New research shows that combining HRT with GLP-1s may help menopausal women lose more weight and feel better, faster. Experts and wellness clinics like Joi + Blokes explain why this duo could be a game-changer for midlife women.
Weight gain during perimenopause and postmenopause is one of the most frustrating, upsetting and often misunderstood physical changes that women in midlife face. Even with a healthy diet and regular fitness routine, those stubborn pounds can appear very quickly, and many women then struggle to lose them.
But there’s good news! A groundbreaking new study by The Journal of The Menopause Society is pointing to a powerful new pairing that sees the power in using hormone therapy alongside GLP-1s to help manage and treat these common hormonal weight issues.
As metabolic expert and Scientist and Research Advisor at Joi + Blokes, Dr. Ben Bikman explains: “This is the first real-world study to directly explore how HRT may enhance the weight loss response to a GLP-1 receptor agonist in postmenopausal women. That’s a significant gap in the literature, considering menopausal weight gain is widespread and uniquely driven by hormonal and metabolic shifts.”
Why HRT & GLP-1s Work So Well Together
So what’s going on in the body that makes this combination work so well together? “Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially estradiol, may improve weight loss outcomes with GLP-1 medications because estradiol directly supports fat breakdown and other favorable metabolic changes,” Dr. Bikman adds.
“As estradiol, the primary and most metabolically active form of estrogen in a woman’s body, declines, several changes occur,” Dr. Bikman explains. “Fat distribution shifts from the hips and thighs to the abdomen; fat breakdown slows down, lean muscle mass decreases, reducing resting metabolic rate and insulin sensitivity declines, promoting fat storage and increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions.”
In other words, when estrogen drops, fat starts to accumulate – especially around the belly – and metabolism slows down. GLP-1s help offset some of this, but combining them with estrogen therapy makes the results even more powerful.
“This combination not only enhances fat loss but also helps to preserve lean muscle mass, which is key to keeping your metabolism high,” Dr. Bikman adds.
More Than Weight Loss: HRT’s Whole Body & Mind Benefits
Dr. Melissa Loseke, a board-certified hormone health expert at Joi + Blokes, explains that successful weight loss in menopause isn’t just about calories in/calories out, and how much exercise you are doing, but it’s also about balancing your hormones in order to get in the right mindset for weight loss and improved lifestyle.
“It is well documented that the decline in estrogen levels, as well as testosterone and progesterone, in menopause can contribute to accelerated weight increases with no lifestyle changes,” explains Dr. Loseke. “The addition of a GLP-1 medication further assists and supports healthy weight, while HRT supports how a woman is feeling physically giving her greater capacity to focus on her weight loss efforts.”
Beyond metabolism, estrogen supports your brain function, mood stability, vaginal and heart health, and even your skin’s collagen production. So when women begin HRT with weight loss in mind, they often experience ripple effects across their overall physical and mental health too.
“Estradiol addresses symptoms that greatly impact quality of life,” explains Dr. Loseke. And when a woman feels better physically and emotionally, Dr. Loseke believes she will be more empowered in her weight loss journey.
Testosterone, which can also be a part of an HRT plan, also plays an important role. “Testosterone helps build lean muscle and provides energy, focus and motivation,” Dr. Loseke adds. “Appropriate GLP-1 dosing plays a crucial role in muscle preservation too.”
Still Nervous About HRT or GLP-1s? Read This.
It’s normal to feel hesitant about starting any new therapy – especially when unfounded narratives around HRT and GLP-1s are still circulating, But according to both Dr. Loseke and Dr. Bikman, the combination of using HRT and GLP-1 therapy could represent a new gold standard for managing menopausal and midlife weight management, especially for women who’ve tried everything.
“Understand that much of the old information about HRT has been refuted, and there is a great benefit from HRT in perimenopause and menopause” explains Dr. Loseke. She also notes that the same can be said for GLP-1s. “When done appropriately and monitored through a medical provider, it can provide a great benefit to not only assist weight loss but promote overall health, without having to worry about loss of muscle or negative impact to overall health, even with long term use.”
Curious About Trying HRT and GLP-1s Together?
At Joi + Blokes you can work with expert clinicians who specialize in HRT and GLP-1 care for midlife women and men. From safe microdosing to lifestyle coaching, you’ll receive a tailored plan that fits your body, your lifestyle and your goals.
Want to learn more? Click here to explore Joi + Blokes HRT and GLP-1 treatments.
You deserve to feel strong, supported and seen in this chapter of life – and science is fully catching up to what women have always known: this is about more than weight loss, it’s about getting your power back.
