Could my bloated stomach be down to HRT?

[samsmum2]

I put on a few pounds over Christmas surprise surprise, but in the last week my stomach seems to have expanded even further. I'm not overweight but very flabby around my middle. I had a minor stroke last year and my doctor moved changed my HRT from Femoston 2/10 to a progesterone only HRT (Utrogestan) as apparently oestrogen is a stroke risk. I can barely do up my trousers and feel so depressed about it. I'm otherwise fit and healthy, walk loads, only drink at weekends and don't eat excessively. Has anyone else suffered bloat from HRT - I'm just trying to work out if that's was caused it.

I would see your GP fairly soon-ish. The bloating is more than likely nothing and at worst is an HRT side effect however it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious issue so on those grounds alone needs investigating. I don't mean to sound scary but specifically ask about testing for ovarian cancer as bloating and a persistent feeling of fullness can be signs of this.

What she said.

Meanwhile, it's possible that some thing/s you eat over Christmas has changed your gut a bit. As a first step, maybe try a few days of a decent probiotic? I usually see a difference after 2-3 days.

If that doesn't work, get it checked. All women should feel comfortable getting odd bloating investigated. Make an appt, and while your waiting, try the probiotics.

Also, I've not experienced bloating with HRT. But maybe someone else can help.

Is also get a second opinion on the oestrogen op

Yes I wasn’t convinced by the removal of oestrogen as it’s also meant hot flushes and poor sleep have returned - so slightly defeats the object of being on HRT. Will try the probiotics but just got changed for bed and not sure bloat is the right word - big weight gain around middle is possibly more accurate!

Echoing the thought that you should get checked out if you are experiencing bloating and a large abdomen.

Of course no one wants to worry you but that is a key early sign of ovarian cancer. Please don't ignore it.

Too many of us do and have to live with the consequences. That doesn't mean you have it but getting it ruled out is a good move.