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Suggest Treatment For Weight Gain After Changing HRT
Question: I have changed my HRT to 50/140 Estalis patches and have gained weight. I was on 50/250 patches for 10 years and managed ok. I wanted to reduce my HRT with a view to weaning off it altogether so I changed the ratio but it turns out it was a big mistake as I have gained more than 50 pounds in the last 5 months. I also now have mastalgia which could be a symptom of sudden and large weight gain or the hormone imbalance that has been created. I have realised that my progestin balance needs to be stabilised but what should I do? I am worried about symptoms if I go off HRT altogether. Should I go back to 50/250 to rebalance the oestrogen or take dydrogesterone or primalude or some other norethisterone? I feel like I need an endocrinologist or menopause expert to help me get an ongoing hormone management plan.
Brief Answer:
It is better to stop HRT.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Different kind of hormonal patches have different effect on the weight.
The sudden weight gain that you had was due to the change in the patch. Now to reduce the already gained weight it would be better to stop the HRT and start with natural alternatives like compounds containing isoflavones and lignanes. These include soy, flax seeds, red clover, whole cereals, whey proteins, legumes and green leafy vegetables. You can also use menopro powder 2 spoonfuls with milk twice daily. Other measure are regular light exercise like yoga or walking, use of evening primrose oil. Calcium supplementation is important to prevent osteoporosis.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
It is better to stop HRT.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Different kind of hormonal patches have different effect on the weight.
The sudden weight gain that you had was due to the change in the patch. Now to reduce the already gained weight it would be better to stop the HRT and start with natural alternatives like compounds containing isoflavones and lignanes. These include soy, flax seeds, red clover, whole cereals, whey proteins, legumes and green leafy vegetables. You can also use menopro powder 2 spoonfuls with milk twice daily. Other measure are regular light exercise like yoga or walking, use of evening primrose oil. Calcium supplementation is important to prevent osteoporosis.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I'm afraid to stop HRT, because my symptoms are so awful when I am not on it. I have been looking at online information on a Progresterone Only Pill (POP) and I am thinking that it might be the right alternative for me. Is it the oestrogen that is causing my weight gain and mastalgia? What do you think about either switching to POP or going back to 50/250 patch? There are also other combinations or alternative hormones that have lower oestrogen - do you have any recommendations?
Brief Answer:
50/250 patch is a better option.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The weight gain and mastalgia are caused both by oestrogen and progesterone. But estrogen is likely to aggravate it more. Progesterone only pill will cause the symptoms of estrogen deficiency like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. It is better to switch back to 50/250patch which you have already tried. There are many similar alternatives available but each one is associated with side effects and you might take time to get adjusted to it. It is best to consult your gynecologist and after a detailed check up and a few investigations to rule out the risk factors, she can prescribe you the combination best suitable for you.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
50/250 patch is a better option.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The weight gain and mastalgia are caused both by oestrogen and progesterone. But estrogen is likely to aggravate it more. Progesterone only pill will cause the symptoms of estrogen deficiency like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. It is better to switch back to 50/250patch which you have already tried. There are many similar alternatives available but each one is associated with side effects and you might take time to get adjusted to it. It is best to consult your gynecologist and after a detailed check up and a few investigations to rule out the risk factors, she can prescribe you the combination best suitable for you.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Feedback on what happened at my visit to the doctor. I am planning on either continuing my current 50/140 patches and also taking a daily pill of Provera (5mg) (medroxyprogesterone acetate) or maybe I will cut the current patches in half (with a view to try to wean myself off HRT) whilst also taking the Provera (as mentioned above). Please can you let me know if you have any opinion about whether I should continue on the current 50/140 patch or cut them in half?
Brief Answer:
It is better to use full patch.
Detailed Answer:
Cutting the patches into half can alter the dosage. It is better to use the full patch and start with Provera along with it. You can further decrease the hormonal dosage to wean off later once the symptoms subside.
Regards.
It is better to use full patch.
Detailed Answer:
Cutting the patches into half can alter the dosage. It is better to use the full patch and start with Provera along with it. You can further decrease the hormonal dosage to wean off later once the symptoms subside.
Regards.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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