Why am I gaining weight on HRT?

When a woman takes HRT orally, it goes directly to the liver, exposing it to relatively higher levels of oestrogen – which interferes with the liver's ability to burn fat and make a hormone called IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor-1).

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Why has HRT made me gain weight?

HRT does not cause weight gain. Side effects of HRT may feel like it but the reality is that bodies change in midlife. In fact, many women lose weight and feel considerably fitter on HRT.

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How do I get rid of HRT weight gain?

There is no easy answer, but rebalancing the hormones, exercise routine and diet can help to increase your metabolic rate, which will ensure fat is burned more efficiently. Reducing overall stress in your life can help too, because stress can cause increased amounts of cortisol to be released.

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Is weight gain from HRT temporary?

Occasionally, patients gain weight at the beginning of HRT as their hormones get regulated. But this side effect generally subsides within weeks.

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Is there a HRT that doesn't cause weight gain?

Dr Newson says “Many women are concerned that they will put on weight when they begin taking HRT. However, having oestrogen through the skin as a gel or patch with micronised progesterone does not usually lead to weight gain.

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HRT and Weight Gain | Ask Dr. Susan - LIVE

21 related questions found

Should I stop HRT to lose weight?

Contrary to popular assumptions, most women experience no changes in weight as the result of undergoing HRT. A systematic review of 22 high-quality randomized clinical trials concluded that there was no significant difference in weight between menopausal women who were treated with HRT and those who were not.

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Can HRT give you belly fat?

Although it is believed that estrogen therapy (HRT) is a cause of weight gain for women, the researchers say that is not the case, and HRT can help women lose the unwanted belly fat that appears post-menopause.

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Does excess estrogen cause weight gain?

Estrogen is a type of sex hormone that plays an essential role in the body. Abnormal levels can affect many aspects of health. For instance, high estrogen levels may cause weight gain, low mood, and severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in females.

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How long does it take for HRT to work for weight loss?

These tend to continue to improve with time. However, for other results like weight loss and muscle gain, it can take up to 3-months, which is when studies show 80% of women experience full relief.

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Does progesterone HRT cause weight gain?

While progesterone doesn't directly cause weight gain, it does increase your hunger levels which may make you feel like you're eating more and therefore gaining weight. But progesterone is just a small player in hormone balance and weight management.

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How do I stop weight gain from estrogen?

To balance estrogen levels naturally and prevent the weight gain that happens with an estrogen imbalance, you'll want to do the following:
  1. Commit to a regular exercise routine. ...
  2. Eat your fiber. ...
  3. Eat veggies in the cruciferous family. ...
  4. Reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors.

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Does HRT bloating go away?

Some types of progestogens can lead to some bloating and lower abdominal discomfort. This usually settles within a few months. If you have symptoms that worsen or any symptoms you are concerned about then you should either contact us or your GP.

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Does HRT affect metabolism?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has profound metabolic effects which impact on the cardiovascular system. These effects include changes in lipids and lipoproteins, glucose and insulin metabolism, haemostatic factors, inflammatory markers and body composition, as well as changes in vascular function and remodelling.

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Why is HRT not working for me?

Are you taking the right dose of HRT? If several months have passed and you are seeing no improvement in your menopause symptoms, it could be one of the signs that HRT is not working for you. You might need to increase your dose of HRT, specifically the oestrogen you are taking.

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How will I know if HRT is working?

It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of treatment and there may be some side effects at first. A GP will usually recommend trying treatment for 3 months to see if it helps. If it does not, they may suggest changing your dose, or changing the type of HRT you're taking.

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Can you feel worse on HRT?

Women settle differently on HRT, and some settle faster than others. If symptoms are due to the lower hormone levels that occur during the menopause, these symptoms should improve quite quickly, however, many women notice a plateau or return of symptoms after a few months – and this is when a review can be useful.

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What does hormonal weight gain look like?

While body weight and fat are distributed equally in weight gain due to excess caloric intake, people with hormonal weight gain usually notice increased weight around specific body parts, such as the waist, arms, thighs, chest, and lower body.

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What are the symptoms of too much estrogen?

Symptoms of high estrogen in women
  • bloating.
  • swelling and tenderness in your breasts.
  • fibrocystic lumps in your breasts.
  • decreased sex drive.
  • irregular menstrual periods.
  • increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • mood swings.
  • headaches.

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What are the signs of too much progesterone?

Symptoms of high progesterone are similar to premenstrual syndrome and can include anxiety and agitation, bloating, breast swelling and tenderness, depression, fatigue, and weight gain.

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What HRT helps with weight loss?

It is often used in HRT for women since an imbalance of progesterone causes women to overeat. DHEA: A hormone that promotes weight loss by increasing the body's metabolism, preventing fat storage, and decreasing the appetite for dietary fats.

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How do I get rid of HRT bloating?

Lifestyle Changes Combined with Hormone Replacement Treatment
  1. Drinking plenty of water.
  2. Exercising regularly.
  3. Reducing sodium intake.
  4. Eating smaller meals.
  5. Avoiding foods that cause gas retention, like: Beans. Broccoli. Fatty foods.
  6. Reducing stress.

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What happens if you stop HRT suddenly?

Gradually decreasing your HRT dose is usually recommended, rather than stopping suddenly. You may find that your menopausal symptoms come back after you stop HRT, but these should pass within a few months.

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Does HRT change your body shape?

Muscle mass and strength will decrease. Additionally, arms and legs will appear smoother. This is because the fat below the skin becomes thicker. As the fat under the skin increases and moves, the eyes and face may take on a more “feminine” appearance.

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Do the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks?

For the majority of women who use HRT for the short-term treatment of symptoms of the menopause, the benefits of treatment are considered to outweigh the risks.

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Can HRT cause water retention?

You may have water retention when taking HRT. This is when too much water builds up in your body.

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