Perimenopause #4 post your woes

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In addition to the misery of not losing any of my holiday weight, despite eating very healthily, the same types of foods that would normally shift it, no carbs etc, two months on bugger all has happened. I am now feeling really bloated. I look like I've shoved a balloon under my clothes and anything fitted hurts around my abdomen. I'm already taking a probiotic and a berberine supplement. Any suggestions?
 
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In addition to the misery of not losing any of my holiday weight, despite eating very healthily, the same types of foods that would normally shift it, no carbs etc, two months on bugger all has happened. I am now feeling really bloated. I look like I've shoved a balloon under my clothes and anything fitted hurts around my abdomen. I'm already taking a probiotic and a berberine supplement. Any suggestions?
Quit the berberine. It can have gastro side effects including constipation and bloating. It’s kind of how it serves to operate- slowing down digestion so you feel fuller for longer. I used it a while and ended up chronically constipated.

Also carbs aren’t the enemy. Weight loss is all down to calorie deficit. Just when you have carbs, try to ensure they’re the higher fibre kind, and serve with protein and or large, to prevent blood sugar spikes and improve satiation. And plenty of water and movement to support digestion.

This isn’t just generic advice. It is decades of experience with weight loss and hunger management.
 
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I've only just started the berberine as, it was recommended for digestion. I've not had any issues with constipation, but it could very well explain the bloating, the timing works. I only drink water and squash, so, I'm covered there but will try to add more in.
 
I've only just started the berberine as, it was recommended for digestion. I've not had any issues with constipation, but it could very well explain the bloating, the timing works. I only drink water and squash, so, I'm covered there but will try to add more in.
Who recommended berberine for digestion? That’s bonkers advice. If you take it long enough I reckon the constipation could kick in. Or it is a known side effect but I am especially prone to it.

I love anything that makes water more fun to drink. I find plain water almost unbearable now 🫣
 
Who recommended berberine for digestion? That’s bonkers advice. If you take it long enough I reckon the constipation could kick in. Or it is a known side effect but I am especially prone to it.

I love anything that makes water more fun to drink. I find plain water almost unbearable now 🫣
Someone on another thread here, they had weight / bloating issues. I'll stop and see if that helps.
 
Someone on another thread here, they had weight / bloating issues. I'll stop and see if that helps.
Oh gosh. Which strange internet person should you trust?! I saw someone mention berberine was a natural GLP1 and my anorexic brain immediately went into a rabbit hole. There is some good evidence that it can help support weight loss. But the gastro side effects ruled it out for me, like many on actual GLP1s.

When I see an interesting recommendation here I use it to go inspire my googling. This article gives a nice little overview of berberine uses and side effects and comes from a reputable medical source.

 
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In addition to the misery of not losing any of my holiday weight, despite eating very healthily, the same types of foods that would normally shift it, no carbs etc, two months on bugger all has happened. I am now feeling really bloated. I look like I've shoved a balloon under my clothes and anything fitted hurts around my abdomen. I'm already taking a probiotic and a berberine supplement. Any suggestions?
I've just come to moan about this. My clothes still fit but they feel so tight and uncomfortable. I'm wearing baggier clothes to feel more comfy but then I look bigger and don't feel put together in anyway. Have just had a cry about photos taken of me out yesterday. I want to look better but it all feels so overwhelming. And the heat really doesn't help
 
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I've just come to moan about this. My clothes still fit but they feel so tight and uncomfortable. I'm wearing baggier clothes to feel more comfy but then I look bigger and don't feel put together in anyway. Have just had a cry about photos taken of me out yesterday. I want to look better but it all feels so overwhelming. And the heat really doesn't help
I really feel your pain. I constantly get my weight used as a retort at work. I’m in a role where I need to abide by and enforce basic standards and regularly hear comments. If I wear black I’m a large goth. If i wear a lighter colour I’m a hippo etc etc. My daughter is due to get married next year so I took the decision to start Wegovy tablets. Lowest dose and only 1 week in but feeling positive and using this to also change my eating habits and mindset. It’s going to be a long road but I’m committed
 
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I really feel your pain. I constantly get my weight used as a retort at work. I’m in a role where I need to abide by and enforce basic standards and regularly hear comments. If I wear black I’m a large goth. If i wear a lighter colour I’m a hippo etc etc. My daughter is due to get married next year so I took the decision to start Wegovy tablets. Lowest dose and only 1 week in but feeling positive and using this to also change my eating habits and mindset. It’s going to be a long road but I’m committed
😳 Who says these things to you??!! You shouldn't have to put up with that!
 
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😳 Who says these things to you??!! You shouldn't have to put up with that!
Various witchy women. Done the HR thing.. nothing done, spoken with managers.. same story . I choose to ignore now but I’m tackling it quietly as I do know I need to. They’ll need a new insult soon 🤣
 
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Various witchy women. Done the HR thing.. nothing done, spoken with managers.. same story . I choose to ignore now but I’m tackling it quietly as I do know I need to. They’ll need a new insult soon 🤣
Absolute C words 😤 Sorry you have to deal with such nasty people 😞
 
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Various witchy women. Done the HR thing.. nothing done, spoken with managers.. same story . I choose to ignore now but I’m tackling it quietly as I do know I need to. They’ll need a new insult soon 🤣

You seriously need to follow up with HR as this is a tribunal in the making. Nobody should be putting up with abuse like this in any context but especially not at work. Keep notes of days/times this happens and hound HR, make noises about taking them to a tribunal, sign yourself off sick with stress due to bullying. Seriously, in 2026 this is unacceptable. Make HR tit themselves so they have to take action.
 
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Various witchy women. Done the HR thing.. nothing done, spoken with managers.. same story . I choose to ignore now but I’m tackling it quietly as I do know I need to. They’ll need a new insult soon 🤣
Get a new job then tell the witches to go duck themselves as you walk out.
 
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You know the thing about our parents generation not talking about menopause/ not experiencing it….i think part of that is cos they didn’t have to live through a summer where it was hotter than the bleeping sun for weeks at a time.

Yes I am sweating! 😝
 
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You know the thing about our parents generation not talking about menopause/ not experiencing it….i think part of that is cos they didn’t have to live through a summer where it was hotter than the bleeping sun for weeks at a time.

Yes I am sweating! 😝
I am sat with my feet in a bowl of cold water (makes such a difference) and my sheet I sleep under is currently in the freezer. I don't know if it s the general heat or menopause any more but I too am hotter than satan's armpit.
 
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I sleep on my side with a fan directed at my backside which does the job. I bet you have some beautiful mental images.
 
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Peri is kicking my a today.
I feel so emotional and my heart is racing. I’m supposed to be going to my mums this evening but I’m really going to have to grit my teeth to deal with her. We’re not close! I do crash out occasionally and I guess this is one of those days! I could reach out to a friend but don’t know how to articulate it and I think she has been working today. I just feel overwhelmed and meh. 😢🤯
I hope you’re all feeling relieved by the drop in temperature today! I think I am getting off lightly hot flush wise as a person who used to feel the cold. The night sweats have been grim though! 🥵
 
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Peri is kicking my a today.
I feel so emotional and my heart is racing. I’m supposed to be going to my mums this evening but I’m really going to have to grit my teeth to deal with her. We’re not close! I do crash out occasionally and I guess this is one of those days! I could reach out to a friend but don’t know how to articulate it and I think she has been working today. I just feel overwhelmed and meh. 😢🤯
I hope you’re all feeling relieved by the drop in temperature today! I think I am getting off lightly hot flush wise as a person who used to feel the cold. The night sweats have been grim though! 🥵
hate days like this - hope tomorrow is better xx
 
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I really struggle with allergies to things that have been in my life for many many years causing hives and general skin irritation. Latest one is my aerosol deodorant that I’ve used for as long as I can remember. While I’m really glad I’ve identified the source I’m also bracing myself for the next thing my body decides to take a dislike to that will be difficult to identify
 
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