Starting HRT whilst deemed 'morbidly obese'

[Youabsoluteblinder]

Morning all

I've name-changed, as this could be outing. I'll also apologise now, as this will probably be a long post.

I've been suffering from peri-menopausal symptoms for a year and have tried to relieve the symptoms using alternative remedies. I have been on Sertraline for many years to help with my anxiety / depression and the increased dosage doesn't seem to be as effective anymore.

It's been a struggle to get a doctor to give me a prescription and now I've finally been given the prescription this morning, as scared to process it at my pharmacy, as the doctor told me that because I have a BMI of 41 (did not it was this high) I'm at increased risk of blood clots and breast cancer.

I'm currently taking vaginal pessaries due to continous UTIs and the doctor would rather I just stay on the pessaries and increase my Sertraline dosage to 200mg (currently on 100mg). I don't know if I should do this first and try to lose some weight before starting on the HRT.

I was so excited about getting the prescription and now I feel quite shit, frankly.

Any suggestions or experiences you lovely ladies could share would be greatly appreciated xx

This is really tricky.

The risk of breast cancer by being overweight is huge compared to the risks of HRT.

This table shows you the figures.

[[https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/WHC-UnderstandingRisksofBreastCancer-MARCH2017.pdf

The risks apply if BMI is over 30.

I can't advise but you just need to think hard about what you choose to do. It will probably take you months if not years to get your BMI down to at least 25 -29 (upper limit of healthy).

Have you considered applying via your GP for the new weight loss drug/ injection? You'd qualify.