Hello all...

I'm 43 (soon to be 44) and I thought I was going crazy with all the mood swings and getting upset over the slightest things. My husband avoided me and my dogs would run when I entered the room.....basically, I was "hell-on-wheels!!" I couldn't take it any longer, therefore, I went to the dr. and I was told I was going through perimenopause (my periods were regular but I was very bloated, irritable, water retention, etc.). My dr. put me on Paxil which I stayed on for 2 months but the weight gain was unreal. Then my dr. put me on Lexapro and again the weight gain was coming on! I began to feel depressed and sad as I was working out and eating well to no avail. Two months of Lexapro, then my dr. put me on Effexor... the thing is, all the meds were GREAT for the monthly periods (no bloating, feeling Happy and less stressful) except for the weight gain. Now that I've been on Effexor for 2 weeks, I don't know if this medication is causing any weight gain or not. Anyone been on any of these meds for perimenopause? I feel like a million bucks and Effexor (as well as the others) make me feel wonderful, great and happy on the inside. My husband and dogs don't avoid or run from me any longer!! I just have joy, joy, joy down in my heart!! Please let me know if any of you have been on any of these medications and if you can offer any solutions for the weight gain, I'd appreciate all your help.....thanks again!!!

cocohoney :bouncing:

Hello all...

I'm 43 (soon to be 44) and I thought I was going crazy with all the mood swings and getting upset over the slightest things. My husband avoided me and my dogs would run when I entered the room.....basically, I was "hell-on-wheels!!" I couldn't take it any longer, therefore, I went to the dr. and I was told I was going through perimenopause (my periods were regular but I was very bloated, irritable, water retention, etc.). My dr. put me on Paxil which I stayed on for 2 months but the weight gain was unreal. Then my dr. put me on Lexapro and again the weight gain was coming on! I began to feel depressed and sad as I was working out and eating well to no avail. Two months of Lexapro, then my dr. put me on Effexor... the thing is, all the meds were GREAT for the monthly periods (no bloating, feeling Happy and less stressful) except for the weight gain. Now that I've been on Effexor for 2 weeks, I don't know if this medication is causing any weight gain or not. Anyone been on any of these meds for perimenopause? I feel like a million bucks and Effexor (as well as the others) make me feel wonderful, great and happy on the inside. My husband and dogs don't avoid or run from me any longer!! I just have joy, joy, joy down in my heart!! Please let me know if any of you have been on any of these medications and if you can offer any solutions for the weight gain, I'd appreciate all your help.....thanks again!!!

cocohoney :bouncing:

Hi Cocohoney,

I think most woman in their 40's start to gain this weight gain, especially around the waistline and stomach area. Your body is changing. With me, even working out and eating healthy, didn't help. However, when I turned 50 last year and started to feel strangely horrible in Aug. 03, I was eventually put on Paxil CR in mid-Dec. I have lost weight since this whole pre-meno ordeal started. I did lose my appetite (anxiety) for several months and was forcing myself to eat a little something so I ate something every 3-4 hrs. or so. But since using Paxil, I haven't gained any weight back either. I am sure I'm in peri-meno and just entering menopause - haven't had my period since Nov.

The only suggestion I have is to work out more than you normally do, eat several healthy small meals a day vs. 3 regular meals and drink lots of water.

It's amazing that you used Paxil, Lexapro, Effexor without any other side effects (except the weight gain)?

Molly :wave:

Please let me know if any of you have been on any of these medications and if you can offer any solutions for the weight gain, I'd appreciate all your help.....thanks again!!! Well, I haven't been on these medications, but as a perimenopausal woman, managed to pack on the weight in my 40's without any assistance. :eek:
Tried and failed many diets. :(
I finally found success with the Fat Flush Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman. The beauty of her eating plan is that it not only helps you lose weight, but balances your hormones in the process so many symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause simply disappear.
I feel like a new woman, I tell you what!

best wishes,

charli
highest wt: 233
203/146/146
age: 50 and perky to the max :bouncing: :jester:

I am also 43 soon to be 44 in the summertime. I have gained probably 10-13 pounds in a year's time. I am going through perimenopause, I have been for 2 years now. My skin is thinner than ever, I look like an old woman. I am 5'3" and now weigh 130 pounds. Most all of my life I have weighed 118-122 and I could drop a couple of pounds anytime> NOT ANY MORE!!!! My husband and I work out 5 days a week at a gym and we really do not eat alot or unhealthy but I CANNOT lose this weight. It is mostly around my belly. I am on Celexa , small dose, but I have some anxities that's why i am on it,. I like the way I feel on it.

Maybe after we hit 50 we will go through menapause and be able to lose the weight then.

Good Luck

Coaches wife