HRT - weight gain, swollen ankles, heavy periods.

[SlugsAreBastards]

Has anyone else had this?

I’ve put on two stone since January when I finally got the courage up to start taking it, have very heavy periods which last 7-10 days after 6 months of no periods , and my ankles are very swollen which I have read is due to estrogen.

I know the weight gain is due to the HRT as I have been on a very good diet and exercise regime where I had already lost 5 stone over the last 2 years and didn’t change it.

I used to have swollen ankles in the summer when I was obese and hadn’t had them for the last few years but they started up in February/March when it wasn’t even hot.

I switched from patches with synthetic progesterone to Oestrogel and Utrogestan 2 months ago hoping it would help but having a monster period now and can’t leave the house despite taking the Utrogestan vaginally this month. Really bad tempered too.

I’ve decided to just give up as the hot flushes and insomnia are bearable compared to this!

Any advice?

Just to add I’m 49 and have been in peri menopause for over 2 years as was having periods every 3 months or so until the middle of last year when I hadn’t had another period until I started HRT in January.

Hmmm...hard to advise. Ive used HRT for 12+ years and not put on any weight on the same type as you use.

It is just possible that at the time you needed hrt your metabolism changed too (compared to 2 years ago when you lost weight) and you need fewer calories to stay the same weight.

Maybe you might want to try something like My Fitness Pal, or the 5:2 diet, to see if they help?

I'd see your GP about swollen ankles as they can be a sign of kidney and heart issues.

I would ask gp for specialist referral (or pay for a consultation for speed)