I have always been very slim and a size 10, I eat sensibly cycle walk don't smoke and drink in moderation.Two years ago I had a subtotal hysterectomy and now have a horrible spare tyre around my middle which I cannot shift this increases with almost constant bloating and awful flatulence. I have a constant discomfort under the border of my right ribs and cannot fasten any of my trousers.I am desperate to shift this weight and reduce the bloat. My sweats come and go and are unpredictable my IBS symptoms also seem exacerbated. I am trying to avoid chemical HRT. Please let me have your advice

Hormonal changes can often affect the metabolism and carb digestion and 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 protein and veg, 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 generally 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. Bloating can often be helped with Molkosan Fruit and I would also suggest a short course of probiotics - hormonal changes can affect the level of friendly bacteria in the gut contributing to the bloating. However, any bloating that is continual or causes pain should be checked out by your doctor as well. You may also find sage helpful for the flushes.

Eileen Durward