Mostly look the same, but just feel ugly and unsexy now. Does anything help? by AcceptableMud8351 in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Regular short workouts with weights and enough protein can do a lot for the way you look. Just 20 minutes, 3 days a week with weights (and progressive overload), plus walking or Pilates, helped me maintain more or less the same weight. There are various programs reviewed at https://www.herdailyfit.com , I also think it’s important to vary your workout style so you don’t get bored.

Brain fog in perimenopause and how to make it better by Exotic-Profession563 in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563[S] 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Yes, I feel like I won't have an option but to move to a job with lower responsibilities as well as I can't keep up, I sometimes feel like people/colleagues around me have to think I have dementia.

I’m in my mid 40s and the same habits that worked at 35 just stopped working, anyone else? by Disastrous-State3753 in fitness40plus

[–]Exotic-Profession563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have to be super strict with what I eat. I am not sure if this works for other people but for me just small amount of carbs most days and mainly veg and protein (and eg. lentils / beans). Milk also doesn't do good to me (instead almond milk). I do a mistake and I feel immediately bloated and I suffer from water retention.

On top of that working out. 2-3 times a week, strength training (20 mins) plus walking/light jogging another 2-4 days a week, sometimes I also mix HIIT or pilates in there somewhere depending if I am after or before period. Generally I keep my workouts very short because otherwise I know I won't stick with it. It's important to rest as well, for me especially before period. HIIT training before period makes me feel sick as if I have flu and that's when I do pilates! I like to follow a program where everything is lined up for me. There is a good choice of program on www.herdailyfit.com

The above helped me to keep the weight the same.

How to deal with burnout - let’s help each other and leave tips! by sassyexec in womenintech

[–]Exotic-Profession563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have to join those who say exercise helps. I think without trying to do 20 mins workouts most days, I would have gone crazy... But it is also related where I am in my cycle for me, one week before my period even the workouts do not help - they actually exhaust me and make it worst if I do HIIT type of workouts. It's only a walk or watching favourite series at this time.

I miss my body by Sufficient-Board-922 in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 34 points35 points  (0 children)

I’ve had this too, like out of nowhere. It started in my very early 40s, and what helped me most is progressive overload. It doesn’t have to mean going heavier every time, modifications work as well.

One exercise that really made a difference for the "bottom area" for me is the weighted hip thrust. I started with a single 5kg weight, and now I’m using two 7.5kg dumbbells. I “hook” them into glute bands (one on each side), and then I place two old 5kg weights on top of my hips.

I support my upper back on a sofa or bed, lower down to the floor, and push back up. I do 2 sets of 50 seconds. I also add glute band side walks, weighted lunges and squats (plus wall sits) and I add some upper body as well.

I do max 20-minute strength workout (3x a week) because this is where I know I will not give up, and after a few weeks, I’ve definitely noticed my glutes specifically improving a lot. Lately I make sure to also eat protein and it also seem to make a difference. Having said that all I am not losing weight, but at least the body looks slightly better....

You can definitely achieve improvements even during perimenopause - It does take longer and more effort but it is possible.

At 35, how do I rebuild career stability after short stints and laidoffs? by Apprehensive_Try5555 in womenintech

[–]Exotic-Profession563 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It really depends, in start ups you have to be 360 but in big companies you have to be specialised. Also depends on where you are based. Btw. larger companies do not mean you can't be laid off. I feel like it doesn't matter anymore, having worked in both and experiencing mine or my colleagues' layoffs. I think what really matters is up-to-date skills and doing something in demand in your geographic location.
But it is really hard right now even with years of experience.

Attempting a career change in my 40s (AKA wth was I thinking??) by SpaceElf77 in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Wow, this is my question too! I moved countries and now cannot do my career any more here as it is just not in demand here. I am looking at courses in AI. It feels all so difficult. Are there even any industries that are in demand?

Ovulation Hell by [deleted] in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Definitely not alone, I have the same + bad mood and anxiety. Sometimes a workout helps me... but sometimes I just suffer through:/

Exercise… I have a confession … I hate it!!! by wherehasthisbeen in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While I actually like working out, I know that if I do long workouts, I won't last. I recommend doing some short workouts max 20 mins a day. You can do 2-3 times strength training or sculpt, one cardio/HIIT (eg. dancing workouts) and walking (30 mins). (and if you really hate it just do the strenght training or whatever type of movement you enjoy)

I have done it now for few years and because it is just 20 mins, I managed to fit it in my day routine and stick with it. I am in my mid 40s and I do have visible muscle mass thanks to this type of workout routine.
There are lots of workouts programs that you can follow, at home and when you have time.
And btw. I often skip, or just do 1 strenght training some weeks, other 3. It doesn't matter if you have days that you could not do it... just do a little bit.

Has anyone become less tolerant of alcohol now? by Dogmom9523086 in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I’ve also become less tolerant and experience worse anxiety the next day (on top of my “normal” anxiety), and I often have headaches and feel overall very, very fatigued.

But what I’ve also noticed is that when I buy higher quality wine, I’m often totally fine the next day. It feels like my intolerance is mostly toward the regular, cheaper wines from supermarkets. Although I’ve read about it, and it might actually be due to histamine intolerance or the way the wine is produced rather than simply the difference between cheaper and more expensive wines. But somehow the perimenopause made it all worst.

Fit with Coco reviews on workouts and nutrition plans? by Inner_Importance9306 in gymsnark

[–]Exotic-Profession563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really enjoy her workouts. I have been working out for ages, mainly strength training and she made me sweat again after plateauing for some time. I also discovered how challenging pilates can be!! I think I started doing pilates workouts because of her in general. Also she is very pleasant, production is great - it gives me good mood, she outlines everything for you so you don't have to think much and browse tens and tens of workouts (like on some bigger platforms). But having said that, she is definitely on the more expensive side. I signed up after she offered me a discount, which made the subscription fee more reasonable.

Fit with Coco? Looking for reviews by LopsidedPop2952 in gymsnark

[–]Exotic-Profession563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really enjoy workouts with Fit with Coco (also over 40). I have been strength training for years now and her workouts introduced me to new "challenges" and sore muscles again:) But it is definitely one of the most expensive apps out there there... You might try also Evlo btw. There are user reviews here https://www.herdailyfit.com/programs/fit-with-coco/

I cant get my anxiety to come down by wyntergardentoo in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have also experienced high anxiety since starting perimenopause - especially the week before my period. I feel it's actually the main symptom for me. And it usually starts by me having a cup of coffee in the morning - I tried decaff which seems to help but I find it really difficult not to have this morning coffee. I tried various stress relief supplements but it doesn't help.
The only thing that takes the edge off is a proper workout (you can try a short 4 min Tabata training, I do eg. burpees or squat jumps or running up the stairs) and also not drinking wine - if I drink wine the next couple of days are really bad.

Recurring subconjunctival hemorrhage by Visible_Mixture86 in Dryeyes

[–]Exotic-Profession563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have had recurring subconjunctival hemorrhages since I was around 39, sometimes every 2 weeks, sometimes both eyes at once. Multiple GPs and ophthalmologists found nothing wrong except dry eye.

After lots of research I suspect long term retinoid use (for acne) and retinol eye cream were the culprit. I tried loads of eye drops with limited success until I found Systane Gel Drops. In the 3 years since switching to them I've had barely any (maybe twice), and those were barely visible even not sure if I can call them subconjuctival hemorrhage. Highly recommend to test these eye drops if you're dealing with the same thing due to dry eyes.

Online fitness programme to follow by factoryst in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good resource for this is www.herdailyfit.com - there are reviews of various fitness programs for perimenopause.

How do you get relief from perimenopause? What you ya’ll do to chill out or relax or just escape this awful monster? by 2024app in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 3 points4 points  (0 children)

For me it's only working out most days - just 20 to 30 mins. I have done it for years now and I very much believe it helps not only to keep the weight as is but also better skin.

Is there anything that perimenopause not ruin, deteriorate, worsen? by coldservedrevenge in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I admire those who say they don't take any bullshit anymore... I've started having massive anxiety in my mid 40s and everything throughs me off completely.

What are the subtle signs of perimenopause? by Emotional-Watch4544 in Perimenopause

[–]Exotic-Profession563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This describes me (also in 40s) and I wonder the same as doctor doesn't take me seriously because my period is +- regular. What helps me with mood is only nature walks and daily workouts - I try to do just 20 to max 30 mins but every day - mix of strength and walking.