Weight gain during menopause despite HRT

[Anonymous]

For some history: during COVID, I went to a nutritionist/wellness center and over two years lost about 40lbs. It was a great move as my cholesterol, BP, and other health markers all went down as well.

I maintained this weight for 1.5 years, but then started getting more definitive menopause symptoms (period cessation, night hot flashes, insomnia, irritability) so my GYN put me on HRT: estradiol patch, progesterone, and later a small dose of Effexor. That’s when I started to see the weight gain. Since last May, I’ve put 17 lbs back on and am concerned it will continue to go up. I’m watching what I eat, e revising, and even putting a turmeric/cinnamon/ginger mix in my coffee, but none of it seems to be working.

Question: has anyone experienced weight gain while ON HRT? I had thought the hormone rebalance would help but am concerned maybe it’s contributing to it?

[Anonymous]

Any other symptoms? Is your thyroid ok?

[Anonymous]

*exercizing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any other symptoms? Is your thyroid ok?

My thyroid is fine. Had a full blood work up and everything is fine.

[Anonymous]

It’s more likely to be the Effexor. But seriously, whatever you’re putting in your coffee is not going to help.

[Anonymous]

Menopause is a natural process. I am managing perimenopause symptoms naturally. It isn't easy, but I'd rather have a hot flash than gain significant weight. Once you start these meds, you need to add other meds to balance the side effects of the first meds. Next, you'll get the weight loss injections. Where does it end?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s more likely to be the Effexor. But seriously, whatever you’re putting in your coffee is not going to help.

+1

[Anonymous]

Weight gain is common as humans age, but estrogen and progesterone can also promote weight gain.

[Anonymous]

HRT will not keep you thin. Only burning more calories than you take in will.

[Anonymous]

Lift heavy weights. Has a 63-year-old woman is suspend. The only thing that has helped.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Menopause is a natural process. I am managing perimenopause symptoms naturally. It isn't easy, but I'd rather have a hot flash than gain significant weight. Once you start these meds, you need to add other meds to balance the side effects of the first meds. Next, you'll get the weight loss injections. Where does it end?

Ok this is a bit dramatic 🙄

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HRT will not keep you thin. Only burning more calories than you take in will.

I didn’t take it to keep thin. I took it to address the menopause symptoms that I cited in my original post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s more likely to be the Effexor. But seriously, whatever you’re putting in your coffee is not going to help.

+1

OP here - this is what I suspected. It was added on later because I was still getting hot flashes with the other two and the GYN didn’t want to increase the estrogen. I may ask her about it at our next visit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HRT will not keep you thin. Only burning more calories than you take in will.

I didn’t take it to keep thin. I took it to address the menopause symptoms that I cited in my original post.

Your wording of your question makes it sound like you thought HRT would help with weight and that you were surprised you gained weight “ON” HRT.

“ has anyone experienced weight gain while ON HRT? I had thought the hormone rebalance would help but am concerned maybe it’s contributing to it?”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lift heavy weights. Has a 63-year-old woman is suspend. The only thing that has helped.

Thanks. A couple of questions:

1. Most of the weight gain seems to be in the midriff area. How does weight lifting address that?

2. Can you please clarify what your second sentence means? Something got lost in translation.

Thanks!