I went on HRT too early and I’ve gained weight?

[SWS17]

Is this a thing? Since Jan I’ve gained about half a stone since starting estradot (was slim and now slightly less slim). It was prescribed as a “take it and see” approach to my crushing tiredness. I’m only 41. Now I think I’ve gained weight because it’s pushed my oestrogen level too high?

Has it helped with the symptoms

Women gain weight during peri and menopause anyway. They haven’t studied whether HRT causes more weight gain (yet).

But half a stone starting exactly when I started HRT in circumstances where diet has improved (have cut out sugar and reduced calories for eg) and exercise has remained consistent …?

And you have had full bloods done? Thyroid issues can be mistaken for perimenopause. Oestrogen can also irritate the thyroid - so unless you have had other things ruled out I would go back to gp and discuss other investigations.

Thanks. I will do that

Initially I thought it had but now I’m not so sure

I went on it for two months and stopped as I was so bloated and it didn't help. Feel great for stopping it!

HRT isn't 'supposed' to make you put on weight, but like you I put on half a stone when I started the patches. I also put on half a stone when I started the pill, and half a stone when I had my first coil - I've just come to the conclusion that I put on half a stone whenever I take something hormonal.

That said, if you are peri-menopausal or menopausal, it's really common to put on weight. And your hormonal changes mean it's really, really hard to loose it. You will react differently to stress and lack of sleep now - you can't just melt the weight off like you could have done in your 20s. Case in point, after a family bereavement I (50) put on a stone and my relative (30) lost one...