The Reality of Birth Control and Weight Gain

It's widely accepted that birth control pills can indeed lead to weight gain. While many articles claim that diet and exercise can help reverse this, my experience suggests otherwise. I worked out more rigorously and adopted a healthier diet, even avoiding fats and sugars. Yet, despite my efforts, I lost only two pounds over a month— a feat that should have been easily attainable.

After experiencing pancreatitis, which severely limited my appetite for weeks, I saw no change. Frustrated by the side effects, and after confirming that my uterine lining had returned to a healthy state, I decided to discontinue Norethindrone under my doctor’s guidance. Remarkably, I lost three pounds in the two weeks since stopping the medication, all while following the same regimen I had during treatment.

The Need for Understanding and Support

Women should not be blamed for weight gain, especially when hormonal factors are rarely considered until approaching perimenopause. In my search for treatments for perimenopausal symptoms, every suggestion involved increasing exercise. However, I find it hard to believe that exercise is the sole solution for every symptom.

Determined to improve my fitness, I now prioritize working out five times a week. I alternate between 30 to 45 minutes on the stair climber and treadmill sessions, rounding out my cardio with weightlifting for 15 to 30 minutes. After receiving guidance from a personal trainer, I feel confident in my technique.

Additionally, I've adopted a high-fiber, low-fat diet tailored for perimenopausal women. While I understand not all women may follow this regimen, I know many are putting in equal effort without seeing results, and the medical community often overlooks these complexities.

The Gender Bias in Wellness Programs

My company has a wellness program that, while well-intentioned, reveals an inherent sexism. Annual requirements for bloodwork and body measurements can lead to penalties for those who do not meet specific criteria. Given that perimenopausal women often gain weight— particularly around the abdomen— the criteria for BMI, body fat, and waist circumference pose challenges.

Moreover, perimenopause tends to increase total cholesterol levels, especially LDL or "bad" cholesterol. This raises questions about whether such wellness plans are indeed fair to women experiencing these physiological changes.

Feeling Overlooked During Perimenopause

Perhaps it’s the perimenopause talking, but I can’t shake the feeling that society is unsupportive at this stage of life. The world seems tailored for young, healthy individuals, leaving many women feeling disregarded and unattractive. There’s a notable lack of understanding from the medical community about the significant changes every woman encounters during mid-life.

This transition affects all women, even those who have undergone full hysterectomies, often leading to more abrupt and intense symptoms. So why is there so little research on a phenomenon that impacts half the population?

A Call for Change

I recognize that I’m addressing a topic likely resonating with many middle-aged women, but it’s crucial that we prioritize research on women’s health. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this matter.

As a former welfare mother turned successful fund accountant, I have learned valuable lessons about life, health, and wellness. If you found this article insightful, consider supporting my work or sharing your thoughts.