Just to add a little to Dorian's answer, there has been plenty of research looking at menopause, weight gain and hormone therapy (HT). The overall conclusion is that women who are not on HT gain the same or more weight than those who take hormones. In other words, it's other factors that cause all of us to have to work hard to maintain and not gain in perimenopause and beyond. So, nutrition and exercise are key as is having your hormones in balance so your body continues to work efficiently. If u do decide to stop HT, the key is to do it slowly. Otherwise, at your age, I can pretty much guarantee a return of symptoms. Good luck to you! Sandy Greenquist, NCMP, CNM Menopause Clinician