I had a partial hysterectomy 23 years ago at the age of 32. I was then put on HRT and I have remained on it for 20 years. I now have menopausal symptoms but I didn't think I would have as I am on HRT. Can you go through the menopause if you're on HRT? I am also putting on weight in my upper abdoment and thighs, which is quite upsetting.

Having a hysterectomy where your ovaries are left normally triggers the menopause around about the same age as you would have had it naturally.

So it is possible that you are approaching the menopause now, you are in the average age range 45-55. It may well be that your HRT is no longer helping so it would be best to discuss what your options are with your doctor.

However, low iron and low thyroid can also cause similar symptoms so it is a good idea to ask your doctor to also test for these just to rule them out.

Hormonal changes can often affect the metabolism and carb digestion and as a consequence, many women find that weight becomes an issue in the menopause.

It often seems that no matter how little you eat and how much you exercise it makes no difference! I tend to suggest cutting carbs right down and increasing good quality proteins and vegyables; this can often help quite quickly.

Read more about it in the 'Low GL Diet' - you can get books on this from Amazon.

Sensible exercise is important but don't go overboard. The menopause puts tremendous strain on the body and if you push yourself too hard the body can go into 'survival mode' and reduce the metabolism further!

Try eating little and often with snacks between meals such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, plain yogurt etc.

Eileen Durward