Although I had been experiencing some minor symptoms that I can now put down to VA it was not until March/April this year that the problems escalated and became severe.
In January I started the 5/2 diet and by end of March had lost about 24 pounds.
Then the VA kicked in and the diet went down the swanny however I have subsequently read since that woman retain quite a lot of oestrogen in their fat cells particularly thigh area.
Has anyone else read this? I wonder if dieting depleted my already short supply of oestrogen and that is what escalated the symptoms. I am interested to know if anyone else becomes worse when they diet or lose weight as this could explain why sometimes you feel better than at other times.
Very interesting ... estrogen in the fat cells etc. I "suspect" that caffeine (coffee, chocolate etc) make my symptoms worse but never thought of dieting. I am not on a diet but I am conscience of what I eat. I keep trying to elminiate sugar, carbs, bad fats - I am going to be 65 soon and am finding my body changing in ways that I do not like. I am getting that round tummy thing and am so upset about it. The VA is terrible, using Vagifem, Vit E, coconut oil and I take D-Mannose to "try" to prevent UTI's - the uti symptoms are constant regardless. So I don't really "diet" and I try to be active. I walk as much as I can. But I am so uncomfortable all the time. Obviously, loss of estrogen due to my age has played a huge part in the VA etc. So your obversation about diet and fat cells sounds right on. Sorry I got so wordy....I think you are right.
Not heard of that one linda, sorry.
I haven't had that experience; the most I have lost is 4 lbs. Of course, all we hear about is obesity causing every problem imaginable. You have lost a significant amount! Are you at a "healthy weight" now?
Women who have had breast cancer are warned about fat because it does produce estrogen which they are supposed to avoid. Also certain foods like tofu.
However, in the case of VA they discuss very little! I've known for some time it isn't good to be too thin which is a bit ironic considering how concerned we all get about bodies changing as we get older. Maybe we just need to accept the fact and embrace what is! It's sad (to me) to see older women who are dressed like teen-agers or have very obviously dyed hair that isn't flattering. We aren't fooling anyone. I live near the ocean and I can say for a fact balding older men in bathing suits aren't winning any beauty contests!
There is a difference between a little belly fat & obesity. We need to focus more on our health in all respects, because without it life is not good for sure. And we need more info from our doctors...assuming they have it!