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What Causes Weight Gain After HRT?
Question: I just started hormone replacement and had a pellet inserted about 3 weeks ago. I also just started taking progesterone. I have gained about 7 pounds. I am not happy! Is this common?
Brief Answer:
Progesterone frequently causes weight gain as a side-effect, and so can HRT
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and i hope I can help you today.
First of all, bioidentical hormones, due to the fact that they are technically supplements and not drugs, are not tested for safety or effectiveness like conventional hormone replacement therapy. For that reason, the ingredients of your particular pellet may be giving you weight gain as a side effect, but there is no way to know because the side effect profile of hormone pellets is not known.
However progesterone, in any form, commonly produces weight gain as a side effect. Progesterone-only contraceptives usually cause around 5 lbs of weight gain per year of use. I do not know what dose of progesterone you are taking, but it is the most likely culprit for your side-effects.
I suggest if you are having weight gain on your current HRT regimen you consider seeing a conventional OBGYN who may prescribe you conventional hormone replacement therapy, which has been tested by the FDA. There are many combinations of estrogen and progesterone available in pill, patch or vaginal form that may agree with your system better.
I hope i was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was helpful. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
Progesterone frequently causes weight gain as a side-effect, and so can HRT
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and i hope I can help you today.
First of all, bioidentical hormones, due to the fact that they are technically supplements and not drugs, are not tested for safety or effectiveness like conventional hormone replacement therapy. For that reason, the ingredients of your particular pellet may be giving you weight gain as a side effect, but there is no way to know because the side effect profile of hormone pellets is not known.
However progesterone, in any form, commonly produces weight gain as a side effect. Progesterone-only contraceptives usually cause around 5 lbs of weight gain per year of use. I do not know what dose of progesterone you are taking, but it is the most likely culprit for your side-effects.
I suggest if you are having weight gain on your current HRT regimen you consider seeing a conventional OBGYN who may prescribe you conventional hormone replacement therapy, which has been tested by the FDA. There are many combinations of estrogen and progesterone available in pill, patch or vaginal form that may agree with your system better.
I hope i was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was helpful. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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