Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
In Surgical Menopause. On Oral Estradiol And Gaining Weight. Have Hot Flashes, Mood Swings And Brain Fog. Suggest?
Posted on
Tue, 17 Sep 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 17 Sep 2013
Answered on
Thu, 10 Oct 2013
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello! I am 42 years old & in surgical menopause since age 27 (no ovaries, uterus or cervix). I have been on oral Estradiol and am noticing an average weight gain of 10 lbs per year; however, I am still experiencing hot flashes, mild mood swings and brain "fog". I currently take 2 mg of oral Estradiol. My question is...is the weight gain a side effect of the Estradiol OR is it happening because my dosage is not high enough to control the symptoms of surgical menopause?
Brief Answer:
Estradiol causes weight gain
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
Weight gain is a known side effect of estradiol.
You are taking quite a sufficient dose of estrogen replacement.
In surgical menopause as compared to the normal menopause the hormone deficiency is abrupt & before surgery body is not being programmed to become used to this upcoming hormone deficiency.
Therefore, many doctors prescribe combined hormone replacement ( both estrogen & progesterone) to young women who have surgical menopause. You were given estrogen alone, there may be some reason for this choice being made for you, & this may be a reason why you are still experiencing the effects of hormone deficiency.
Anyway, you are 42 now & a combination therapy perhaps is not a better choice for you.
I think I have given you the desired information.
Take care.
Estradiol causes weight gain
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
Weight gain is a known side effect of estradiol.
You are taking quite a sufficient dose of estrogen replacement.
In surgical menopause as compared to the normal menopause the hormone deficiency is abrupt & before surgery body is not being programmed to become used to this upcoming hormone deficiency.
Therefore, many doctors prescribe combined hormone replacement ( both estrogen & progesterone) to young women who have surgical menopause. You were given estrogen alone, there may be some reason for this choice being made for you, & this may be a reason why you are still experiencing the effects of hormone deficiency.
Anyway, you are 42 now & a combination therapy perhaps is not a better choice for you.
I think I have given you the desired information.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
One more question...if I lower my dosage of Estradiol will I be able to easily lose the weight I have gained? In theory I should no longer gain, but will the extra weight be easy to lose with diet and exercise? Thank you again for your time!
Brief Answer:
Life style modifications are difficult but helpful
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, this is a theoretical possibility, if estradiol is the sole cause in your case.
It will not help if you are gaining weight due to improper diet & lack of exercise.
I strongly recommend that you should not lower the dose without consulting your treating physician as this may aggravate your post-menopausal symptoms & make yourself prone to other long term health problems like osteoporosis & cardiovascular problems.
It would be more appropriate if you adopt a more active life style with regular exercise & start eating a more healthy food.
Another common cause of weight gain is thyroid dysfunction. So, please check your TSH levels to rule this out.
Hope I have addressed your concerns properly.
Take care.
Life style modifications are difficult but helpful
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, this is a theoretical possibility, if estradiol is the sole cause in your case.
It will not help if you are gaining weight due to improper diet & lack of exercise.
I strongly recommend that you should not lower the dose without consulting your treating physician as this may aggravate your post-menopausal symptoms & make yourself prone to other long term health problems like osteoporosis & cardiovascular problems.
It would be more appropriate if you adopt a more active life style with regular exercise & start eating a more healthy food.
Another common cause of weight gain is thyroid dysfunction. So, please check your TSH levels to rule this out.
Hope I have addressed your concerns properly.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
