Guide to Hormone Replacement Therapy and Weight Loss
Hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on the body, causing insulin resistance, night sweats, mood swings, and other adverse effects. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn’t usually the first line of defense when it comes to weight loss, it can realign your body chemistry to help you shed belly fat, improve energy levels, and gain muscle more easily, supporting a healthy weight as you age.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
HRT is a medical treatment that supplements or replaces various hormones your body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts. Here’s what you need to know:
How does HRT work?
Hormones play an important role in various bodily systems, affecting:
Metabolism and weight management
Bone density and muscle mass
Libido
Sleep quality
Energy levels
Mood and cognitive function
By restoring optimal hormone levels with hormone replacement therapy, you can help your body return to equilibrium, supporting more restful sleep, increased energy levels, and weight loss.
Who’s a good candidate for HRT?
While hormone replacement therapy is often associated with older women, it can also be a valuable tool for men. It might be a good choice if you fall into the following categories:
Women:
Women at any stage of menopause or perimenopause with moderate to severe symptoms, such as insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal atrophy.
Those who enter menopause early, before the age of 40.
Women without a history of breast cancer, blood clots, uncontrolled hypertension, or certain thyroid disorders.
Men:
Men diagnosed with low testosterone levels who are suffering from low libido, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, or depression.
Usually prescribed for those between the ages of 30 and 70, although it may also be used to help men outside this range.
What are the benefits of HRT?
In women, hormone replacement therapy can support weight loss, healthy sleep, and mood stability. It may also help preserve muscle mass, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, while also providing relief from hot flashes and other vasomotor symptoms.
Men may experience increased energy levels, heightened libido, and enhanced strength and muscle mass. HRT can help with weight management, healthy bone density, and cognitive clarity, as well.
Related: What Are The Signs That You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Can hormone replacement therapy help with weight loss?
When used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, hormone replacement therapy can be the missing link for weight loss. Here’s what to know:
What causes weight gain during menopause?
During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decline, leading to increased cortisol levels, reduced insulin sensitivity, and changes to sleep, energy, and mood. At the same time, muscle mass may decrease. All these factors make it harder to maintain a healthy weight.
What hormones are in HRT treatments?
Depending on your lab results and goals for treatment, HRT may include hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, administered in the form of injections, topical products, or pellets. Your doctor may prescribe bioidentical hormones, synthetic formulas, or plant-derived solutions.
Are there any side effects?
The side effects of hormone replacement therapy depend largely on the types of hormones, dosage, and how they’re administered. They may include:
Headache
Mood swings
High blood pressure
Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
Increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers
Related: The Benefits of NAD+ Injections for Energy, Anti-Aging, and Wellness
How to support optimal HRT and weight loss
Hormone replacement therapy can serve as a valuable foundation for weight loss. Here are a few steps you can take to enhance your results:
1. Combine HRT with a healthy lifestyle
By reviving your energy levels, supporting restorative sleep, and balancing your metabolism, HRT can make it easier to stay active, cook healthy meals, and take better care of yourself. Remember, hormone replacement therapy is one tool in your holistic toolbox, not a standalone solution for weight loss, so you’ll need to be proactive in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
2. Exercise and eat a balanced diet
When used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, hormone replacement therapy can reduce the risks of heart disease and mitigate the effects of established metabolic syndrome. To achieve the best possible results from HRT, make cardio and strength training part of your normal routine, and eat a balanced diet rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
3. Meet with your provider regularly
HRT isn’t usually a long-term treatment for hormonal imbalance. In fact, most patients only require supplemental hormones for three to five years before they’re no longer needed. During this time, your provider may order bloodwork every three to six months to monitor your progress and adjust your dosage accordingly.
Related: How Does Tirzepatide Work for Weight Loss
Let Balanced Health & Wellness help you achieve your goals!
Hormone replacement therapy is just one option to support weight loss as you age. At Balanced Health & Wellness, our weight loss programs include 3D body scans, customized diet plans, and much more to help you achieve your goals and reclaim your vitality. Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation today!