Guys and gals I need your feedback

[redsquirrel]

I have been taking Clomid for the past 3 months in order to induce ovulation.

What I have started to notice over the past month is I am getting increasingly "softer", so to speak. I haven't stopped working out. Most weeks I get to the gym 3 or 4 times a week w/ weights and another 30-40 minutes of cardio each day. I am starting to wonder and really am convinced that this is from the Clomid.

The following info is what I found from a Google search. It is a brief description of what it does.


Clomid is actually quite a potent and somewhat complicated medication. It is capable of reacting with all of the tissues in the body that have estrogen receptors.

These tissues include hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, endometrium, vagina, and cervix. Clomid influences the way that the four hormones required for ovulation, GnRH, FSH, LH and estradiol, relate and interrelate. While we do not completely understand the mechanisms by which this drug works, in essence it appears that Clomid fools the body into believing that the estrogen level is low. This altered feedback information causes the hypothalamus (an area of the brain) to make and release more gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn causes the pituitary to make and release more FSH and LH. More follicle stimulating hormone and more luteinizing hormone should result in the release of one or more mature eggs - ovulation.

I know that estrogen can make women fat or make it difficult to lose weight. Since this is tricking my body into thinking there is a shortage, am I right that this is the culprit of this weight and "softness" issue? :bawl:

Or, is this just superficial water weight...as this is what I have been reading. In some cases they say 10-20lbs!! WTF!!

[YellowJacket]

I know that estrogen can make women fat or make it difficult to lose weight. Since this is tricking my body into thinking there is a shortage, am I right that this is the culprit of this weight and "softness" issue? :bawl:

Or, is this just superficial water weight...as this is what I have been reading. In some cases they say 10-20lbs!! WTF!!

I would go with the latter. I have seen a myriad of studies (as Im sure you have) that involve women and ovulation inducers and increased water retention. I would venture to say if you used an over the counter diuretic (ie. caffeine or dandelion root) you would see a decrease in softness.

Before I go on with a few studies and such, what areas are you noticing the softness?

[shortz]

Ther first thing I thought of what is that you are still increasing estrogen in the body, which leads to water weight etc. This is the reason why women get bloating during their cycle. The weak estrogens work a little differently in men...I think.

This is def a complicated question. This isn't a simple yes/no type question. I would try to get ahold of an Endo somehow. I know there are a few on the boards.

[Puddles]

Are you taking the Clomid as a prescription by your doctor? If so, how many mg's? What else are you taking (that effects hormone levels)? What is your bodyfat %?

[redsquirrel]

I would go with the latter. I have seen a myriad of studies (as Im sure you have) that involve women and ovulation inducers and increased water retention. I would venture to say if you used an over the counter diuretic (ie. caffeine or dandelion root) you would see a decrease in softness.

Before I go on with a few studies and such, what areas are you noticing the softness?

It's an all over softness....I've always held fat in my abdomen but in about the past 30 days it become increasing noticeable. Cellulite is genetic in my family, and over the past 45-60 days it just seems like I've seen an unheard of amount of fatness. My diet isn't bad. I eat clean probably 60-70% of the time.

In addition, my legs have always been lean. I hold my fat like a man. However, in the past couple of weeks I have noticed a big deterioration in my musclularity...especially in that area???

I did a couple Google searches and all of them say that weight gain is a factor...I knew hot flashes and insomnia and mood swings were the major components...but I never expected this.. ;)

[redsquirrel]

Are you taking the Clomid as a prescription by your doctor? If so, how many mg's? What else are you taking (that effects hormone levels)? What is your bodyfat %?

Yes, my OB did prescribe it. 1st month I was taking 50 mgs....my progestrone levels were around 12 vs. the 2 level it was prior. 2nd month went back down to 2.7...and I was taking 100mgs. Come to find out, I was taking it on the wrong days of my cycle, so this month it was kept at the 100mgs. Next month's step will be upping it to 150. But I just don't know if I can stomach this weight gain.

My BF right now I think is about 19%. Whereas about 3 weeks ago it was around 16%. I have to kinda squeeze into my size 6's now....

[Puddles]

But I just don't know if I can stomach this weight gain.

My BF right now I think is about 19%. Whereas about 3 weeks ago it was around 16%. I have to kinda squeeze into my size 6's now....

The weight gain should be temporary and the benefit (being able to concieve) will far outweigh the negative.

Soon you'll be in maternity clothes, so get used to not fitting into your size 6's! :)

[dreamgirl]

The weight gain should be temporary and the benefit (being able to concieve) will far outweigh the negative.

Soon you'll be in maternity clothes, so get used to not fitting into your size 6's! :)

That's what I was thinking...

You also need to have more body fat on you to sustain a life inside you... hence why the noticeable weight gain.

RS- I brought this topic up a while ago - or somewhat similar to this. I look very toned normally... when I get pregnant, within 3 months I have absolutely no muscle definition left. I look completely soft. Thin, but soft. After both pregnancies it's taken me over a year to get that toned/hard look back. So far I'm at 14 mo, and I'm still not there... I truely believe that it's the estrogen in my system that causes that.

I believe that I have lower levels of estrogen than the average woman because of how defined can get myself to look... being that the greatest example is my sister who is same height... works out (cardio + weights) MORE than me, eats COMPELETLY CLEAN, and she always looks soft no matter if she weighs 105 or 120. She is stronger than I am by far, she can lift so much heavier weights and do the same amts of reps as me. But I look like I'd be the one to be doing what she does.

Don't get down about the weight. A baby is a total sacrifice on you and your life. It's very hard to go from thinking and worrying about yourself to thinking and worrying about someone else. You'll get through this. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you get pregnant soon, so I can hear details. I love hearing about baby stuff!