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[Vanessa52]

Hi. I'm Vanessa.
I have taken the plunge today and stuck on my first HRT patch. I have been given Everol Conti.
Previous to this, about five years ago I was given the Mirena coil and I experienced a lot of weight gain with it, around 30lb, all of which came off (with effort) when it was removed early last year.
I am 205lb already and I absolutely dread putting any more weight on. I do more exercise now (running) and have modified my diet since the Mirena and I will keep that up. Everything I read previous to getting the patch said HRT was unlikely to make me gain weight, but weight gain is listed as a common side effect of the HRT on the leaflet.
Like so many of you I also have what I think are hormone related migraines and I have hot flushes and broken sleep. I have been coping so far but it has been difficult, as has the irrational crying at kittens and songs from the 70's  I have had a blood hormone test at the doctors to confirm the menopause, as if I didn't know 
I guess I would like to hear what you think about the weight gain as users of this forum have actual experience. The good thing about the patches is that I can change them or stop them, with the Mirena it was very difficult to get it removed.
Thank you in advance, I will post my experience with the patch and I look forward to your advice x

[CLKD]

   hopefully you will have success with the new regime 

There is a lot of good info, menus left of screen.  Browse round!

[Hurdity]

Hi Vanessa

  from me too

There are mixed views about menopause and weight gain generally. Here is a link to some information on this website:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/weightgain.php

I've been on it too long to know.  I would say I am gradually putting on weight as I get older (currently 60) but have been on HRT since 53 so I would say that HRT has nothing to do with it in my case.

Some women find on the continuous combined HRT that they get bloating - like with pmt - which can be due to the progestogen part (taking it all the time). I am still on a cycle and notice some bloating when on the progesterone phase of my cycle.

Also the oestrogen has made my boobs more substantial - not more than they were in my fertile years, but more than they were when my periods had almost stopped completely (they were shrunken due to lack of oestrogen!).

You sound as though you are doing the right thing modifying your diet and taking more exercise which can only do your health good! I find I am permanently on a low fat diet just to stay the same weight - I eat very little sugar, or fat, or cheese and no refined foods, and very littel alcohol! The moment I lapse and have the odd cake, use oil/butter and am too liberal with the wine - the pounds go on!

Good luck with it all and hope you feel better soon!

Hurdity x

[louie2]

Welcome Vanessa! I'm quite new to this too, but isn't it lovely to know that there are like minded sufferers out there (not literally) but at least we can all support each other, this can be a very frightening lonely time.. At least now I know that I am NOT going mad  x