Hormone replacement therapy ( HRT ) and Weight Gain
Hormone Replacement Therapy (otherwise known as HRT) and Weight Gain is a common question that many women ask. I get the question all the time. I also see that woman keep asking other women on the same issue, whether be it online or on the street. I have even seen forums and yahoo answers filled with questions and answers related to this topic. What I have found over time is that many women resist taking HRT because they fear that HRT and Weight Gain are linked. Some women who have taken HRT while in Menopause have noticed a Weight gain.
But to this day there is no proof that HRT and Weight Gain have any links. The misconception may have risen from the fact that some women while on HRT will develop fluid retention. This can be between 6 and 9 lbs. which is quite a lot. But this is not the end of the world. I usually suggest to friends to keep up a good exercise plan and look in to a diet that will help them stabilize and lose weight at the same time.
A friend last week told me she was using HRT and that a herbal doctor advised she looks for Cypress Oil which is an essential oil that is to help with both menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy. She was told that an old remedy was to have a small foot bath with not too much warm water and about 4 drops of Cypress Oil and 4 drops of Lavender oil (this works on Hot Flush headaches) and soak the soles of your feet for 20 mins. She seemed to think it worked a treat. Just make sure you get essential oils not the cheap synthetic ones as they will not work.
The big point to remember is that HRT is there to help not hinder and it will not be the reason for you putting on weight during menopause. I like to think that you will be happier on HRT as you will be able to sleep better in most cases. Because of this you will build your stores of serotonin while you sleep which all going well releases throughout the day to make you happier. Thus there is less reason to eat for the sake of eating.
I really think we could all use a bit of help to stop comfort eating! Always remember Menopause is a natural time in your life and do not worry about HRT and Weight Gain as it is not true. Remember to take time and start thinking about improvements you can make in your health and you will be well on your way to feeling better.
