Anyone NOT gained weight on HRT?

[Fromthelions]

Have just been prescribed HRT but am scared to take it as I have a history of eating disorders. Anecdotally lots of people seem to say they have gained weight on it, ans that’s certainly true of some (but not all) of my friends.

Just wondering if there’s anyone who has had positive or neutral experiences re weight gain? Also, how long does it take to have an impact on symptoms in general?

Just to be clear - it’s not the weight gain I’m worried about per se but the impact it will have on my mental health. My peri symptoms are mainly mental health related so it seems to be a difficult trade off

I started HRT a few months ago, just after I'd put my mind to losing half a stone. I think I've just about kept it off. I need to lose the other half of that stone really, but don't know whether HRT will impact that.

I will say that losing the half I did before HRT took a completely diferent approach to previous weight loss. Pre 40s I've always gained easily but also lost it easily. No longer the case!

Me. Been on it for 5.5 years and haven't gained any weight.

I've been on HRT three years and haven't gained weight.

I’ve been on hrt 5 months I haven’t gained weight but I’ve found it harder to lose weight.

Been on it for years, haven't gained weight. But i am naturally quite slim.

Been on HRT for 4 months as part of general effort to get well, part of which was to change my diet too and get more exercise, so I have lost weight in these months.

Started HRT in 2022. Did not put on weight as a result. (Was already overweight and for other health reasons, went on my very first diet in 2024 and lost 3.5st.)

Thank you everyone, this is reassuring to hear. I guess I will just have to wait and see. How long did it take for the hrt to have an effect on other symptoms - brain fog, insomnia, etc?

I've been on oestrogen only for several years after a hysterectomy. I can't say it's had any effect on my weight.

Not gained weight, but other changes were almost instant. I have micronised progesterone and estradiol spray.

Been on it 10 years and gained no weight, although I am on a very low dose FWIW

Same here. 4 years in and I’m 9 stone. Not gained a pound.

The changes in our bodies as your oestrogen decreases generally impact our waistlines and body shape, without HRT. Women who don’t work out and maintain muscle mass, struggle with maintaining their shape, generally.

HRT reduces the risk of this happening (as it helps maintain muscle mass) and is great for anxiety and low mode. It was a game changer for me.

been on it over ten years and I’m thinner than I was when I started hrt. It took about 2 weeks to kick in and it has changed my life

I've been on HRT for a year and found it life changing. I've lost 2 stone.

I haven’t, I put in weight due to perimenopause and generally eating too much not being active but HRT made no difference

In fact. I feel better now so can exercise and manage to eat properly, so I’d say I’ve lost weight

I haven’t gained any weight on HRT and, since adding testosterone, I’ve definitely found it easier to maintain/lose weight. I’m a small UK size 10.
The fact that I no longer want to murder all those around me, is also a bonus 🤦‍♀️

I don’t think I've gained weight. But taking HRT also coincided with me taking more exercise.
I've also had issues with body image and eating so I totally empathise OP.

What type of HRT are you on if you don't mind .e asking?

Evorel patches. Seriously, I feel so much better!

No weight gain here, 47 and been on it for 4 months (gel and progesterone cycled on / off). In fact, with strength training 3 - 4 days a week, I am leaner and more toned than I have been in years. Saw changes in brain fog, sleep and the underlying rage in a few weeks. Echoing someone else here: life changing.

I haven't gained weight. I've stayed very active and eat very well and in fact, I'd say HRT has made it easier for me to do that, but I haven't gained weight.

It goes on easier and is harder to lose than it used to be, but that was the case before HRT, once I was in my 50s, too.

Been on it for 6 years. Have lost about 5 stone in that time. Not due to HRT but definitely made exercise easier as my joint pain reduced considerably after about a month. Added plusses thicker hair, better skin, reduced anxiety. Why not try it and see how you go? You can stop if you don't like it.