Thwarted by hormones?

In January I was convinced by a doctor to try a new birth control, which she said had no side effects. All lies. In one month I gained over 20 pounds and weigh more than I ever have in my life. In response, I upped my workout regime and made my diet even healthier. Nothing. I continued to gain. Right now I do:

- Circuit training at Curves (hydraulic machines with jogging in place in between) for half an hour, 3-5 times a week
- Bosu basic workout (DVD that came with it) which is about half an hour long and combines cardio with things like squats and crunches, 3-5 times a week
- Weight machines at the local gym for roughly two hours, doing 4 sets of 20 reps per machine on a challenging weight, about 4 times a week
- Running 2-6 miles depending on how hot it is out (I get heat exhaustion easily, in which case I power walk the rest of the distance), 2-3 times a week
- A variety of pilates-style exercises, sometimes with a weighted ball, done most days for about 15 minutes

My eating habits are good, usually start the day with my multi-vitamin and a Zone bar or power smoothie, lunch is a chicken wrap or a healthy sandwich, dinner is meat, green veggies, and a starch like rice or potato. I only drink water, and lots of it. I make sure to eat well before bed time so the food won't sit there as I sleep. If I eat dessert it is usually whole grain and oatmeal cookies, or the occasional fat free ice cream. Snacks are mostly fruits and such.

I've been off the birth control for over a month now and no change. I had my thyroid checked just in case, but its all normal. My doctor says I'm doing all the right things but the BC might take up to SIX MONTHS to clear my system!

So. Anything that will help me get the hormones out of my system? Anything that can specifically counteract hormone related fat retaining? Someone suggested Bikram Yoga might help cleanse my system back to normal. Thoughts? Thanks in advance for reading (I know this was long) and for any advice given.
 
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I wish I knew of a magic bullet for you to clear "em out, but I don't. I just wanted to offer my support to you--hang in there! Hormones can be a b!tch!
 
I wish I knew of a magic bullet for you to clear "em out, but I don't. I just wanted to offer my support to you--hang in there! Hormones can be a b!tch!

+1 & +1 on that call....

Ya know what's funny....we keep preaching "calories in vs. calories out" but this is just the sort of thing that forces us to realize and come to terms with reality. This is why I have to eat ~1,500 calories per day AND exercise some 17 hours per week just to wease a pound of fat off my body in the course of an entire month....AND YET other people can cut-back on bread and walk a few blocks after dinner and stay svelt, thin & lean.

It makes sense that if you eat less then you burn, you have to lose weight....but the body works in mysterious ways and in the end hormones seem to over-rule whatever forces we throw at 'em. Only through extreme determination and intense conditions can we overcome hormonal adversity.

But look on the bright side; at least your not French! :D
 
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