Before starting on HRT I was experiencing significant weight gain going from 125 to 150 within a 6 month period after I got a hysterectomy. I have been a life time exerciser and still am and have a healthy eater. I'm also a certified health coach. Neither exercise of healthy eating was able to stop the weight gain. Eventually the frustration lead to emotional issues and marriage issues so I went to see an MD specializing in holistic medicine to check my hormones. My hormones were so out of balance with nearly zero estrogen and progesterone and very low testosterones. At first I tried natural products and over the counter products which didn't help. Once I started on the compounded hormones I started feeling like myself again emotionally and my quality of life improved significantly. I try to stay as natural as possible with food, supplements and medications so compounding is the best option for me. I stay on top of all my screenings as well and there has been no problems. At my age quality of life is everything.