Weight gain after hysterectomy and HRT, any tips for hips and thighs?

[YesYesIDid]

Had a hysterectomy last year aged 39 due to severe endometriosis. Lost a fair bit of weight immediately after surgery, but since then have put on over a stone even though I haven't started eating any more, or exercising any less. I'm also now on oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

I was always warned that menopause belly was a thing and we get thicker round our middle, however my waist has pretty much stayed the same whereas my hips and my thighs seem to have expanded sideways overnight! I'm only short (5'2") and have only gone from a size 6 to an 8 but compared to what I used to be like I feel huge! I also can't afford to buy a new wardrobe in a bigger size!

Any hints/tips/advice for targeting those areas? I've just joined a new gym but since I've always been lucky with my metabolism have always just done incline walking and Pilates classes... oh how naïve and blasé I was to think it would last!

The problem with menopause is you need around 200 calories less than before so, whilst you may not have added more food, if you haven’t reduced what you’re eating to compensate, then you will put on weight. Post surgical menopause I have to stick to around 1,700 to maintain (& I’m nearly 5ft 10) but to lose I had to drop to between 1,300-1,500 max.

Studies actually show HRT reduces the accumulation of visceral fat, although a lot of women blame the HRT for weight gain, it’s usually just because they are eating as they usually would and haven’t dropped any calories. Don’t stop the HRT, the benefits for bone protection, heart health, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s etc far outweigh bigger hips!

Oh don't worry I wouldn't ever consider dropping the HRT until I'm forced to - the few weeks of menopausal symptoms I had between surgery and starting them were horrific!

I've been eating around 1200 cals a day for a while now, but to no avail, I did run through the calculations online and that's what was recommended. However I do know I need to be stricter in cutting down the 'odd' treat, glass of wine, etc.