The Scoop

I used to always say, move it or lose it. But now I like “you rest, you rust.” It’s a fun take on the same idea.

My fitness journey this summer has been a little wonky. I have been very active but not in the formal exercise way. I stay busy with projects around the house getting on average 13,000 steps a day. I also walk my dogs. Yoga and walking have been maybe a couple of times a week.

So, this month I have been on a mission to get back to a better routine. As I have said before, a fit life is a journey, not a destination. So, there will be ups and downs and we have no choice but to keep experimenting and searching for what works for us at any given time.

HRT

One thing I know for sure is that HRT enhanced my life for more than a decade. I was put on HRT right at menopause and for about 15 years was able to stay fit and keep my blood work at a good place. I could diet and exercise without pain or problems.

Then a year and half ago, to put me on a more effective dose of estrogen (another long story) I went through hell. Most of the doctors I was seeing had no idea how to manage HRT but instead of telling me they didn’t, they seemed to throw shit at the fan. Everyone told me something radically different.

Going from normal hormone levels to almost no hormones in my body resulted in a down turn that was swift and hard. My total cholesterol went from 165 to 225 in one year and aligned with my hormone levels going from normal to zero. Other health indicators showed similar relationships. My body started hurting, joints muscles, all over. My ears started ringing, hot flashes, depression and even carpal tunnel to name a few unnecessary symptoms.

At this point I am seeing a clinician who just smiles and stares blankly at me while I tell her what I want. Then prescribes what I tell her I need acting like she knows what I am talking about. I even had to give her a lesson in what dosages are available and how they are to be administered. She didn’t know how to write the prescription. I’ve seen people who were certified in menopause and HRT that gave me terrible advice. I have been doing my research for close to 20 years and know when someone is clueless.

It has taken me about two years to bring my hormone levels back to normal and myself back to almost normal but some of the damage done I feel can’t be reversed. Many in the health care industry let me down big time as they have for women for decades. A must read is “Estrogen Matters” if you want to know what I mean.

I think I am at a point where HRT is doing all it can. My cholesterol is going down and the only symptoms I continue to encounter are joint and muscle pain which leads to stress (all bad inflammation). I order all my own bloodwork through Life Extension and only bring in a physician if I need something. I stay up on all the research for women my age. There are helpful resources if you know where and how to find them.  And I have learned that taking it easy does not make it better. Moving and working out routinely helps the most.

But after 64 years I am tired of routine workouts. I still love to walk and do yoga but they are not bringing me as much joy or relief and they used to. I need to shake it up.

Last year we got a rowing machine because my husband thought he would like it. But then he joined a gym and I used it some but mostly it was taking up space.

This month I turned one of our guest rooms into a home gym. I put the rowing machine in it and now I am rowing! I have learned that it does so much for your body. You can strength train every muscle while getting in cardio and/or HIIT. The three pillars of staying well as you age.

I found so many YouTube videos to work out with showing me all the benefits, and ways to use my machine. And it is something new and fun to try while being gentle on my joints but still strengthen them.

So there you go! Move It or Lose It update for Summer 2024.