Body shape changed-post menopause-post HRT

[PuceisNotGreenWhoKnew]

I’m 5’6” and weigh 9 stone 7lbs. I’m white, very pale, brown hair that’s not dyed, my greys are white and I like them. Age 54.

I feel huge, even though I know this is a healthy weight, because my body shape has changed.

I loved my body shape in my 20 and 30 as I was thin, long bodied, no hips and big boobs. About 8 stone 7lbs maximum. My short legs were never my best feature but I didn’t have a bum.

Then I had a double mastectomy. I’ve had a reconstruction and they’ve had the saline removed now to save my skin so quite small.

I was allowed to take HRT ( lowest dose for the shortest time possible) but was asked to come off it in November.

I have put on about 5 lbs but it means I’ve gone up two dress sizes in trousers. Size 12 from M&S are straining at my seat! My stomach is heavy, my hips are huge, my arse is big and saggy.

My aim is not so much to lose weight, but I want to get healthy by doing Pilates and swimming which I love, and weights which I don’t.

But what do I buy and wear? In general and for exercise classes? I’ve just had to get rid of my M&S size 12 Goodmove leggings as they were stretched so thin and gave such W that it was awful looking at myself!

I am on George at Asda/ TU budget with aspirations of Arket but usually settle for M&S. No work restrictions.
. I hate things that are tight. I prefer natural fabrics.

if it helps I’ll post a photo but I’m not keen!

Edited to say I’ve got DD round and we are getting rid of EVERYTHING in my wardrobe that looks awful or doesn’t fit .

Op you are doing the right thing. Weights are helping me reshape - even though it’s a bloody uphill struggle to lose weight here.

Vinted is your friend. I’m buying sweaty betty leggings new with tags for £35.

I'm quite a bit bigger than you but have also gone 'barrel shaped'. Used to be size 12 now 16, following meno. Even though I know that's totally average, I feel big because it's big for me. No suggestions just sympathy - it's an adjustment.

Four black bin bags full of clothes to go! I’m saddest about my Arket paper bag trousers but I’ve got three pairs, all second hand, and they’ve been good to me.

DD has taken my 2000s Toast bikinis and my Antik Batik from the same era.

I have still got a lot of clothes so I’ve decided that I just need Pj bottoms, which I can get from Tu, and gym wear.

I will try on Sweaty Betty in the shop to get my size and then look on Vinted. Great tip, thank you!

It actually felt cathartic seeing myself in the mirror next to slim DD. I know my body is doing its best, but it has aged, and I need to look after it. I now have clothes that fit and I’ll try and style them and wear them rather than having them hanging in the wardrobe (to shrink!). It’s taken me a long time to get to this adjustment though, and I’m sure I’ll still have wobbles. Gosh, we can be so hard on ourselves! I don’t think it has helped that I was young and slim when that was the look, that’s still how fashionable looks and feels to me.

I hear you, OP. I am similar. Was always just under 9 stone (5ft 6) till pcos hit hard at about 21 when I went up to 9 stone and pretty much stayed that even after having kids. Very thin framed, unlike you I have always had teeny boobs.

Peri has changed everything. I'm creeping up to 10 stone if I don't watch what I eat. All weight has gone to my stomach, and what little arse I had has dropped and is flat. I have had at least 2 people ask me if I'm pregnant, and lots more gaze at my stomach and I know what they're thinking. It's because my stomach now sticks out more than my boobs!

I've given up on size 12 skirts and trousers for the most part. I am considerably comfier in size 14 although people who know me and look at my skinny arms, legs and no boots find that hard to believe. I'm just an awkward shape now. I hate the change in my body shape.

57 here. Sweaty Betty Power leggings will suck you in and support you. They are perfect for Pilates. The weight lifting will grow on you. It is very challenging physically but more mentally for me. It really helps though.

I’ve not actually started the weight lifting yet! I haven’t even joined a gym. I need to do it! I do Pilates at a yoga/pilates studio.

I hope the Sweaty Beaty leggings do suck me in because the black M&S Goodmove ones looked awful.

SB has a sale online. I’ve just bought Power Leggings to try. A size medium and a size large, both in long rather than 7/8 length. £28.50 each. I can return whichever doesn’t fit.