I’m overweight, can I still have hrt?

[Firefly2]

Hi, I wonder if I could ask anyone in the know… I’ve got a doctors appointment with the menopause specialist at my surgery tomorrow (telephone), and I’m really hoping to try hrt after having no periods for 6 months, then horrendous bleeding non stop for 2 months. Dr ruled out anything terrible and diagnosed ‘anovulation’ and put me on the mini pill and norethisterone for a month to stop the bleeding. All under control now in that department but I still feel generally half dead most of the time, brain fog, ridiculous tiredness. I had previously mentioned hrt through these issues and felt very dismissed with one doctor telling me to come back in a year if I’ve still not had a period, and another saying that because I’m overweight I couldn’t have it. Is this true? I can’t find anything to suggest it is other than in the Nice guidelines saying to consider transdermal if high bmi. It would be great to hear of other who are overweight and if you have been ‘allowed’ it or not! Thanks

Should have said all bloods ok, including iron and I take Vit D

I'm 49 and on Estrogel (the type you apply to your skin) with a BMI of 38!

But I have no history of breast cancer in the family, and my blood pressure is low. I have a mirena coil so hadn't had any periods for 10 years anyway, but I was prescribed it based on symptoms (not bloods) 2 years ago - night sweats/flushing, irritability and low mood, poor concentration/brain fog and mild incontinence.

Vitamin B complex and omega 3 has proved very good for brain fog.

You can have HRT. But, some of the risks of HRT are increased by being overweight. So if you can, it would be good to lose it!

Thank you both for taking the time to answer. Good to know that it is possible, even if risks are higher. I will give the vitamin B and omega 3 a try to see if that helps!
Desperately trying to lose the weight jingles- I’m hoping this will be easier when I get my energy back!

I've been on HRT for years and I've always been overweight / obese. No doctor has ever suggested that I can't have it because of my weight. Good luck OP.

Good luck with it all @Firefly2 Re the weight loss, might the 5:2 diet or the low carb work for you? (Low carb is no more than 50grams a day.)

Thank you Shipping and Jingles- I’ve started on my fitness pal and am determined to stick at it this time as although slow, it does come off. Im definitely finding I don’t crave carbs like I used to when I used to have a period, so I could perhaps look at low carbing this time and perhaps be better at sticking at it!

I'm overweight (typical middle age shaped) and I'm on it. I think it affected the type prescribed. It's been an absolute Godsend.

I was prescribed Oestrogel to help symptoms, my weight was never an issue or highlighted by my GP. However conscious of additional risks by being overweight, thanks to HRT and getting my energy levels back, I have lost nearly 3 stone in the last 12 months. Absolutely love the stuff!

Hello! I'm an over-heating chonker and have been on HRT for 4 years now - started with tablets, now on the patches. My weight has never been mentioned, really.

@Firefly2

Thank you Shipping and Jingles- I’ve started on my fitness pal and am determined to stick at it this time as although slow, it does come off. Im definitely finding I don’t crave carbs like I used to when I used to have a period, so I could perhaps look at low carbing this time and perhaps be better at sticking at it!

You might find low carbing works for you! Personally, I find it not that hard as long as I eat plenty of veg and fruit, yogurt etc, and limit things like rice , pasta and bread.

I’m feeling hopeful and reassured that it hasn’t been a barrier for people- and my goodness dogothere- well done on your weight loss! I would be over the moon if it gives me the energy to go on and lose anything near that! Overheating chonker did give me a chuckle- I first read it as ‘overeating chonker’ and thought…yup, I relate!

Doctor won't prescribed HRT as overweight and still have some bleeding told me to look at NHS websites for advice. Am so fed up with the night sweat brain fog and lack of consecration. Cannot get any help from my doctor.