weight gain in 50's & hrt, took me by surprise I need some advise please!

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Just had a big shock when trying on clothing I wore last summer, nothing fits I have gained a lot of weight fast since getting into my early 50's and starting on hrt (low dose). The speed in which I've grown is a bit disconcerting after a lifetime of being reasonably slim & healthy. Any one have any advise please,I haven't tried slimming classes before however I need to do something this will be affecting my health.

I came off HRT as the weight gain on my stomach area was startling.

My new stomach is alarming so reading this with interest!

I’m tapering down my HRT because the weight gain was crazy. 3 stone in 2 years! I’ve lost a stone since I’ve lowered dose, still a long way to go though.

I gained a lot of weight in my 50s and developed a horrible overhanging stomach, but I have never taken HRT, so I guess it's also age and stage of life related.

I love my food and drink so dieting is difficult. I am finally starting to enjoy exercise and the weight is coming off - slowly but in a sustainable way.

I wonder whether the weight gain in HRT or just menopause related though? (I'm in the same position btw).

I know several women who are vocal about not needing Hrt and it all being medicalised. Now late fifties/60s. Many developed more weight around their middle. My sister included before she went on HRT.

It’s not just HRT it’s a known part of menopause for some.

I put on two stone since I started HRT 2 years ago. I am 54. I would like to say it was age and HRT related and some might have been but I was also not taking care of myself, not exercising due to feeling so rubbish and eating way too many sweet things to keep me going and cheer me up.

I decided to make a big effort this year with exercise and eating in a more healthy way.

Currently following the fast 800 eating pattern and have nearly a stone off.

I have to say I feel so so much better for this.

Generally making an overall effort with myself, better sleep habits etc.

I was the same in that all my clothes were tight and I felt awful.

I’m in the same boat. 2 1/2 stones in 2 years. I have narrowed it down to cortisol, it’s like being on (albeit natural) steroids. I’m still looking into the link between the two, but so far, I think my cortisol is having a field day storing every bit of glucose into fat around my middle and thighs. And yes, the minute I lower the oestrogen, I go down 3-4 kg in 3-4 days. But I need the HRT because my brain for and joint pain are terrible. I’m reading tonnes of books.

Is it HRT or menopause?

I'm about to start HRT, but have gained a lot of weight over the last few months, after a lifetime of maintaining a stable weight, but it's not HRT causing it because I'm not on it yet. A few weeks earlier getting myself organised and it would have coincided with starting HRT though.

Also agree that menopause generally has seen me being a bit rubbish with previously good eating and exercise habits.

I think it's just menopause. I have taken HRT for around 7 years and it hasn't caused any weight gain at all with me. If anything I've lost weight.

Keto and intermittent fasting worked for me. Try 'The diet whisperer' and the 'Keto Kitchen' recipe books for excellent information about nutrition and the science behind it. I also found an Apple Watch and a set of smart scales to be extremely useful as I find data about strength, body age, vascular age etc. to be far more motivating than just weight. This info made me want to up the exercise I do as I'm understanding how important it is to 'future proof' my body if I want an old age where I am active and healthy for as long as possible. Although I don't need to lose weight now, I've stuck with the intermittent fasting and am still predominantly Keto because I just feel so much better for doing both. It genuinely hasn't felt like a punishment at all!

I think alot of it is just age/menopause related.
I started HRT a couple of months ago and so far it has had no effect on my diet (still losing the same as before).
My best friend is a similar age and not peri as yet,,,however she always used to be superskinny and now is def larger, esp round the middle!

I suffered the same, all of a sudden from one summer to the next I’d gained weight around my midriff. I actually found that HRT helped with taming my weight. I’ve also changed the way I eat by following the 16:8 fasting diet, it’s made such a difference.

I think it's just menopause. I find it easier to lose weight and maintain on hrt as I feel more energetic.

It is harder when you get older but doable.

Lot's of exercise, I walk and do about an hour of yoga each day. Intermittent fasting is an easy way for me to lose or maintain. Give up alcohol completely as it's just not good for you. Also cut out as much sugar as possible.

These aren't easy things but there is joy in them. I love my walks and yoga practice. I miss sugar but feel so much better having less. I no longer miss alcohol and feel so much better than when I drank.

All these things build a strong body that looks better and makes me feel better about myself.

Give up alcohol completely as it's just not good for you. Also cut out as much sugar as possible.

Sorry but I'd rather be a bit fat. I exercise at least 5 times a week, I need some pleasures in life. Glad it works for you though.

Glad it's not just me! tonnes of advice here, Thankyou everyone. I don't want to come off the HRT as I feel so, so much better for it. Planning to focus on the diet & excercise more seriously.