Do I need HRT?

[survivechuckleshowaffection]

I have an appointment with the GP next week to discuss various menopause symptoms.
I have been experiencing headaches, brain fog, irritability, change in periods and night sweats. None of this is really concerning me too much, however in the last 6 months I have put on about 10 Lbs and it is all around my middle. I have cut down massively on the amount I eat.
I used to run but advice is not to run. I do workouts with weights but nothing is shifting this stubborn fat!!
Will HRT help with this?

Most research I've read sys that HRT causes weight gain. Exercise helps it but slow metabolism due to low estrogen makes it hard to shed weight. Have a deep conversation with your doctor and maybe you can check with a dietitian about menopause diet.

I've been on HRT for 6 months and couldn't recommend it enough. No weight gain, no unpleasant side effects at all actually. I eat a healthy nutritious diet with a few indulgences each week and I move every day, but I was doing all that before HRT

It took about 8 weeks to settle down and I still have the odd bad day but I'm about 90% better than I was. The recommendation is to start early to protect your bones and heart

That's really helpful. Can I ask what HRT you are on

The info on medical sites (Menopause Matters, British Menopause Society, Balance website ) says there is no proof at all the HRT causes weight gain.

My own experience is it hasn't caused any weight gain.

@survivechuckleshowaffection Hi there, sorry to hear your feeling pants. What I would say is the best form of exercise for perimenopause menopausal women is low impact. Walking, cycling yoga, core conditioning etc. carrying out high intensity exercise increases cortisol which further reduces oestrogen so it can be counter productive. When going through the menopause the reason you gain weight around the middle is because oestrogen is responsible for fat distribution, also a small amount of oestrogen comes from fat so your body is working extra hard to try and replace those oestrogen stores but it’s not the kind we want or need. Menopause can also increase cortisol levels which as I said is a thief to oestrogen. That’s why risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease increases. Also weight gain around the middle during menopause often leads to an increase in visceral fat, which is the dangerous fat stored deep around the organs (liver, pancreas, intestines) it’s the fat none of us can see.

Hrt the body identical type mimics the hormones we’re lacking in thus improving symptoms. But, it takes time for your body to adjust/adapt. Hope this helps a little. X

'That's really helpful. Can I ask what HRT you are on'

Sure, I started on 2 pumps of oestrogel and 100mg utrogestan every day. Doctor increased me to 3 pumps after 3 months because I was still having quite a few symptoms. Full disclosure - I had to go through Newson Health because my NHS GP was not following guidelines and was utterly useless (common experience)

Isn't it better to get the GP's opinion? How can you know until you have discussed it with them? People on here will just say yes or no depending on their own personal experience - it's not exactly scientific.

Thank you that's really interesting.
I will stick to my weights and get back into pilates.

No weight gain from using HRT (oestrogel) for over five years in my case.

I've been on the patches for 18 months. Game changer.
It took about two weeks to kick in but they sorted brain fog, sweats,rage and libido.
I'm fit ( walking,climbing ,gym) but HRT gives me myself back.

HRT doesn't cause weight gain, menopause does. Not everyone but it did for me- 2 stone in 6 months at the start.

The evidence, which a GP ought to have read , is that HRT doesn't cause weight gain.https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/31-WHC-FACTSHEET-Weight-Gain-and-menopause-JUNE2023-A.pdf

Does HRT cause weight gain?

Despite many women experiencing weight gain while taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to manage menopause symptoms, there is no evidence to support the theory that HRT is responsible for weight gain. Some women may experience side eects of bloating

Why do you say advice is not to run?

I know there is evidence around strength training and lower impact exercise, but if running works for you (it does for me) then it can be a game changer.

I've been on HRT since middle of last year and it has given me enough of a boost to get back into more regular exercise, which in turn has also helped. Including running.

I read that running puts too much stress on joints, but if I get my energy back, I might start again. I only do a slow 5k it's not like I'm doing a marathon!

I don't think that distance is a real issue. It's more relevant to anyone running longer distances.

If you like to run the run. It's not going to get rid of the fat gain but it will make you feel better. Brain fog is helped by exercise.

Similar distances to me. I needed the HRT first to have the energy to get back to it though- before that I felt knackered just walking about most of the time!

My GP said that running was good for supporting bone health in later life. Maybe lots of ultramarathons in a row or similar puts too much impact on joints, but I think shorter distances remain fine and indeed have positive health benefits.

I hope you feel better soon and can find an exercise that helps, whether running or something else.

I've recently realised I've lost weight while taking HRT too. I don't / won't calorie count in general, but being able to exercise more regularly without feeling done in, and just being a bit more active/ feeling more like moving around / having a bit more energy to cook healthily etc has all helped. I am 44 though, v aware that other peri/menopause related symptoms may yet hit!

Well- I went to the doctor and she agreed that I would benefit from HRT, however because my blood pressure was high she wouldn't prescribe it. I have to monitor my BP for a week and she will review.

Running does not put too much stress on your joints (as long as you are strong enough to run with good form). It’s the opposite- it’s good for your joints and ligaments.

In terms of managing weight - heavy weights are more effective but no reason not to do both.

No evidence that HRT causes weight gain. Menopause does as the loss in hormones can change where you lay down fat and also affect insulin resistance and hunger.

Theoretically replacing these hormones should help. I haven’t lost weight since I started HRT about 6 months ago but haven’t put any on.

We do need to exercise a bit differently at this life stage and what used to work doesn’t any more!

Hopefully it was a one off high result. They may just want to treat the high blood pressure separately and you can then still take HRT.