Hello! During menopause estrogen level decreases abruptly. During the childbearing life, women tend to gain weight in the around hips and thighs, but during menopause they gain weight on the abdomen, the male model of fat deposition. This is because of the dropping levels of etrogen, but also because of lowered metabolism and reduction of physical activity. Hormonal replacement therapy does not have an impact on weight gain. I would suggest to be careful with your diet (low use of carbohydrates, especially prosseced ones like sweets, cakes, pasta etc) and increase physical activity. As it regards the estrogen dominance, during menopause it s not important anymore, as i said above that estrogen level drops radically. I hope i have been of help.