HRT

[Anonymous]

I just started HRT about a month ago and have gained 5 pounds. I lost over 140 lbs 30+ years ago and have eaten the same way (very healthy) ever since. My diet and exercise have not changed (in fact I’m exercising more because I’m sleeping through the night). Given my history I can’t watch the scale creep up and up.

I also feel very bloated and my pants are tight around my waist.

Has this happened to anyone?

I’m 55, 5’6” and have weighed 135 pounds all of my adult life except during pregnancy. Yesterday I weighed myself and I am 140.5.

[Anonymous]

I have gained weight too since being on HRT but I think my eating may be a little worse so I'm not sure if can chalk it all up to HRT but it's definitely something I'm watching. I've been on it for about 6 months

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have gained weight too since being on HRT but I think my eating may be a little worse so I'm not sure if can chalk it all up to HRT but it's definitely something I'm watching. I've been on it for about 6 months

How much?

[Anonymous]

It is likely menopause weight gain rather than HRT. But everyone is different. If you don't like it, go off of it.

[Anonymous]

I feel like HRT has helped me lose weight more easily. I'm not sure if I'm in the minority.

[Anonymous]

I don’t remember about actual weight, but the progesterone really caused me to bloat a good bit at first. It took me 2-3 months to regulate bloating-wise.

[Anonymous]

I haven’t gained weight on HRT, but I gained a lot before going on it so I’m working on that. I haven’t lost any weight on HRT either, but I’m finally not gaining so I see that as at least a little progress.

I am exercising regularly, including lifting weights, and I definitely recover a lot faster now.

[Anonymous]

I have been on HRT 2 years and never gained weight--until this year. It is literally so aggravating. I just gained like 8 pounds in a month without any change in anything.
I attribute it to impending menopause NOT the HRT.

[Anonymous]

Have you had your thyroid checked recently?

[Anonymous]

Many women gain in the belly during menopause. That's where the term meno belly comes from. But also, metabolism slows in menopause, so you may need to switch up what you're doing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel like HRT has helped me lose weight more easily. I'm not sure if I'm in the minority.

+1
I was sleeping like crap before HRT, which does a number on appetite and cravings, etc. Better sleep = easier weight loss. Also, better mood = less stress eating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many women gain in the belly during menopause. That's where the term meno belly comes from. But also, metabolism slows in menopause, so you may need to switch up what you're doing.

Yes but I've been in perimenopause for years and have missed my period for 6 months now. The thicker waist and bloating literally started on day 3 of the HRT and I've been gaining about .5 lbs per day since. I don't think it's meno belly. I have needed to change my food plan over the years as I've gotten older slightly, but this is unusual.

[Anonymous]

What are your doses? Maybe they are too high? When I first tried HRT, doc put me on .50 E patch and 100 mg P, and it was just too much for me. I didn’t feel good and also gained weight. I took a brake for a few months and then started on .025 E gel and 50 mg progesterone (but inserted vaginally instead of oral). It’s been 6 weeks and no weight gain this time.