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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you gained weight on HRT?

32 replies

AmazonPrim · 27/12/2022 15:37

Just that really. And if you did, how much did you put on?

I'm still fairly 'young' for peri-menopause and HRT, but I'm experiencing a load of the symptoms and my Dr has offered HRT for me.

I've worked so hard to lose a few stone over the years. Now I'm size 8 and so are all my clothes. I really don't want to put the weight back or and or have to go out and buy an entire new wardrobe. It may sound vain, but the idea of putting on weight after working so hard is really stressing me out.

OP posts:
YetiTeri · 27/12/2022 15:39

No, the opposite.

Luckycatt · 27/12/2022 15:43

Also the opposite. I've lost weight since starting hrt. Don't think it's the hrt itself, but I've just got a bit more energy.

Pinkandpurplehairedlady · 27/12/2022 15:48

I’ve lost weight since starting HRT, I’ve gone from being overweight to being back in the healthy zone.

AnnaMagnani · 27/12/2022 16:12

It's not been very long but I am losing again after a long period of plateau.

Plus I have so much more energy!

Theydoyaknow · 27/12/2022 16:15

No, lost weight actually.

AIBU123456789 · 27/12/2022 17:02

No, lost weight. As others, it's due to having more energy to exercise but also my hormone related anxiety has decreased which had caused me to gain weight before starting HRT.

Gooseysgirl · 27/12/2022 17:04

OMG this is giving me hope!!! I'm 47 and starting HRT in a few days time

TellySavalashairbrush · 27/12/2022 17:11

I have put on weight on HRT. However, I am wondering if this is more about my lack of worrying anymore about keeping slim and caring what others think (something I previously did for 45+ years) rather than being on HRT. One thing I do believe is that HRT has not been the miracle cure that I thought it was going to be. Yes, I don't suffer with aches and pains anymore, but I still have insomnia and my anxiety is worse than ever.

iklboo · 27/12/2022 17:11

No. I've put on weight after a very, very shit year and neglecting myself for most of it, but when I was eating better I started to lose weight. I put more on with the implant.

amicissimma · 27/12/2022 17:12

No. But as PP say, I have more energy so more inclined to take exercise.

RudsyFarmer · 27/12/2022 17:13

I have out on weight unfortunately but I’m also at that age where weight gain is more likely.

MyNameisMathilda · 27/12/2022 17:15

I put on weight but as someone else has said possibly it is an age thing. I was in my 50s before starting HRT. I have found that I have developed saddle bags which was never part of my body shape before. I'm sure that is hormonal.

DramaAlpaca · 27/12/2022 17:16

No, I've lost a bit and I didn't start HRT until well into my 50s.

MatildaTheCat · 27/12/2022 17:19

No but I do watch my weight quite carefully and if I gain a few pounds I’ll aim to get it off again quite quickly. However my shape has changed a bit I think. And despite the lovely hormones my skin has lost elasticity in all the usual places. Also hasn’t helped with libido. In fact I’m hoping to start on testosterone replacement soon so keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

Teacherteachernotapreacher · 27/12/2022 17:22

Also interested in this as due to start HRT this week and am 42. Manage to maintain a reasonable weight but easily stack it on and worried I will on HRT. It’s vain isn’t it but it does impact on how you feel about yourself doesn’t it.

OatcakeCravings · 27/12/2022 17:25

Only been on it for a few months but not lost or gained any weight.

Samanthascousinbrenda · 27/12/2022 17:25

I've had a lot of water retention.

AutumnIsMyFavouriteSeason · 27/12/2022 17:32

I have not gained weight. I was on a weight loss mission already and HRT has helped me feel better/energetic/sleep well - because of which I was more active/ate less and hence lost the desired weight. Don't think it directly 'caused' Ny weight loss though, and definitely didn't make me gain any weight.

Oblomov22 · 27/12/2022 17:33

I've put in quite a lot. Really worrying.

bluericicle · 27/12/2022 17:37

No, I swelled up a bit at first (I'm hypothyroid too) and then started loosing the tummy I'd accrued when peri hit. More energy and less joint pain helped.

I have found that the progesterone part is as important and the oestrogen part for me; helps a lot with water retention.

I also wasn't craving crap as much

It can take a good 2-3 months or even 4 to feel full benefits. I find Im a bit hyper and anxious when I go up a patch for the first few weeks.

Flamingmentalcats · 27/12/2022 17:43

I have put over half a stone on and my anxiety is just as bad if not worse. But on the plus side, hardly any more night sweats and my joints don't ache as much. Wouldn't say I have more energy though like other posters.
I came off it for a bit and did loose a bit of weight on my stomach.
Try it and see how you go,that's the only way you will know

Chittering · 27/12/2022 17:54

I've been on it 2 months. I have put on 3 pounds. I don't have hot flushes or aching hips anymore - that stopped straight away. But it hasn't helped my libido or my energy levels. I generally feel a bit crapper and lower than I did before. And I have indigestion. Am due my 3 month review after Christmas. I dont know what to think about it.

Original poster
AmazonPrim · 27/12/2022 19:53

Ok, so this looks like good news. Not everyone gained - I suppose people who have gained have been more likely to talk / write about it proactively than those who have lost.

I am however a bit on the fence about going on HRT as the majority of my my symptoms seem to be emotional / mental (anxiety, sadness, brain fog) right now. I do also experience some dryness (& atrophy ?) down there.

I'm not sure if I should start it when I'm 42 or wait until I'm older with more physical symptoms now...

OP posts:
Scroogette · 27/12/2022 20:02

I take HRT although I am not peri (only 38), but because I have PMDD (extreme PMT) and it helps manage the hormonal effects on my mood. I started on the HRT at 31 and it has had no effect on my weight. I am still size 8-10.

I see that a lot of pps have said that HRT helped them lose weight, and I can believe this, as it's the drop in estrogen levels that leads to a lot of women putting on weight around the stomach around menopause.

It's why I am very happy that I already have to take it for the PMDD, as when menopause does hit, I will already be on HRT, so it will hopefully help me avoid peri weight gain.

Flockameanie · 27/12/2022 20:05

see my previous posts about this. I put on half a stone in 3 weeks. I’m a size 10, so it showed. I couldn’t do up my trousers. I stopped HRT after 3 months and lost it all almost straight away. It wasn’t anything to do with lifestyle or diet.

Also mid-40s and peri.