Was told to gain weight :-/

CHD84

So, I had my appointment today for my long cycle (I haven't had my period in 3 months). The doctor told me that I should gain weight to help increase estrogen. ?!

But here's the crazy thing, I have actually been trying to lose weight (I've been doing weight watchers for the last month). I'm totally average size, not too skinny at all. (And for those curious I am 126-128 depending on the day and 5'7"). Totally normal. And I know many, many women who are much smaller than I am who have gotten pregnant. 

 Has anyone been told to gain weight due to long cycles? And if so, did you and did it help? 

TeeJ526

Your weight is definitely in the normal range. Just curious, how much weight did your doctor suggest you gain?

CHD84

First she said I should do 135 but then probably saw the shock on my face and said 130. Haha

On a side note, I decided I am going to concentrate on gaining muscle through exercise instead of gaining weight. I'm just not convinced thats the answer. 

braintree

I don't know much about a long cycle, but before my 1st pregnancy I had the exact same height/weight as you.  And I got pregnant in 3 months.  This time around, I weigh 120 and my dr. still wasn't concerned at all.  On the other hand, my sister was also told to gain weight to get pregnant, and she wasn't rail thin.  I wonder if it depends on the dr.  I don't know if this helps you at all, but good luck to you!

ladyteach0505

Total newb here, but I wonder if it would be less headache for you to take an estrogen supplement?  I guess gaining weight is a worthwhile experiment, but hmm...

Rocknroll64

CHD84:

First she said I should do 135 but then probably saw the shock on my face and said 130. Haha

On a side note, I decided I am going to concentrate on gaining muscle through exercise instead of gaining weight. I'm just not convinced thats the answer. 

Seriously? She thinks 2-3lbs will make that much of a difference?

I'm the same weight as you but I'm 5 '9' and I have long cycles and my doctor has never mentioned that weight would be an issue.  

Milagros315

I've been wondering about this lately. According to BMI, I am slightly underweight. None of my doctors were worried because I have always been this size as an adult and I have regular seemingly ovulatory cycles. I've been wondering if gaining weight would help, but most things I read suggest there is only a problem if you aren't ovulating.

Did you have a blood test to confirm your estrogen is low or does your doctor just think it might be because based on your weight?

CHD84

Milagros315:

I've been wondering about this lately. According to BMI, I am slightly underweight. None of my doctors were worried because I have always been this size as an adult and I have regular seemingly ovulatory cycles. I've been wondering if gaining weight would help, but most things I read suggest there is only a problem if you aren't ovulating. Did you have a blood test to conform your estrogen is low or does your doctor just think it might be because based on your weight?

 She did an exam and said my lining was very thin. I also have been very dry lately. They did take a blood taste but don't have the results yet.  

curlylocks3

ladyteach0505:

Total newb here, but I wonder if it would be less headache for you to take an estrogen supplement?  I guess gaining weight is a worthwhile experiment, but hmm...

Supplements come with their fair share of side effects and risks. 

TeeJ526

CHD84:

Milagros315:

I've been wondering about this lately. According to BMI, I am slightly underweight. None of my doctors were worried because I have always been this size as an adult and I have regular seemingly ovulatory cycles. I've been wondering if gaining weight would help, but most things I read suggest there is only a problem if you aren't ovulating. Did you have a blood test to conform your estrogen is low or does your doctor just think it might be because based on your weight?

 She did an exam and said my lining was very thin. I also have been very dry lately. They did take a blood taste but don't have the results yet.  

I hope your blood test results come back soon to give you and your doctor a clearer picture of what's going on. I can't say for sure, but not sure if a couple of pounds of weigh gain will help.

Htle07

I'm petite at 5'3 weighing 100. On a good day 102. Haven't been asked to gain weight yet. My doctors know we're trying to conceive the last time I visited. My sisters are even smaller and have gotten pregnant recently.

microchik

This is so weird to me... as a person coming from the opposite side of the spectrum I wonder if my weight is an issue, but since I've been getting pregnant, I didn't think so.  Plus my doctor never mentioned it.  Seems to me like 2-3 pounds would make no difference... and that your weight is perfectly normal... and that I'm jealous.  (Just wanted so slide that in there!)    Good luck!

RunCC37

Interesting. Is your BMI in the low range? My BMI is right on the border of "healthy" and "underweight" so I've asked my OB and RE if I should be concerned. They both said no, but then again, I have "regular" cycles (average 26 days, and I ovulate most natural cycles on my own).

My RE was mostly concerned about the intensity of my workouts. I don't know if that's a concern for you. I'm a marathon runner, so he told me to scale way back (under an hour a day with low to moderate intensity). His reasoning was 1) increased risk of an ovarian torsion on a medicated cycle and 2) avoiding "survival mode/fight vs. flight." The analogy he gave me was that cave women didn't run for hours, but if they did it was because their survival was threatened. Those cave women would not get pregnant because of the stress of survival took over. Take that for what it's worth... I'm still having a hard time accepting it myself, but maybe it'll be useful to you.

Milagros315

CHD84:

Milagros315:

I've been wondering about this lately. According to BMI, I am slightly underweight. None of my doctors were worried because I have always been this size as an adult and I have regular seemingly ovulatory cycles. I've been wondering if gaining weight would help, but most things I read suggest there is only a problem if you aren't ovulating.

Did you have a blood test to conform your estrogen is low or does your doctor just think it might be because based on your weight?

 She did an exam and said my lining was very thin. I also have been very dry lately. They did take a blood taste but don't have the results yet.  

Oh I see. Well I hope you get some more answers after you have the results of the blood test!

I'm trying to gain a bit of weight. As PP said, if you're already small, gaining a few pounds can be a substantial change. If your doctor thinks just a few pounds could help you, I would probably give it a try. Good luck!

Valie18

CHD84:

Milagros315:

I've been wondering about this lately. According to BMI, I am slightly underweight. None of my doctors were worried because I have always been this size as an adult and I have regular seemingly ovulatory cycles. I've been wondering if gaining weight would help, but most things I read suggest there is only a problem if you aren't ovulating. Did you have a blood test to conform your estrogen is low or does your doctor just think it might be because based on your weight?

 She did an exam and said my lining was very thin. I also have been very dry lately. They did take a blood taste but don't have the results yet.  

I'm the same height and weight as you, but it's not caused any disruption to my cycles ... I think. I understand that where you carry your weight matters too. I'm not a doctor, but if for example you're very muscular maybe 128 isn't enough.

I hope your blood results bring clarity! 

EmeJay

OP - Can I ask you why you've been doing Weight Watchers for the last month? Perhaps you cut your calories too drastically, and it might be why your MD had a concern?

 

tiaandraj

EmeJay:

OP - Can I ask you why you've been doing Weight Watchers for the last month? Perhaps you cut your calories too drastically, and it might be why your MD had a concern?

I was wondering the same thing, at that height and weight, you shouldn't  be looking to lose anymore. I could see building muscle maybe, but not lose weight.

CHD84

tiaandraj:

EmeJay:

OP - Can I ask you why you've been doing Weight Watchers for the last month? Perhaps you cut your calories too drastically, and it might be why your MD had a concern?

I was wondering the same thing, at that height and weight, you shouldn't  be looking to lose anymore. I could see building muscle maybe, but not lose weight.

 I was on Lexapro for anxiety and weaned myself off (with my dr) to TTC. Well, then I started stress eating and ended up gaining 10 lbs in 3 months!! So that's why I went on WW to get back to my "normal" weight. I ended up only losing about 5 lbs. 

 But that's what is so crazy... I told my GYN all this (and it was actually when I was a bit heavier when my cycles disappeared.) And I am technically heavier now than when I started TTC. 

 I am not convinced my super long cycle is weight related... I think it has more to do to my anxiety/stress and being off my meds. I'm surprised my Dr didnt think that thought! 

Sigh..... 

CHD84

GhostMonkey:

CHD84:

tiaandraj:

EmeJay:

OP - Can I ask you why you've been doing Weight Watchers for the last month? Perhaps you cut your calories too drastically, and it might be why your MD had a concern?

I was wondering the same thing, at that height and weight, you shouldn't  be looking to lose anymore. I could see building muscle maybe, but not lose weight.

 I was on Lexapro for anxiety and weaned myself off (with my dr) to TTC. Well, then I started stress eating and ended up gaining 10 lbs in 3 months!! So that's why I went on WW to get back to my "normal" weight. I ended up only losing about 5 lbs. 

 But that's what is so crazy... I told my GYN all this (and it was actually when I was a bit heavier when my cycles disappeared.) And I am technically heavier now than when I started TTC. 

 I am not convinced my super long cycle is weight related... I think it has more to do to my anxiety/stress and being off my meds. I'm surprised my Dr didnt think that thought! 

Sigh..... 

That has zero to do with is. It is 100% irrelevant unless you are so stressed it is causing you other physical issues.

The meds may be the issue. Why would you not point that out to your doctor? They are only human and can miss things- you need to learn to speak up for yourself.

 

I did give her all the information about my anxiety and getting off the meds, etc.