Will I gain weight if I start HRT?

A common anxiety amongst women contemplating HRT is weight gain. There is no evidence, that HRT routinely causes weight gain. A personal computerised search (Medline ̵internet information) of the literature revealed twelve publications that looked at the relationship between HRT and weight. There was no difference in weight change whether HRT was taken or not in eight studies. One study indicated a weight loss with HRT and three found a slight increase with the HRT.

In a study conducted inJerusalem, women who accepted HRT were compared to a group who declined it. Over the course of one year the average weight gain in both groups was 2kg (4lb) with no statistical difference between them. The study showed that women were gaining weight whether or not they took HRT. Serial measurements of the waist-to-hip ratio demonstrated a change from the gynaecoid (hour-glass) fat distribution to the android (waist enlargement) in those women not on HRT but this did not occur in the HRT group. In practice, many patients insist that they are gaining weight even when their records show no change. This is difficult to explain although two possibilites would be an alteration in shape or possibly a change in self-perception rather than a physical change. There are exceptions to every rule, and on occasion I see women who undoubtedly gain a few pounds specifically when they are taking HRT

Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-

Effects of hormone replacement therapy on weight, body composition, fat distribution, and food intake in early postmenopausal women: a prospective study (1995)

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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.

I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.