing for years is no longer covered under my insurance and she was the one that prescribed the Venoflaxine. My new insurance has no one in my area to see hence my reaching out to an online resource. My lack of energy is effecting my way of life and I have trouble even keeping my eyes open even after 7 hours sleep at night. Do you know of any other medications that you would recommend so that if I decide to pay out of pocket to go and see someone I have a guideline of what may help my mood / energy? I have also had a very "short fuse" with people including my 9 year old and it is concerning. I also want to mention that I underwent surgery in September of 2014 whereby they repaired a hernia and removed an ovary. It is really since then that my lifestyle began to take a slow downward spiral. Thanks so much.
Brief Answer:
Depression certainly need to be effectively treated.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks so much for the additional information.
You did give me a few hints that help identify the likely problem. The fact that this seems to have started with the removal of an ovary strongly suggests that menopause and the decrease in estrogen that follows is probably a very strong component of what is happening. The risk of depression also increases, and things seem to be spiraling downward from there.
I would strongly recommend immense two things. The first is to evaluate if Venlafaxine is doing the job for your depression. There is nothing wrong with that medicine but sometimes different medications work for different people. You should talk to your doctor about trying another medication. Possibly an SSRI like Zoloft which can help with menopausal symptoms as well.
I would also discuss hormone replacement therapy with the doctor. I usually recommend trying herbal therapies first, but if the symptoms are affecting your life so much, it might be worth considering going straight to real hormonal therapy.
I would also highly recommend getting back into regular exercise. I know that last year you would run regularly several miles a day. it is well known that regular exercise can improve your emotional symptoms and your weight and overall well being in so many ways.
All of these things together should help you a lot. I don't think hormonal testing at this point is necessary since it sounds like you have had testing until now which has been ok.
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any more questions.
Depression certainly need to be effectively treated.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks so much for the additional information.
You did give me a few hints that help identify the likely problem. The fact that this seems to have started with the removal of an ovary strongly suggests that menopause and the decrease in estrogen that follows is probably a very strong component of what is happening. The risk of depression also increases, and things seem to be spiraling downward from there.
I would strongly recommend immense two things. The first is to evaluate if Venlafaxine is doing the job for your depression. There is nothing wrong with that medicine but sometimes different medications work for different people. You should talk to your doctor about trying another medication. Possibly an SSRI like Zoloft which can help with menopausal symptoms as well.
I would also discuss hormone replacement therapy with the doctor. I usually recommend trying herbal therapies first, but if the symptoms are affecting your life so much, it might be worth considering going straight to real hormonal therapy.
I would also highly recommend getting back into regular exercise. I know that last year you would run regularly several miles a day. it is well known that regular exercise can improve your emotional symptoms and your weight and overall well being in so many ways.
All of these things together should help you a lot. I don't think hormonal testing at this point is necessary since it sounds like you have had testing until now which has been ok.
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any more questions.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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