HRT/ health & wellbeing

[Keayma]

I had a full hysterectomy 2and half years ago, due to fibroids and went straight into the menopause at 50. Weight gain, overhanging belly, hot flushes, aching joints made me feel like an old woman. Most women with a family don't have time to look after themselves - that was me. No I've decided I'm putting me first. I've started couch to 5 during lockdown and now at wk6 run 3. Changing my diet cooking healthier meals, cut out carbs for a month now, brought a fitbit, walking to and from work 40mins each way, my highest was 1500 steps. I take amlopadine for my BP. Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong that within 2mths I'll lose a 1lb or 2 then it goes up and down. The average weight loss is 1 to 2lb a wèek, yet I'm struggling to lose the weight. For the last 4 weeks I've changes something either cutting out carbs, increased my excercise. What else can I do. Need some advice. Hot flashes getting worse, is HRT the answer. I know it's a long one but don't know where to start now.

[RachaelE]

Hi Keayma

HRT may well help and I’m wondering if this has ever even been discussed with you. It will certainly help with your menopause symptoms as well as protecting your health in the longer term. It might also help with weight loss because without oestrogen from your ovaries the only way your body can make it is by laying down abdominal fat and converting that to oestrogen but it’s not a very efficient way of doing it. HRT reduces the need to lay down fat. I’ve always struggled with my weight but if I exercise enough it will come down. I had a hysterectomy + BSO 5 years ago and am about the same weight as I was before surgery.

Take care, talk to your GP!

Rachael x

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

HRT does not come without its own risks. I am 51 and have been in menopause for 2 years. If you are walking that much are you sure you are not replacing fat with muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat. I would recommend you measure your chest, waist and hips weekly, rather than weighing to get a better of feel of if you are losing fat. Also, you may notice your clothes getting bigger. This is another good sign. Be patient with your body, as you and your body learn to adapt to this new season of your life.

[Bufferdingo]

Hi, im two year post hysterectomy and i kept my ovaries have you got yours ? Hormones are responsible for your metabolism speed so that might be something to check.