Can you lose weight if you are perimenopausel?

Awesome question, Missy. And you are right -- that happens to all of us. In fact, one of our EmpowHer writers just recently did a post about it. It has good questions and tips about just this thing:

https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/10/12/be-your-own-best-advocate-questions-ask-your-healthcare-provider

Since this is your first physical in several years, there will be a lot of basics. Basic lab tests, medical history, etc. On the form where you fill out your medical history, there may be a place there to write down what you are in for. Don't just put "physical." Put "physical, weight issues, perimenopause, hormone questions, thyroid questions," like that. This will tell the nurse or nurse practitioner and the doctor that you have several things on your mind, and it'll help you focus before you're inside the examining room.

Then, when the doctor meets with you, just tell your story in detail. It doesn't have to be long. You can start just how you started here -- that you are active and eat well, but cannot lose weight, and that in addition to the regular annual Pap smear and mammogram, you would like to be tested for underlying conditions that could be contributing to this. Say that you would like information about your hormone levels and your thyroid levels in addition to your cholesterol, etc.

Do not be afraid to take a small notebook in with you to take notes. Many women do it. And in fact it may help the doctor slow down and explain things more when she or he sees that you are taking notes.

And even if you are not interested in HRT, knowing whether your hormone levels are off may help you know what's going on in your lack of ability to lose weight.

After showing the doctor your food and exercise diary, you might ask if a referral to a nutritionist would be of any value. A nutritionist might be able to analyze your diet with more detail.

You won't get the results back for a few days. When the office calls with your results, be ready with pen and paper. Write down the levels. That will let you read over the information later when you're off the phone and do research if you need to. You can always call the office back with questions later.

After your appointment, you can also come back here and write about your experience and what they are testing for. We can give you an idea of what questions to ask next when you get your results.

Good job on making an appointment. And when all the results are in, don't hesitate to ask for a copy of your records. It helps if you switch doctors later on.