Quick summary
Menopause can also lead to a wide range of difficulties, from hot flushes to poor sleeping patterns. As a result of this, many women are on the lookout for effective ways to manage their symptoms, with HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) being the most commonly utilised solution.
HRT can be administered in a wide variety of ways, from tablets to patches, and works to rebalance an individual's hormone levels by increasing their estrogen and progesterone levels. This, in turn, can help to lessen the impact that menopause has on your day-to-day life.
For example, it is typically associated with a reduction of the following symptoms [1]:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweat and sleep problems
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and low mood
- Vaginal dryness
However, as with any form of medication, HRT is not without its side effects. This means that many individuals considering this treatment worry about whether or not this could trigger weight gain - especially as many people tend to gain weight during menopause to begin with.
Why do you gain weight during menopause?
Weight gain is an incredibly common side-effect of going through menopause, triggered by fluctuating hormone levels, a decrease in muscle mass, and lifestyle changes.
A recent study found that women gain approximately 1.5kg of weight per year during perimenopause, resulting in an average weight gain of 10kg by the time menopause is reached. [2]
Similarly, it has been reported that women going through menopause are three times more likely to deal with obesity and metabolic syndrome than they were before menopause began. [3]
Weight gain, not only during menopause but at any stage in life, can have a profound effect on an individual's mental and physical health. For example, not only can it cause low self-esteem and confidence, but it also increases an individual's risk of dealing with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, among other conditions.
Can HRT cause weight gain?
While some women do report weight gain when undergoing HRT, there's little evidence to suggest that this is in direct correlation with the treatment, as opposed to being triggered by menopause itself. For example, a study published in Fertility and Sterility found that HRT "neither prevents nor increases early postmenopausal weight gain and fat accumulation." [4]
In some cases, individuals may find that HRT helps them lose weight. There are various reasons for this.
For example, women undergoing menopause report an increase in hunger, appetite and food consumption, all of which can lead to significant weight gain. [5] This is likely triggered by the fact that our estrogen levels play a key role in managing our appetite, meaning that a drop in this hormone will result in increased feelings of hunger. [6]
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of menopause. [7] This decrease in energy levels often means that individuals are less active, which can also lead to weight gain over time. However, HRT can help restore energy levels, meaning you can return to your normal exercise or workout regime, making it easier to maintain a healthier weight.
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How can I manage my weight after menopause?
While some weight gain should be expected at this stage in your life, there are many steps you can take to maintain a healthy weight following menopause. This could include:
Following a healthy diet.
Following a healthy, balanced diet is one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy weight at any age. While women are generally advised to consume 2,000 calories a day, some studies suggest that after the age of 50 (around the time at which menopause begins), women need 200 fewer calories per day, provided they remain active. [8]
Exercising more frequently.
Exercising is another great way to prevent or reduce menopausal weight gain. In additon, studies have found that regular exercise can also help with the "maintenance of muscle mass and thereby bone mass and strength" during menopause and into later life. [9]
Develop a weight management plan with your doctor.
Whether you are undergoing HRT or simply dealing with the effects of menopause, your doctor or healthcare provider will be able to help you develop a weight management plan that helps you achieve your goals.
Consider weight loss medications.
Weight loss medications, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, can also help those going through menopause maintain a healthy weight. This is because they often help to reduce the patient's appetite, which, as mentioned above, increases quite considerably during menopause. You can learn more about the benefits of using Mounjaro during menopause here.
Can I take weight loss medication when on HRT?
Right now, there is little research into the effects of taking both HRT and weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, meaning that more research is necessary into this topic.
However, some studies have found that tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Ozempic) could affect how oral medications are absorbed, making them less effective. [10] [11]
As such, if you are considering this option, it's crucial that you speak to your doctor ahead of time. This will ensure that you are making the best possible decision for your health and well-being.
Conclusion.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is the most common form of treatment offered to menopausal women to manage their symptoms.
While it is a point of concern for many (especially as weight gain is common during menopause), there is no evidence to suggest that HRT can trigger weight gain. As a result, it's a viable course of action for those looking to reduce menopausal symptoms and maintain a healthy weight while doing so. In some cases, it can even facilitate healthy weight loss.
However, it's important to note that there are many other ways for individuals to maintain a healthy weight during menopause and into later life. These include the use of weight loss medications, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, all of which are available in the UK through the NHS or private prescriptions.
If you'd like to learn more about these weight loss aids, please do not hesitate to reach out today!
References
[1] About hormone replacement therapy (HRT). NHS. Retrieved 3 July 2024. Accessible here.
[2] Menopause: Nutrition and Weight Gain. British Menopause Society. Retrieved 9 July 2024. Accessible here.
[3] Kozakowski, J., Gietka-Czernel, M., Leszczyńska, D., et al. (2017) Obesity in menopause - our negligence or an unfortunate inevitability?.Przeglad menopauzalny = Menopause review, 16(2):P61–65. Accessible here.
[4] Reubinoff, Benjamin E., Wurtman, Judith., Rojanksy, Natan., et al. (2016) Fertility and Sterility. 65(5):P964-965. Accessible here.
[5] Duval, K., Prud’homme, D., Rabsa-Lhoret, R., et al. (2014) Effects of the menopausal transition on dietary intake and appetite: a MONET Group Study. European journal of clinical nutrition. 68(2):P-271-276. Accessible here.
[6] Hirschberg A. L. (2012). Sex hormones, appetite and eating behaviour in women. Maturitas, 71(3):P248–256. Accessible here.
[7] Taylor-Swanson, L., Wong, A. E., Pincus, D., et al. (2018) The dynamics of stress and fatigue across menopause: attractors, couple and resilience. Menopause. 25(4)P:380-390. Accessible here.
[8] Why is it so hard for women over 50 to lose weight? Northwest Community Healthcare. Retrieved 3 July 2024. Accessible here.
[9] Mishra, N., Mishra, V.N., Devanshi (2011). Exercise beyond menopause: Dos and Don’ts. Journal of mid-life health 2(2):51-56. Accessible here.
[10] Drug Interactions between estradiol and Mounjaro. Drugs.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024. Accessible here.
[11] Drug Interactions between estradiol and Ozempic. Drugs.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024. Accessible here.
