HRT and Losing Anyone?

Hi

I started CC recently in a desperate attempt to start trying to lose some menopausal weight gain.  It's now been suggested to me a couple of times to consider taking HRT by my doctor and by a gynaecologist.  I am so scared of gaining any more weight that I dont know whether to try HRT or not.  Does anyone have any positive experience of taking HRT and managing to lose weight as well?  It does worry me as I am already susceptible to fluid retention etc. Feedback would be greatly appreciated.  Many thanks.

I am 58 & have been taking HRT for about 10 years.  I felt bloated & gained a little wt. (5 lbs.) when taking the standard rx which is usually Premarin.  I now use the Combi-Patch (combination estradiol & natural progesterone) at the lowest dose & I cut those patches in half.  This keeps me from having night sweats, depression & insomnia which I was having before using HRT.  I am 5'3" & weigh about 130 lbs. (about the same as before menopause).  I work out & count calories & am determined not to become overweight.  I think I look & feel pretty good "for my age" (whatever that means).  Good luck to you!

I began HRT last fall and I'm hoping to go back to have my dosage lowered this summer.  I simply could not cope with a recent move, having our son move back in with us, leaving friends PLUS all the night sweats and depression accompanying all that.  So I gave in and I have to say it really helped all my symptoms.  I did gain weight, but I don't know that I can attribute it all to the HRT.  I was not exercising regularly and I was eating what I wanted to as a way to get through the loneliness of our move.  It's summer now and I'm working at eating a low calorie plan (1200-1500 calories per day) and keeping a food journal, also I'm attempting to walk a minimum of 7,000 steps a day working toward a goal of 12,000 per day.  The weight is slowly coming off, so I think this is really all about staying focussed on what you want for yourself, and giving yourself permission to get there.  I honestly don't know that I could have changed that negative thought pattern (I'm not strong enough to lose weight, I have no will power, I don't deserve the time it takes to do all this exercise, I'm all alone ... etc. etc..) without the "umph" of the HRT.  Be careful and be sure you have all your tests done FIRST.  I'm looking forward to a lower dosage after my next check up and based on the other reply to your question, I will ask about the patches.  I started out two weeks ago with 196 pounds on my slight 5 foot 2 inch frame and have lost a whopping 2 pounds,  so I am nowhere near proof of anything except that we can all give it a try and try to change our thinking around so we can live the life we desire for ourselves.  Good Luck

If you keep working at it the weight WILL come off.  You have to look at the big picture.  It is just a daily struggle but the rewards are worth it.  Exercise is an essential element & is beneficial is so many ways.  I think the key word is consistency.  I just keep plodding along day by day.  I walk, do the EFX, circuit training or whatever I feel like doing to get my 30 minutes a day in.  Sorry, don't mean to sound like I have all the answers - just what has worked for me over the past 40 years!