HRT and weight gain?

[DontDrinkandFacebook]

Hi ladies,

I am just starting my third month of HRT tablet which are like the pill, 21 days then 7 day break. 11 days of estrogen and 10 days of estrogen/progesterone (??) combined. I was really struggling to control my weight before but now it seems to have gone off the scale.

Well not literally off the scale, things aren't quite that bad yet, but despite trying very, very hard to eat less, cut right back on refined carbs, alcohol, much smaller portion sizes etc, I've piled on another five or six pounds and I just can't shift it. I'm barely eating anything some days and I am hardly stuffing my face to excess on the others. I did need to lose about two and half stone which was proving hard enough, but now I need to lose 3.

In every other respect the tablets have been really great and I feel much better but I am so fed up about my weight increase I could cry. I don't want to go out of the house, nothing fits me and I look shit.

Is this normal? I'm questioning whether it's worth it. I was bloody miserable before but if I have to stay this fat just to keep sane and symptom free I'll be even more miserable.

Research has shown that HRT does not cause weight gain. Before you give up, it might help to change to another type as a compromise. Which sort are you taking?
I've been using it for 6 years and haven't put anything on at all- in fact I've managed to lose a few pounds.

Would you like to give a list of what you eat over a couple of days because it could be you are underestimating the amount and the portion size and using HRT is coinciding with a slowing down of your metabolism anyway.

Hi - what is it that you are taking, and do you know why your doctor prescribed that particular one, with a 7 day break?

Most other HRT for perimeno is the same amount of oestrogen for 28 days, with progestogen for 10-14 days.

I would keep on trying with the diet and exercise and ask to try something else when you go for your review, if there is no particular reason to be on this one. I don't think HRT makes you put on weight, but having bigger fluctuations in hormone levels will probably not help you with your mood and motivation.

I missed that- you aren't supposed to have a 7 day break- oestrogen ought to be taken daily with progestogens for 10-12 days per month.

Is it this one
Cyclo-Progynova

This is the ONLY type of HRT that is for 21 days and 7 off- it seems odd you have been given this because it's not one that is used that often.

I'd go back to your dr and ask for a change of brand- you've had your 3 months trial so it's now a good time to swap to something else.