Thursday, June 19, 2014

Weight Loss and Menstruation

Weight is holding steady around 123. I like this. I think I am going to try to stay around 123... my menstrual cycles were getting a little too light and far apart at my lower weights, so I might need to carry just a few more pounds than 120-121 to keep a normal cycle. I do want to try to get pregnant this year (not in the next couple months as I get used to the new job, but in the fall... if it works out that way!) so I don't want to keep my body fat so low that my cycles are too light.

When I was obese, I had really awful, irregular cycles - would skip months, then stay for 2-3 weeks, and I felt awful (because of the extra weight AND the cramping, etc).

Since I got down to a "normal" BMI and had weights anywhere from 125-140, I had a really normal, predictable cycle, with minimal pain from cramping. It was like this for several years.

But in the past year, since I got down to my lowest weight of 118 for my wedding (then started to maintain around 120/121) and with all the stress of money/house/job/etc... things have been not as predictable and a little too light.

I do attribute a LOT of that to stress, but also think it wouldn't hurt if my body had a couple extra pounds (so I'd be around 123) to let my reproductive system know that I have the appropriate body to support a baby!

Still doing a lot of mental health work, being honest with myself, and learning that I need to view weight and my body for what they are - the tools for me to live in this world, to taste/see/touch/hear/smell all the wonderful things, to be with loved ones, etc. I don't need to be at my lowest weight ever to be attractive. I am strong and healthy right now and that is the goal!!

So, yep. Health is the goal. So is happiness :)

I want to find my body aesthetically pleasing, and I do. But I've learned that is NOT the most important thing. Most important is what my body can do!

I will be hiking up NY's 2nd highest mountain tomorrow (9 mile round trip) and 46ing Koda, if all goes well.

THAT is something I love that my body can do :)

Ok - off to work on the dissertation a little bit, then going to a free concert by the river!

Namaste <3

7 comments:

  1. sounds like you are in a really great place, Jeanette!

    ReplyDelete
  2. "learning that I need to view weight and my body for what they are - the tools for me to live in this world, to taste/see/touch/hear/smell all the wonderful things, to be with loved ones, etc. I don't need to be at my lowest weight ever to be attractive." I love this! I couldn't (and never have been able to!) say it better myself.

    Also I am excited for you treat pregnancy territory ahead of me. ;) I will definitely be following to see what the experience is like for you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wonderful entry. I think a lot of people lose sight that it is also about the mental work as well as the physical.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would suggest getting on prenatal vitamins now, if you are not already, to build up levels, especially folic acid. My personal opinion is that anyone of childbearing years, with a partner, where there could be a baby, needs to just stay on them in case.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My 20 year old is finishing early ed, special Ed degree, her emphasis is Autism. They are learning more and more about importance of prenatals. She said in one recent study it is not enough to be one them while pregnant, must be on them AT LEAST 3 mos before conception. This study was done thru brain autopsies (children with autism who died from unrelated things and whose parents wanted to further the study of cause/treatment).

      Delete
  5. Having PCOS I know all about going 2-3 months between cycles. Strangely now that I'm 50 everything is regular as clockwork ... what the hell?! The monthly water weight gain really messes with my head. Ah well ... the joys of womanhood, ey?

    ReplyDelete