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[Rowan]

OH has a fitbit so we try to do 10.000 steps a  get a badge then you are encouraged to do 15000 steps, we have only managed to 10000 steps once in a while, it averages out to about 8000 per day.

Its surprising how much walking can keep your tummy firm and I do notice the difference if I  miss  few days.

Also I do think as you get through the hormone turmoil, your weight settles and if you watch what you eat and exercise you do lose it that's of you are not on HRT, if you are it tends to be harder to keep the weight off.

[Hurdity]

Middle age spread (ie fat around the middle) is not necessarily to do with lax muscles (although decreasing exercise will also be detrimental) but changes in the distribution of fat which happens when oestrogen declines at menopause. We change from a pear-shape to an apple shape - and this phenomenon occurs even in slim women, and even if you are not actually putting on weight. The increased waist size can give an illusion of overall weight gain - but the scales will tell you whether this is true or not!

HRT should actually help to prevent this change, but at the low doses that are normally used the effect is probably only marginal.

Having said that I did read the other day that waist size and BMI can be used interchangeably as an indicator of overall cancer risk - can't remember where.

re the flat stomach - that's another issue and I think this is due to lax muscles - probably exacerbated by lack of exercise. I've always had a flat stomach but these days if I don't keep up the abs exercises regularly it begins to protrude a little - I always try to keep my muscles strong enough so that I can hold it in - like when we were young (but it stayed in by itself then!).

So I would advise to do some exercise if you can - just a few sit-ups or cycling while lying down with legs out - that sort of thing. You will be pleased to see the results.

Hurdity x

[Ju Ju]

I started HRT earlier this year. Although I was slim everywhere, but round my waist. ( what waist? Little difference between waist and hips). My bmi was 22. But the gynaecologist warned me I was at as great a risk from diabetes type 2 as people more obviously overweight. I have a very strong family history of type 2 diabetes. I had slightly raised glucose levels, cholesterol and BP levels. So I followed advice and cut all sugars down and stopped snacking. I lost a stone and a half pretty quickly. Probably too quickly. Swapped diabetes for gall stones, though the doctor says that has no bearing on it. As my weight is still falling, I have had naughty things to eat again, but not like I did.

 I think my story shows you can lose weight, HRT or not. Be honest, what are you eating and how big are your portions. Do you go out for walk, cycling etc.? By the way I have a waist, though I still have a band of fat around my middle, but I can hide it now.

[babyjane]

Hurdity your information is always interesting but despite my dropping oestrogen levels I have firmly remained a pear to the present day. Sometimes a size 14 pear, sometimes a 12 but always a pear, never an apple. Interesting as my mother used to say I always had to be different 

[Rowan]

I am a thyroid/pear too, I think you always have a basic shape that stays with you, I always had a very tiny waist ( all the females in my family have ) and that is what has changed in menopause my waist is bigger now. I still have a curve but nowhere near how it use to be.

http://www.liverdoctor.com/body-types/

I have just had a light bulb moment  OH wears his fitbit all the time and just before he goes to bed he uploads info to computer and it tells him how many steps etc. he has taken, well it is set to his stride not mine, and as he so much taller I must take two steps to his one, so I must be  taking twice as many steps, no wonder I feel tired afterwards but in a good way. Wonder if I should tell him 

[Hurdity]

I agree with silverlady that obviously your genetic type will remain - some women are naturally larger hipped - and the apple/pear thing that is generally quoted is an overly simplistic view.

However it is meant to emphasise that most women will tend to lose fat from their hips and thighs (our lovely youthful womanly shape) and depost it round their waist - and even with very slim women - this phenomenon is apparent.

Exactly as silverlady says - sadly all of us become less curvy - nature says we no longer need to attract men any more as we are no longer fertile    (but we can do our best when we need to  ).

Hurdity x

[Melbury]

Hi   to be honest I have not got any real friends, my only friend is my husband, I know sad ain't  I
         

Me too and when OH was really ill a few years ago and I thought I might lose him, it really brought it home to me just how lonely I would be - very frightening.

[CLKD]

I have no idea what shape I am  ……….