Navigating Menopause: Yokasta Mooney’s Journey to Wellness
Menopause is a pivotal phase in a woman’s life marked by significant hormonal changes, altering both physical and emotional well-being. For Yokasta Mooney, who entered menopause at the age of 54, these changes brought about a daunting reality — the highest weight she had ever experienced. "At this point, I don’t fit into any of my clothes," Mooney recounted in her interview with Good Morning America, expressing feelings of despair as she felt her body was "turning against" her. This experience resonates with countless women, highlighting the struggles associated with this natural life transition.
Challenges of Menopause
As Mooney navigated her journey through menopause, she discovered that she was not alone in her battle with weight gain. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to a myriad of physical changes, including an increase in body weight, specifically in the abdominal area. Many women report feeling frustrated and helpless as they confront these changes, often compounded by societal pressure to maintain a certain body image.
Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB-GYN, understands these challenges well. She noted that many of her patients feel an overwhelming sense of guilt toward their weight gain during menopause. "So it’s my job to help them understand it is not their fault," she explained, providing a sense of reassurance that women throughout this transition need to hear.
Turning to Medication for Support
In a bid to regain control over her body, Mooney turned to Ozempic, a medication initially designed for managing Type 2 diabetes. However, its weight-loss properties have led many to seek it out during menopause. Mooney successfully lost 30 pounds while using Ozempic, complementing her journey with a food journal and regular exercise. After discontinuing the medication, she continued her progress and ultimately shed another 30 pounds.
This trend is not isolated, as more women are turning to weight loss medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound as they grapple with menopause-related weight gain. The significantly increasing prescribing of these medications reflects a growing acknowledgment among healthcare providers of the struggles faced by women during this natural transition.
Understanding the Medications
Ozempic and its counterpart Mounjaro are both FDA-approved for treating Type 2 diabetes but are increasingly used off-label for weight loss. Meanwhile, Wegovy and Zepbound are explicitly approved for weight loss, providing options for women looking for support. These medications work by enhancing insulin production and slowing gastric emptying, which helps to curb appetite — ultimately promoting weight loss.
Clinical studies suggest that users can lose between 5% and 20% of their body weight over time while using these medications. However, like any medical treatment, they come with side effects. The most commonly reported include nausea and constipation, while serious conditions such as gallbladder and pancreatic disease also represent potential risks. Thus, it is crucial for anyone considering these medications to have in-depth discussions with their healthcare providers about the potential effects and tailored health risks.
Empowering Through Weight Loss
For Lisa Cockrell, 56, taking Mounjaro during menopause also proved beneficial. By shedding 20 pounds, Cockrell reported an improved sense of empowerment and control over her life during this time. "I feel that this stage of life, and this journey, is totally, totally doable," she remarked, signaling the emphasis on wellness and vitality that can accompany this phase of life.
Losing weight during menopause can significantly impact the severity of other menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Dr. Shepherd emphasizes that women should remain vigilant about their diets and exercise to mitigate the risk of muscle mass and bone density loss, common concerns during this transition.
Holistic Approaches to Wellness
Dr. Shepherd advocates for incorporating increased protein intake and focusing on resistance training and weightlifting into exercise regimens. This not only helps combat the physical changes brought on by menopause but also improves overall health and wellness, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and related conditions.
The average age for menopause is around 52, marking the end of menstrual cycles for women. Given the challenges many face during this phase, being proactive about weight management, nutrition, and physical activity can lead to more positive outcomes.
Conclusion
Yokasta Mooney’s challenges mirror the experiences of many women entering menopause. The journey through this transitional phase is undeniably complex but can be navigated with the right support, whether that be through medical intervention, lifestyle changes, or community support. As more women speak up about their experiences and leverage resources available to them, discussions around menopause continue to evolve, fostering a greater understanding and paving the way for healthier, empowered lives.
