Just thought I'd give an update, to keep the conversation going...because women our age need to talk about these things!!
Last week I was referred to a Women's Health Center and a PA that specializes in perimenopause/menopause. She was a great listener and I found her very helpful. We talked a lot about sleep. I've not been sleeping well at all, the night sweats waking me up multiple times a night, almost every night. She said lack of sleep alone can cause weight gain, not to mention all the other hormonal stuff going on. She put me on the estrogen patch with progesterone pill. We are hoping that will help with better quality sleep. She also said it may help lower my blood pressure, which has been creeping up the last 2 years. She mentioned it might help with weight gain, but to keep my expectations low on that front. So fingers crossed, it will at least help me sleep better.
The other thing I wanted to mention is that I've been working with both a gastroenterologist and an allergist. Long story short, through a series of elimination diets, we've discovered I have a gluten sensitivity. The gastro confirmed it is not celiac, thankfully, but he's bouncing me back to the allergist because I've had a couple of episodes of hives after eating wheat products. Whether it's gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy, I'm avoiding it because I feel sooooo much better!!!
So I'm hoping these things will help me feel less like a zombie/lunatic and I can get back to focusing on running. I'll try to give an update in a couple of months.