Let’s take a look at how HRT and GLP-1s work and outline the benefits of a combined approach for both menopause symptoms and lasting weight loss. For many women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a traditional go-to for managing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. We often talk about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in terms of physical symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, but what about its effects on mood? This is incredibly important for successful weight loss and long-term health.Some women have found the medications help with weight loss during menopause.Zepbound® can lead to greater weight loss at higher doses for some, especially when paired with healthy eating and lifestyle changes.Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes (under the brand name Mounjaro), it has proven highly effective for weight loss even in people without diabetes.Every woman’s journey with combination therapy is unique.Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about Mounjaro and how to take it.Personalized care that recognizes how these systems interact can help women feel better, regain control of their health, and move beyond the frustration of stalled weight loss. Instead of replacing hormones like estrogen and progesterone, GLP-1s mimic a natural gut hormone (called glucagon-like peptide-1) that helps control appetite, slow digestion, and balance blood sugar. It may also improve sleep, energy, and overall quality of life, which can make healthy habits easier to maintain. Women who still have a uterus need to combine estrogen with progesterone when using systemic therapy to lower the risk of endometrial cancer. It’s also used to help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in some women. This hormonally driven weight gain can happen even if habits don’t dramatically change. Many women notice an increase in weight, five pounds or more is typical. But one of the most frustrating, and often persistent, changes is the weight gain that often accompanies it. That’s why partnering closely with your healthcare provider is key to figuring out what works best for you. While research on these techniques is still developing, some women find them helpful as part of a broader strategy for managing symptoms. At the same time, Dushay cautions that postmenopausal women using a new GLP-1 drug shouldn’t necessarily expect extraordinary weight loss. At the same time, both women and men experience a slowing metabolism as they get older, says Dr. Dushay, an additional cause of weight gain in the forties and beyond. This altered hormone ratio is why menopausal weight gain usually collects around the belly, says Joanne Dushay, MD, an endocrinologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. But maintaining a healthy weight during menopause isn’t just for your physical appearance. The Lancet study examined medical records and is observational, meaning it didn’t prove that hormone therapy caused the extra weight loss. Researchers compared women who took the drug alongside hormone therapy with women who took just the GLP-1 and found that women who took both lost more weight than those just taking the weight loss drug alone. Another study presented in July 2025 at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, found that a combination of HRT and the hormone therapy helped women maintain a healthy weight. We combine prescription medications, nutritional guidance, lifestyle coaching, and ongoing medical monitoring to help you lose weight, improve metabolic health, and maintain your results long-term. While your body gets used to the drug or the new dose, consider these tips. Nausea won’t last forever, but that’s cold comfort for anyone actively dealing with it as a result of medication. “They may have a harder time tolerating the medication, so we’d monitor them more closely.” Early studies on prescription weight-loss drugs found that some rats developed thyroid cancer while on it, though the evidence in humans shows no increased risk. Other conditions that may exclude GLP-1s like tirzepatide from your options? Certain medications can provide relief from menopausal symptoms. While many women begin HRT during perimenopause or shortly after menopause to manage symptoms, some may find relief even years later. It’s not necessarily too late to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause, but the timing and potential benefits can vary. Why Did Combining Tirzepatide with MHT Yield More Weight Loss Than Tirzepatide Alone? “Suddenly, you sort of feel seen and heard for the first time,” Nguyen said, “when obesity is kind of talked about as a disease rather than as a sort of lazy lifestyle.” Even so, Nguyen said, she’d finally found something that was working for her, something that quieted the “food noise” that had made it hard to lose weight in the past. So her doctor prescribed its sister drug, Ozempic, which is approved for type 2 diabetes and uses the same key ingredient, semaglutide, at generally lower doses. But even though she qualified based on her body mass index – about 35, she said – the medicine costs more than $1,000 a month, and Nguyen’s insurance wouldn’t cover it. GLP-1 medications and hormone replacement therapy require prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers. By combining hormone replacement therapy with GLP-1 medications, you’re addressing both the hormonal shifts and metabolic changes that drive weight gain during this transition. One of the most interesting developments in perimenopause weight management is how hormone replacement therapy and GLP-1 medications may work together. On its own, HRT isn’t a weight-loss treatment, but new research suggests it may enhance the effects of medications like tirzepatide. Extensive clinical trials like SURMOUNT-1 have shown that tirzepatide can help people lose up to 20% or more of their body weight, which is far more than most older weight-loss medications. Hormone replacement therapy — often called HRT — is a medical treatment that delivers estrogen, with or without progesterone, to the body to replace hormones no longer made during and after menopause. In addition, a higher percentage of menopause hormone therapy users (45%) also achieved at least 20% total body weight loss, compared to 18% of menopause hormone therapy non-users. Things to keep in mind about GLP-1s Many eating patterns can optimize the medication’s effectiveness. Stopping them can lead to weight regain if the right habits aren’t in place. The combination is considered safe and effective under medical guidance. Its main effect is preventing the hormonal redistribution of fat to the abdomen. Even with healthy eating and exercise, weight loss after 50 can feel nearly impossible—until recently.For more information, go toSocial media and news articles cover many success stories about losing weight on Zepbound (tirzepatide), the weight loss drug.All treatments are medically supervised for safety and results.Although side effects are common, the good news is that they are usually temporary and manageable.Many experience hot flashes, mood changes, and other symptoms as hormones fluctuate during perimenopause and ultimately decline after menopause.Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity.A scale can’t reveal where the weight came from.These medications function optimally when paired with a healthy eating pattern. Taking more Zepbound® than prescribed can lead to stronger or longer-lasting side effects than usual. Knowing what to look for—and reporting anything unusual—helps ensure your treatment stays safe and effective. If you experience any of these, get immediate medical attention. They can pause your dose increases, make adjustments, or offer ways to ease the symptoms. That’s why your provider increases your dose slowly, to help your body adjust and minimize discomfort. She combines her comprehensive knowledge with a dedication to patient-centered care, embodying a commitment to enhancing healthcare standards in her field.When used together, HRT and GLP-1 medications target two of the biggest challenges of menopause—hormonal imbalance and metabolic slowdown.“At the end of the day, the medication is just a resource and the lifestyle aspect — exercising and eating well — is incredibly important to sustain over time,” she says.Tirzepatide, one of the most powerful weight-loss medications available today, has been shown to help people lose 15–20% or more of their body weight.These are GLP-1 medications that have taken over the health and fitness world.Percent change in body weight from week 0Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Everyday factors like chronic stress and poor sleep can also affect your weight loss journey. So, if you just began taking Zepbound, plan for an adjustment period where you may not see the weight loss results you expect. This is the starter dose to help your body get used to the medication. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, boosts metabolism, and helps prevent muscle loss during weight loss. I Data is based on the treatment-regimen estimand. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help tens of millions of people across the globe. About LillyLilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. ❑ Do you take other diabetes medicines, such as insulin or sulfonylureas? Information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from a physician or other health care professional, or for information contained in any product label, packaging or insert. 👩⚕️ In-person and telemedicine appointments available 📍 Serving Miami, Boca Raton, Miami Beach, Coral Gables & all of Florida via telehealth📞 Call or schedule online at This change not only affects body shape but also raises the risk for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Friedrichsen M, Breitschaft A, Tadayon S, Wizert A, Skovgaard D. The effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly on energy intake, appetite, control of eating, and gastric emptying in adults with obesity. HRT is designed to alleviate the symptoms of menopause by replenishing the hormones that the body no longer produces in sufficient quantities. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—also sometimes called menopause hormone therapy (MHT) or hormone therapy (HT)—can help ease some of these symptoms, making you feel more like you again. Perimenopause, that period before the end of your period, can come with unexpected symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain as estrogen levels fluctuate. Brain Fog in Women: What’s Happening During Pregnancy and Menopause? If you notice changes in weight distribution or difficulty managing your weight during menopause, HRT stabilizing effects might help. Most people begin to consider HRT when menopause-related symptoms become difficult to manage during perimenopause, typically in their late 40s or early 50s. Because the effects of HRT on mood can vary, it’s important to discuss your personal health history and goals with your doctor before starting treatment. Both have been shown to aid with muscle growth post-menopause, and more muscle mass can increase metabolism. Lower levels of estrogen and as well as the hormone progesterone also lead to lower muscle mass, stamina and activity levels, which directly and indirectly lower the amount of fuel our bodies burn each day to sustain themselves. So if you’re dealing with a stubborn “menopause belly” that you’d love to get rid of, let’s dive into the best ways to do it. They are convenient and widely available, but since the hormones are processed through the digestive system, they are more likely to cause systemic side effects, like nausea. For instance, nausea, headaches, mood swings, and breast tenderness can result from changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, mimicking the body’s natural responses during menopause. As your system adapts to the new hormone levels, you may experience a few temporary side effects. Both Zepbound and Ozempic are US FDA-authorized medications available only with a prescription. While 2.5 mg is just the starting dose, Zepbound studies looked at weight loss on higher doses. Focus on a healthy diet, regular exercise, proper hydration, and staying consistent with your medication. Making better food choices, staying active, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and addressing any health conditions all play important roles alongside your treatment. Dealing with these health issues does not mean you cannot lose weight—it just means you might need extra support and guidance to reach your goals. Since Zepbound® works best as a step-up treatment, it’s important to understand how dose adjustments may affect your monthly cost. Your dose will be adjusted based on how your body is responding. Everyone starts Zepbound® at the lowest dose and gradually increases over time, based on their reaction to the medication. A groundbreaking study presented at ENDO 2025 shows that combining tirzepatide (Zepbound) with menopause hormone therapy (HRT) significantly enhances weight loss results. “This study underscores the urgent need for further research to better understand how obesity medications and menopause hormone therapy work together. “These data are the first to show the combined use of tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy significantly increases treatment effectiveness in postmenopausal women,” said Regina Castaneda, MD, a research fellow at the Division of Endocrinology at Mayo Clinic. We offer hormone optimization for men and women to address fatigue, mood changes, weight gain, and other symptoms of hormonal imbalance.Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.Depending on your personal and family medical history and the form of hormones you use, HRT can slightly increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and some types of cancer if used long-term.We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.It’s important to note that not all women will experience the same benefits.“People are losing weight, all right, but they’re also losing a lot of muscle,” which can be particularly worrisome for geriatric patients, Li said.You should talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using Zepbound.Also, the extra weight on the joints leads to arthritic issues that limit mobility and make it harder to exercise. What's better for weight loss, Mounjaro or Ozempic? They also slow down the movement of food through the stomach and curb appetite, thereby causing weight loss. "So many of my patients feel guilty about this weight gain," Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB-GYN, told "GMA." "So it's my job to help them understand it is not their fault." When Yokasta Mooney entered menopause, she said she reached the highest weight of her life. Menopause is unavoidable, but weight gain doesn’t have to be. One clinical trial found that early menopausal women using transdermal estrogen showed markedly greater gains in muscle strength compared to placebo. This effect helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce fat storage signals. Stable blood sugar can support stable energy, stable mood, and freedom from the 3 PM crash many women experience that often drives snacking. With the right approach, GLP-1s can be a valuable part of a comprehensive strategy to manage menopause weight gain.Moreover, weight gain can contribute to joint pain, particularly arthritis, and hinder mobility.Making better food choices, staying active, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and addressing any health conditions all play important roles alongside your treatment.Your healthcare provider is the best person to help you decide if Mounjaro is right for you.In early clinical trials, orforglipron helped people lose an average of about 15% of their body weight over 36 weeks. Sometimes, low-dose tirzepatide (2.5 mg weekly) treatment might be continued. However, Mounjaro is sometimes used off-label for weight loss, and Zepbound may be used off-label for managing blood sugar. Unlike the other weight loss injections, that are GLP-1 receptor agonists, it has a powerful double action, being a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. Tirzepatide is an injectable medication used to help lose weight and to control blood sugar levels. Remember to discuss the risks with your healthcare provider. Lifestyle changes that support weight-loss medication Sign up to receive mental health news and tips delivered right in your inbox every month. However, it is generally not recommended to skip doses, as blood levels will drop, and the medication will not work effectively. You can skip a week of tirzepatide if you accidentally miss a dose and only realize it after 4 days. If tirzepatide, for some reason, is not an option for you, don’t despair; another GLP-1 receptor agonist might be. Tirzepatide is also commercialized as Mounjaro in some global markets outside the U.S. for adults with obesity or those who are overweight who also have a weight-related comorbid condition. Lilly submitted data for tirzepatide in moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity to the U.S. Studies of tirzepatide in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in morbidity/mortality in obesity (MMO) are ongoing. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems, which may include pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider. Tirzepatide is the first and only approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. These are not all the possible side effects of Zepbound. The most common side effects of Zepbound include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdominal) pain, indigestion, injection site reactions, feeling tired, allergic reactions, belching, hair loss, and heartburn. Changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes. Is it safe to take both HRT and a GLP-1 at the same time? With Noom’s support, you’ll have a personalized roadmap to navigate menopause and beyond—so you can feel your best, no matter your stage. It breaks down the science of how your body shifts over time and gives you tools to keep feeling strong, confident, and in control. It’s not just about getting through menopause—it’s about thriving through it and beyond! “Cravings and food noise are gone, I finally feel confident in the healthy habits I’ve built to last with Noom.” “With the right medication through Noom, hunger and sugar cravings finally quieted and I have the tools to break the cycle.” This is why midlife is increasingly thought of as an important window for preventing later development of metabolic issues like diabetes. “Estrogen can influence fat distribution, appetite regulation and insulin sensitivity,” she explains. “They interact better with the hormone receptors throughout the organs and are easier to be metabolized. “This limits its ability to prove causation and may introduce biases from unadjusted confounders like lifestyle differences and other unknown factors,” says Dr. Jila Senemar, an OB-GYN, founder of JilaMD & Miami Menopause Collective and a medical advisor to Womaness. Lilly unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. For more information, go to Do you have other medical conditions, including problems with your pancreas or kidneys, or severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis) or problems digesting food? The most common side effects of Zepbound include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdominal) pain, indigestion, injection site reactions, feeling tired, allergic reactions, belching, hair loss, and heartburn. Discuss your symptoms, health history, and personal preferences thoroughly with your clinician. A 2022 Danish study found that women who started HRT before age 50 had a higher risk of developing depression, especially within the first year of treatment. A 2024 study found that HRT enhanced emotional well-being and sleep quality, especially in women taking it for mood-related symptoms like anxiety. It’s crucial to have open discussions with your healthcare provider about your specific health profile and concerns. Factors such as age, the duration of therapy, and overall health play critical roles in determining its safety. When thyroid hormone levels are too low, the body essentially runs in slow motion. This matters because thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy production, body temperature, and how efficiently your body burns calories. The risk of developing hypothyroidism — a condition where your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone — increases significantly during perimenopause and after menopause. For many women in midlife, menopause isn’t the only hormonal shift happening. Throughout treatment, you’ll have ongoing access to your care team to adjust medications, address side effects, and optimize your outcomes. This is especially true during perimenopause, when shifting hormone levels can influence how your body responds to treatment. The result is sustainable perimenopause weight loss that addresses the metabolic foundation of midlife weight gain. This may help address the frustrating belly fat that can develop during menopause weight gain even when overall weight stays stable. This consistency across nearly all patients suggests that when properly dosed and supported, these medications can address fundamental biological barriers to weight loss. Tirzepatide is commercialized for adults with obesity or with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems as Zepbound in the U.S. and Mounjaro® in some global markets outside the U.S. Zepbound® (tirzepatide) provided a 47% greater relative weight loss compared to Wegovy® (semaglutide). Zepbound is recommended for people who either have a BMI of 30 or higher or have a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure. Your provider will work with you to obtain any necessary labs or additional medical information related to your care. By mimicking these hormones, it reduces hunger, increases feelings of fullness, and slows digestion. Zepbound® is a dual-agonist medication that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It’s also essential to consult with your healthcare provider. Remember that these medications are not a substitute for a proper diet but complement it. The goal of the Zepbound diet plan is to provide nutrient-dense foods that promote weight loss and offer sufficient nutrients. This is beneficial for weight loss as it enables you to eat a larger amount of food while staying within your calorie limit. Protein can enhance the effects of Zepbound by helping you feel fuller for longer and maintaining muscle mass as you lose weight. They will be able to look at your health history, talk with you about the pros and cons of a weight-loss medication like tirzepatide, and ultimately decide if it’s right for you. Whether or not you can get Zepbound for weight loss can only be decided by talking with a healthcare provider. Like all prescription weight-loss medications, they are best combined with other healthy habits, such as eating smaller portions of more nutritious foods and racking up those active minutes. How you respond to the medication depends on a few factors, including genetics, underlying health conditions, your lifestyle, and even where you tend to store body fat, says Ortiz Page. Your healthcare provider will help adjust your dose gradually to support safe and steady weight loss. “Women with severe vasomotor symptoms should be treated with hormone therapy at the lowest dose possible per guidelines, and tirzepatide should remain top-of-the-list for weight loss in persons with obesity or overweight with comorbid illness,” Uzmann says. “This is the first real-world data showing that tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy together significantly increase weight loss outcomes in postmenopausal women.” The study involved 120 postmenopausal women; 80 participants only used tirzepatide to help with weight loss, and 40 participants used a combination of tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy. SAN FRANCISCO — Concurrent use of menopausal hormone therapy may augment the weight loss benefits of tirzepatide for postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity, researchers reported at ENDO 2025. This guidance is part of a wider movement in medicine to personalise hormone therapy—especially as more women seek support during midlife while also managing metabolic health concerns like weight and diabetes. In one study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers followed 2539 people living with obesity. The manufacturer’s site provides a full list of potential side effects, but the most common are GI issues, which isn’t all that surprising considering the drug targets gut hormones, says Ortiz Page. You may feel them more when you first start or go up in dosage, but they’ll likely taper as your body gets accustomed to the medication, says Patel. Like other GLP-1s, tirzepatide can come with side effects—though they don’t affect everyone, and they’re typically mild to moderate. I believe this research represents a promising step forward in understanding how estrogen influences and potentially enhances the effectiveness of GLP-1s for weight loss in patients with obesity. The primary endpoints were total body weight loss percentage at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months and again at last follow-up. Postmenopausal women represent a unique group due to their distinct hormonal and metabolic profiles, which contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in this population; yet, they remain underrepresented in pivotal obesity pharmacotherapy trials." Every woman is different, and your treatment should reflect your individual risk factors and health goals. If you're using semaglutide or tirzepatide and taking oral progesterone as part of your HRT, please book a review with your GP or menopause specialist. If you experience any of these, contact your healthcare provider right away. While most people tolerate Zepbound® well, there are some serious side effects you should be aware of. If you do notice side effects, many tend to fade as your body gets used to the new dose. It’s the standard method for delivering tirzepatide for weight management, and there’s no FDA-approved pill version just yet. This approach allows the body to adjust and helps reduce common Zepbound side effects like nausea and other stomach issues. Additionally, he said, “the drug is relatively new, so we don’t really know what the long-term side effects are.They are also a good source of fiber, which can help with weight loss and managing side effects like diarrhea.“They interact better with the hormone receptors throughout the organs and are easier to be metabolized.Lisa Cockrell, 56, said she lost 20 pounds by taking Mounjaro when she started menopause.Its main effect is preventing the hormonal redistribution of fat to the abdomen.While the study involved indoor cycling, HIIT can also be done on a treadmill, rower or with bodyweight exercises.Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.Postmenopausal women represent a unique group due to their distinct hormonal and metabolic profiles, which contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in this population; yet, they remain underrepresented in pivotal obesity pharmacotherapy trials." Non-hormonal medications It works by mimicking two types of hormones instead of just one. That’s where personalized programs that combine medication with behavioral strategies really shine. Support, guidance, and consistent habits are all key to getting the most out of your treatment. It starts with a low dose and increases gradually, giving your body time to adjust. Focus on a healthy diet, regular exercise, proper hydration, and staying consistent with your medication.Menopause naturally changes your body’s physiology, and weight gain is common — not because of a lack of willpower, but because of biological shifts in hormones, metabolism, and fat distribution.This estimand represents efficacy regardless of adherence to randomized treatment and regardless of initiation of other anti-obesity medication (except for switching to non-study tirzepatide or semaglutide).Another version of tirzepatide, Mounjaro, has been FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes since May 2022.With Noom’s support, you’ll have a personalized roadmap to navigate menopause and beyond—so you can feel your best, no matter your stage.For Christy Nguyen, menopause hit just as the Covid-19 pandemic did.You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or doesn't go away. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Zepbound before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you. Stop using Zepbound and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, confusion or drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, mood changes, hunger, weakness or feeling jittery. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who use Zepbound. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Zepbound. Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. Tirzepatide decreases calorie intake, and the effects are likely mediated by affecting appetite. A rapidly-growing number of doctors now offer menopause-specific diet and lifestyle advice. I The efficacy estimand represents efficacy prior to discontinuation of study drug.ii The treatment-regimen estimand represents the estimated average treatment effect regardless of treatment discontinuation. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help more than 51 million people across the globe. Recent research: Hormone therapy plus tirzepatide Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine is essential for weight loss and overall health during menopause. When used along with dietary adjustments and exercise, tirzepatide was shown to help people lose around 27% of their body weight over a year and a half. Zepbound and Wegovy are prescription weight loss medications approved by the U.S. And poor quality sleep contributes to weight gain by reducing the body’s ability to use fat for fuel throughout the day, according to research presented at ENDO 2021. Additionally, healthy user bias and the alleviation of menopause-related symptoms with HT could have contributed to the greater weight loss among women taking HT. “We found an association between hormone therapy use and greater weight loss in postmenopausal women,” Regina Castaneda Hernandez, MD, a research fellow in the division of women's health at Mayo Clinic, told Healio. However, Being consistent with your weight loss medications and taking them along with healthy lifestyle behaviors is important. These medications imitate the action of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite, food intake, and body weight. “Emerging research from the Mayo Clinic has found that postmenopausal women receiving hormone therapy in combination with GLP-1 semaglutide achieved approximately 30 percent greater weight loss than those using the GLP-1 alone,” notes Dr. Boyd. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new medication or treatment program. Perimenopause and menopause weight gain stem from hormonal changes that can make traditional weight loss approaches feel like an uphill battle. Clinical studies show that combining hormone replacement therapy with GLP-1 medications may produce superior results, but individual experiences vary based on numerous factors. The WHI study showed that people using combined HRT saw a slight increase in the rate of breast cancer, strokes, and blood clots. While the WHI suggested that combined HRT (estrogen and progestin) was linked to slight increases in certain health risks, it’s essential to consider the broader context. Improve your health and see it in your biomarkers. Most side effects are temporary and linked to the adjustment period, typically resolving within a few weeks. Symptoms often appear during the first few weeks of use as the body adjusts and typically subside within a few months. The maximum dose of tirzepatide per week is 15 mg; the cons outweigh the pros above this. A doctor may decide when to increase the tirzepatide dose, but a higher dose will only be considered every 4 weeks, and then only 2.5 mg at a time. The recommended tirzepatide starting dose is 2.5 mg weekly for a minimum of 4 weeks. Due to high demand, licensed pharmacies make ‘compounded’ versions of the original medication. Zepbound is approved for weight management and sleep apnea in adults who meet certain requirements. Zepbound comes in different doses, with people often starting off on the lowest option, which is 2.5mg. If you stop taking a GLP-1, odds are your weight will increase. Obesity is a chronic disease, which means it requires continual treatment. “Some people may start losing two or three pounds a week just on the starter dose at 2.5 mg. Another version of tirzepatide, Mounjaro, has been FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes since May 2022. Zepbound is the brand name for tirzepatide, a type of GLP-1 drug that’s administered weekly via self-injection for weight loss. Zepbound, the newest FDA-approved weight-management medication, has been shown to be highly effective for weight loss. If the people in your family also carry more weight in the midsection, especially after menopause, there is a higher likelihood that you will, too, if nothing is being done to prevent it. We lose muscle tone and accumulate more fat as our metabolism is slowing down, contributing to more weight gain. Those fluctuations in hormones, along with other factors, can result in rapid weight gain. These symptoms can start up to seven to 10 years prior to menopause and are due to hormonal fluctuations in the amount of estrogen and progesterone your body is producing. Welcome to HotPause Health! This hormone slows your digestion down, tells your brain that you’re full faster, and triggers insulin release to control blood sugar levels. The main ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which mimics the chemical GLP-1 in the body. Some people may see steady progress, while others might experience slower results or plateaus. It happens when your body adapts to changes in diet and exercise, slows your metabolism, and adjusts to its new normal. It's natural to think that since Zepbound reduces your appetite, you will eat less food and lose a lot of weight. That’s when she was referred to Dushay, an endocrinologist focused on obesity and type 2 diabetes at Beth Israel and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. And more than that, she said, having new medicines like these was gratifying in how she felt the field of medicine was approaching weight loss. Like an increasing number of patients, Nguyen began taking a decades-old prescription drug for weight loss instead. That’s how Nguyen found herself on a 15-month journey through a new class of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Poison centers see nearly 1,500% increase in calls related to injected weight-loss drugs as people accidentally overdose Healthcare providers may prescribe other medications or recommend non-pharmacological treatment based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs. Adding weight training or body-weight exercises to your workout routine as you age is important for everyone, especially for people who use weight loss drugs. Additionally, the study didn’t disclose which hormones were used, says Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight loss doctor. Their inclusion does not guarantee they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. But there’s good news for women who are battling their own menopausal weight gain. “That is especially true with a medication such as a GLP-1 agonist that has the potential to cause significant and at times rapid weight loss.” Change in adipocytokines and ghrelin with menopause. Increased visceral fat and decreased energy expenditure during the menopausal transition. Consult with a qualified physician to determine if these treatments are appropriate for your specific situation. This isn’t about willpower, it’s about addressing hormonal root causes with science-backed treatment. Every woman’s journey with combination therapy is unique. While you might be doing everything right, your body has metabolically changed due to hormone levels. Emerging evidence suggests that weight loss outcomes may be improved when these therapies are used together. “Both HRT and GLP-1 medications address different challenges of the menopausal transition. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are effective and safe in managing menopausal weight gain. Studies have shown that semaglutide and tirzepatide may be effective in treating menopausal weight gain. Semaglutide and tirzepatide belong to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Before menopause, the body has a more even distribution of fat. The field of weight management is evolving–and fast. WeightWatchers relies on only the most trustworthy sources, including highly credentialed experts, government and academic institutions, peer-reviewed studies, and respected medical associations. People taking higher doses (10 mg and 15 mg) lost an average of roughly 20-21% of their weight in the same period. Like other GLP-1s, this medication can curb your appetite and make you feel fuller for longer.