Do I just have to get used to this?

[Frustratedfatty]

So I’m late 40s and been on HRT for 2 years. Dose was increased 12 months ago and had improvement in my perimenopause symptoms.
For the last few months now I feel like I’m not on it anymore and symptoms worse than ever.
Worst thing for me is general joint pain and awful body aches making me feel so tired and reluctant to do anything. I’m so stiff and when I wake in the morning my hand is stiff and swollen and sore.
I’ve been having worsening joint pain since early 40s. It’s not always the same joints. Changes a lot in location and symptoms.
I’ve gone from being very active covering 10 miles a day and running and yoga to struggling to do my 10,000 steps. I’ve also put on about 30lbs in weight and struggling with my appetite and tiredness to maintain any changes I try to make.
I have no interest in sex and the vaginal dryness got so bad at one point that it was painful to wipe after a wee. That’s improved with vaginal moisturisers.
Do I just need more/bigger doses of HRT ? I’m reluctant to keep upping the dose. I feel it is contributing to the weight gain. But I don’t know what else to do and feel so sad.

The weight gain is so bad. I try to convince myself that I can still look nice but got asked at work last week if I was pregnant and feel like I don’t want to go out of the house.

I couldn't tolerate HRT because of the weight gain. I put on about 1.5lb every month. I had to stop talking it. It's taken me about 6 years to get through the menopause. Symptoms of hot flushes and brain fog were worse in first 2 years now stiff joints and tiredness worse in last 2 years. I suppose it's just ageing.

Thanks for your answer. I hope you are feeling a bit better now.
I don’t think I can cope with the hot flushes and brain fog though and still be able to do my job which is both physically and mentally quite demanding. I had a lot of time off last year because my symptoms got unbearable. I can’t risk having more time off really.
I suppose only my GP can help with this and I should just make an appointment. I just feel really sad about it though.

You don't have to tolerate it if you can see a doctor who is able to prescribed HRT properly. Re weight gain, ozempic really helped me when I started Femoston and almost a year to the day on, I have gone from a bloated crying fatty wreck to a size 8 happy, sweat free woman and the happiest I have ever, ever been x

What mg of HRT are you on? If still getting symptoms increase it.

Taking oestrogen should reduce weight gain ?

there is no evidence for hrt causing weight gain. See article below.

https://www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/media/3538/menopause-and-weight-gain-patient-information-leaflet.pdf

Thanks all.
This is hopeful and I know I need to make another appointment to discuss this and will do it today. There is a GP at my practice who is more focussed on women’s health.

I know HRT is not officially linked to weight gain but I have nevertheless put on a lot of weight. I suppose it is a vicious circle of pain, lack of movement, sadness and overeating. I need to break the cycle somehow.