Long distance running
I had a dream about running my first full marathon at my 40th, but I was recently diagnosed with early-onset menopause (as I am 39 it might be probably POF). Before that, I was running only smaller distances, like half marathons, and even had to decrease my running intensity as I was still gaining weight and start sensing my joints upon runs.
Do you think my problem with the weight and joints go away with HRT? Will it be safe to go back for long-distance training and even still attempt to run a full marathon in my early 40-s?
Thank you so much for creating this community!
Julie
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Official comment
Hi Julie-
Thank you so much for sharing your situation. As a long distance runner myself I can appreciate your goal to complete a full marathon. That is awesome. As a dietitian and exercise physiologist I do think there is still the possibility that you could return to running with or without HRT. Generally speaking HRT does not alleviate menopause related weight gain, but it may help with joint pain. That being said the following lifestyle related strategies may be helpful in getting you back to your training:
- Focus on increasing anti-inflammatory nutrients. This article, 'Joint pain and menopause: please pass the blueberries' has more info.
- Incorporate resistance training into your overall training plan.
- Allow time for recovery from workouts (maybe more than you have in the past) and include foam rolling, massage, mobility training or other modalities to enhance muscle and joint recovery.
- Try Gennev's Vitality, a supplement formulated for specifically for women in peri and post menopause with nutrients that can support joint health and energy metabolism.
Working with one of Gennev's dietitians to get holistic support in getting you back to training is another great option to consider. Take a look at the different plans we offer and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Stasi Kasianchuk MS, RDN, CSSD, CSCS, EP-C
Gennev Director of Health CoachingComment actions -
Julie,
This is Dr Rebecca, HRT can help with some of the joint pain we see with onset of menopause. It doesn't really help with weight loss, though it can halt to redistribution of weight that we see. At your age we might actually recommend a higher dose of hormone, such as a birth control pill, as sometimes the ovaries will "reawaken" and you still need contraception, but you'll also feel better with a higher level at this age.
I want to make sure you have seen an OBGYN or endocrinologist familiar with ovarian failure. At 39 if you truly have POF it is worth taking HRT in order to protect your bones and CV system from early aging, at least until the more regular age of menopause. It is also good to have an evaluation to see if you have another cause for early loss of menses.
Stasi and her crew are a great resource for maximizing you health and exercise during menopause!
All the best,
Dr. Rebecca
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Thank you so much, Stasi!
Really appreciate your input, especially about anti-inflammatory nutrients! I am dreading osteoporosis, but there is also an inflammation component. It is encouraging to hear that I could still probably do some personal records in running!
I will definitely consider consulting with dieticians. Many thanks again!
Julie
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