I feel like I continue to gain weight while on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). I’ve exercised five to six times a week since I was 18 years old. I also do cardio five days a week. I went on bio-identical HRT three years ago and my body composition has changed in an awful way. I have gained roughly 10 pounds. Is it the hormones or would it have happened anyway? I get so down about it that I feel like I don’t want to go to the gym anymore because it’s a waste of my time.
Don’t despair. If you weren’t working out, you’d be worse off! You need to add weight bearing exercises, not just aerobic exercise to your workout. Please read Dr. Cooper’s column, ’What Can Be Done About Excessive Weight Gain?’ There are some simple tips for menopausal women on minimizing and preventing weight gain.
You also need to see a dietician who specializes in midlife weight gain prevention. You should also see a NAMS credentialed menopause specialist as you may be getting unregulated male and adrenal hormones that could be contributing to weight gain. Standardized, regulated menopausal hormone therapy is NOT associated with weight gain.
You may need your thyroid tested and an assessment of your sleep and stress levels. You may also need to be treated for depression. Are you eating whole foods? Or lots of processed foods?
Finally, the body changes with age and you have to revel in all the amazing things your body can do, even if it’s not exactly the same as it was 20 years ago.
All My Best,
Speaking of Women's Health Nurse
April 18, 2014 at 5:50am