HRT that doesn't cause weight gain

[sourcreamnchives]

So I'm 54 and working full time. Sleep
Is hit and miss and I'm getting a few hot flushes a day (nothing at night) ... my main problem is anxiety, irritability, and utter and complete exhaustion all the time. For the first time ever I'm wondering whether HRT might help my energy levels. However, I have read it can lead to additional weight gain (beyond the expected norm of that age range). What is the overall experience of HRT on energy and wellbeing and weight? Would love to hear your verdicts.

There is no science to prove weight gain on HRT (this is a Q answered on the website of Dr Louise Newson.) Often, weight gain goes with a) getting middle aged and eating the same as in your 20s and 30s, or b) being less active.

I've used HRT for coming up to 14 years and gained no weight. I do however try very hard to eat healthily and if I put on 2-3 pounds by over-indulging, I cut back so it doesn't creep up.

I've never used pill form HRT- it's estrogen gel and Utrogestan, on a cycle. (not both hormones daily.)

Like you, sleep was one of my main issues and when I tried to come off HRT a year or so back, it went awol again.

My dr says that poor sleep is a huge health risk, especially for things like weight gain as disrupting the circadian rhythm is bad in all kinds of ways, including blood sugar = diabetes risks.

Does HRT cause weight gain? Mine doesn't.

Me being a pig 🐷 and eating too much is what causes my weight gain!
If you’re unsure about HRT, you’d find Davina’s menopause programme on C4 a really worthwhile watch.
Our metabolism naturally slows down as we get older d if we still eat the same amount we gain weight, that’s all it is

Highly recommend
Am now on my second month and my energy is through the roof
I can go non stop all day to nighttime without needing a sit or lie down
This wasn't why I went on it but my god I've more energy than I did in my twenties and now wondering if my hormones have always been out of whack
No weight gain, in fact more energy equals more focus on nutrition and exercise so feeling great body wise although breasts are fuller / larger which I could do without but actually look better as the fullness is there
Also skin is amazing - have had hormonal spots for years - completely cleared up
Hair is thicker and glowing
Night sweats and binge eating for 10 days pre period was why I went on it
On one pump of oestrogel first month and these reduced by half - even the binges lst month were not animalistic but more I'm actually really hungry and controllable So actually I feel I will probably lost weight over the coming months
Hope that helps

I have an appointment with my GP (who was great) to assess and I think she will increase my gel to two pumps

@usernamerequiredenter has your Gp not suggested that you increase the dose as needed without an appt to see her? (That's the norm.)

The starting dose is 2 pumps as shown on the patient leaflet (1.5mgs) but it is often a good idea to start lower to give your body time to adjust to it. However, there is no need to see a dr to increase to the 'normal' dose.

I honestly didn't ask her as she wanted to meet with me (phone) anyway after the first month to see how it went and I also had to go and get my blood pressure checked last week with the nurse (all good)
As the night sweats only occur at certain times I will see her before then so wasn't urgent

@JinglingHellsBells sorry didn't tag last reply
Although now I think about it the earlier I start with increasing the more likely it will reduce next month
I may start with the two pumps tonight then
Thanks Jingling

I have ‘filled out’ since starting HRT

I was previously pretty skinny but now have breasts and hips. I don’t like it tbh

It’s definitely not changes to diet or exercise.
I eat and have eaten very low carb for years, exercise every day, and have been the same weight for many years.

It’s definitely HRT.

I’m on gel, bio prog and testosterone.

I am in HRT. Gained half a stone and now find it almost impossible to lose. I think it's worth it though.

My tits have got bigger which I love. I exercise a lot anyway so haven't noticed any fatness, but only started three weeks ago so maybe it hasn't hit me yet!

Been using it just coming up to a year.. its great 🎉

I've been on HRT for 7 months, and haven't gained any weight. Well all my clothes still fit (I don't own scales), and I think I might have lost a few pounds.

Specifically which HRT gives you bigger boobs?

@SinisterBumFacedCat Oestrogel

Hi .
I’m peri menopausal and I’ve just started HRT. Been on it 4 weeks . I take the oestrogel pump and ustrogestan 100mg . I was prescribed 2 pumps daily and 200mg from day 15 for two weeks . I’ve been a bit nervous about taking it and the side affects . So I thought I’d go in slowly. One pump and 100mg day 12 for 11 days . I can’t believe the improvement in my mood , energy , Libido. I have been weighing myself everyday to see the weight increase. I was around 55kg and I’ve now gone up to 56.5 and my boobs are so sore . That’s what I absolutely detest and never liked my boobs but as I’ve got older I’ve accepted them . I’ exercise every day , watch what I eat ( although I’d like cheese and wine !! Probably too much and I’ve just had me normal period which was so less painful. I’m seeing ho I go but the increase in weight and sore boobs I can’t bare .. I’m hoping it a few days it’ll settle when my period finishes. I also had terrible PMS .. so I’m very used to this if I’m being honest ...

I gained weight practically every week since I started Angeliq HRT 11 weeks ago, I had lost 2 stones from following a diet and walking everyday up until I started HRT despite continuing with the diet and exercise. I also felt unnaturally exhausted on it.

I saw my GP this morning and we've agreed I should stop taking it for a few weeks and see if things improve. If things improve then we'll know it was definitely the HRT I was taking that wasn't agreeing with me and I can try another form of HRT.

If things haven't improved then it could just be a coincidence and I'll have bloods and any necessary checks to see what's causing my problems, although everything was fine when I had my bloods done in March.

The information leaflet that came with my HRT states it may cause weight gain or weight loss.

I’m so disappointed, all other symptoms have eased . But instead of being on a period for 3 days I’m now on day 9 .. stopped taking the oestrogel yesterday, thins morning my boobs feel more normal , and lost a KG so it’s water retention for sure .. feel very frustrated because I felt so good a few weeks ago .. I’m not giving up on hrt but need to find what suits me ...

Also ,perhaps I should take less oestrogel maybe 1/2 pump ever other and the progesterone capsules say for 8 days ... it’s so trail abd error isn’t it .. wish it was so straightforward..

I'm on HRT (evoral conti patches) I experienced some bloating in the first 3 months, like pre-period bloat/water retention.

I am now back to 'normal' - no change in weight or body shape. However I am pretty rigourous about diet and exercise as I am only 5'1", so at that height in my 50s I have to be strict to stay slim, HRT or not.

I’m 54 and have been on HRT (first Elleste and after they had supply issues Novafem, both in tablet form) since right around my 50th birthday, when the interrupted sleep was driving me nuts. I’ve never been offered a gel or any other form.

I can’t say they have made me gain weight, but I will say that, having knuckled down 2 1/2 years ago to lose 2 stone-ish, that last 5 pounds just will not come off, and I have been the weight I’d really like to be in the past, so in theory I’m not looking at a weight I could never achieve anyway.

Whether that is the HRT or normal middle age causing that weight to stay on I don’t know. But I’ve been trying to balance it against the fact that I’m sleeping well, my weight and blood pressure are definitely in the healthy range, my clothes fit, my skin, hair and nails are all in good shape, and generally I think people would say I look pretty good for my age. I feel it too.

Mind you, I have to watch everything like a hawk or I’m in danger of backsliding, and there are other less pleasant side effects that may be attributable to the HRT (e.g., I have Raynauds syndrome and cannot bear the cold, my nose is frequently stuffed up and dripping, and I am in early stages of cataracts, all of which I have heard anecdotally can be connected to HRT). But I wouldn’t give up any of my sleep to make those go away.

Hope that helps.

@mommybunny we are the same age and on the same HRT with the same symptoms although I don't have Reynauds. I'm also trying to lose 2 stone!

Been on HRT for 15 years and the only weight gain I have had is when I have eaten too much. I have been on 3 or 4 different tablets and now been using patches for around 4 years.

None of them have caused increases in breast size - sadly.

Hi . Thanks for your comments . My period is still very heavy and the discomfort in my breasts are so uncomfortable. That in its has made stop the gel last two days .. which is such a shame but I’ve noticed the soreness going since I’ve stopped last couple of days . But I’ve felt the benefits of all other symptoms going , low mood , itching skin, tiredness, aching joints .. libido back but I just can’t live with how painful my breasts were . It’s been like I’ve pregnant or breast feeding .. I’m not sure what to do . May need to look at a even lower dose and take some further advice ..