Feeling so bloated - HRT or just being 50something?

[Whereismyjoiedevivre]

Wondering if any wise Mumsnetters can help. I am menopausal and take continuous HRT which is a lifesaver especially for getting proper sleep and minimising sweating during the night. It also keeps my mood really stable so I feel energetic and able to do everything I need to especially work in a demanding job and deal with teenaged DC.

I was taking 1.5 mg of Sandrena estradiol gel every day for approximately 18 months but had started feeling really bloated and my clothes felt tighter especially underwear. I don’t think I have suddenly put on a lot of weight and I am careful with food and I exercise. Last week I decided to reduce it to 1mg daily but the bloating persists, is perhaps worse, and I look and feel suddenly more tired. My face is paler and frankly I look older overnight.

Is it worth staying at the lower Sandrena dose to see if bloating goes away, or is this just being in my 50s? I’m fed up of clothes feeling tighter and see the appeal of elasticated waistbands! I’m also shocked by how crappy I suddenly look and how much less energy I have on reduced dose.

Do any of you relate to this? TIA

I don't want to worry you, but bloating in mid-life can be associated with fluid build up (ascites) in the abdomen which can be a marker of serious illness. You might want to to ask your GP for a blood test.

I’ve just googled this and it’s definitely not this, thankfully!! My bloating just reminds me of what I used to get before my period, except I have it all the time not just for a few days every month.

I’m grateful for your help though.

Do you drink alcohol fizzy drinks or caffeine? All of those cause water retention in me in menopause.

Given them up bar 2 cups of tea a day.

Very little alcohol, nothing fizzy but yes , caffeine definitely. About four cups of tea and two coffees every day. I didn’t realise caffeine can cause bloating. Thank you.

Has drinking less caffeine eliminated your bloating @VaddaABeetch?

Try going gluten free for a week that sorted me out was life changing actually. Our guts get more sensitive as we age and it’s been common amongst my peer group of ladies in our 50s.

This is something I was thinking of looking into. Great idea. Must admit to loving bread pasta etc

Honestly a new onset of feeling bloated needs an assessment by your GP.

Persistent bloating is a red flag symptom for ovarian cancer.

Being bloated all the time can be a sign of gynaecological or gastroenterological problems, such as fibroids, cysts, even IBS.
It would be best to mention it to your GP in case they think you might benefit from a scan or blood tests to rule out anything that could be troublesome.

I had a gynae check up recently which included a scan of womb and ovaries - everything looked fine so it’s definitely nothing sinister.

@Whereismyjoiedevivre What progesterone are you using along with the gel?
You've not mentioned that.

Utrogestan tablet which I take at night.

Definite it has. I think it’s an individual thing but worth a go?

Maybe that's it.

I still take it on a cycle (many years post meno) as I don't feel great taking it daily and I always feel' fat' on the days I take it.

You could look into taking another type or even considering switching to the cyclical regime as an experiment.

Have you actually gained weight or is it just a feeling of being 'fat'?

Both sadly @JinglingSpringbells
I am going to look into this though. I am grateful for your advice, thanks!

You may find your GP is resistant to swapping to cyclical as there seems to be a trend to get women onto continuous asap. I'm not sure why as it doesn't always suit them and it also carries a (well known) slightly higher risk of breast cancer compared to cyclical.

I've been on cyclical for over 15 years (now in my late 60s) through on the UK's top consultants, so it's certainly 'allowed'.

I started a once daily probiotic tablet from Holland and Barrett. 2 months later bloating has gone 😀