Menopause, HRT and weight gain

During perimenopause and menopause, weight gain can affect women in a number of ways and in particular, have an effect on self confidence, self- esteem, body image, and motivation.

This subject comes up in my clinic a lot. Women becoming perimenopausal or menopausal and they find they are gaining weight at speed. This has a knock on effect in many other areas of a woman's life.

So, what is going on, and why is this happening?

Hormones and weight gain

Depleting levels of oestrogen causes the body to try and find it from somewhere else. Typically, oestrone. This is a type of oestrogen that is less potent than oestradiol, and found in fat cells.

In response to the use of oestrone, it is possible to have stronger cravings for unhealthy fats, and foods with a higher sugar content which in turn, leads to the production of abdominal weight gain.

We have two other hormones which are closely linked to weight gain: leptin and ghrelin. Leptin is an appetite suppressant, and ghrelin is an appetite stimulant. Increased fat in the body can lead to leptin resistance. This means that signals to let you know you are full become disrupted.

Reduced exercise

Reduced levels of oestrogen can cause joint, body aches and pains which make it less likely to try and exercise. Low testosterone can also cause muscle and joint pains which will reduce daily exercise.

Poor Sleep

Disturbed sleep can happen for many reasons. Symptoms such as night sweats and hot flushes can keep you awake as well as disturbances to our sleep hormone, melatonin and our stress hormone, cortisol.

Sleep also helps to regulate the hormones leptin and ghrelin. Poor sleep can increase ghrelin which in turn can increase hunger. It also can decrease leptin which makes it difficult to know when you are full.

Low testosterone

Low testosterone can lead to low moods, loss of motivation, reduced energy, loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, joint pains and poor sleep.

The reduction in energy levels from low testosterone can reduce your metabolic rate which means fewer calories are burned.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Reduced oestrogen, low testosterone, poor sleep, and reduced exercise are all symptoms of perimenopause and menopause and can be helped by the introduction of HRT.

It is important to focus on balance and how to maintain it and speaking with a healthcare professional can help you do that.

HRT and weight gain

Will HRT make me gain weight?
As we have seen, perimenopause and menopause can lead to changes in weight control which can be harder to manage..
However, there is very little evidence that HRT causes weight gain. Many women notice weight gain during menopause, and as they get older whether they are taking HRT or not.
We do know that when starting HRT or making any changes to your regime, it can cause some settling issues such as water retention and bloating but these tend to subside with time.
Replacing the hormones your body isn't making anymore will help to ease symptoms of menopause such as joint aches, poor sleep and low moods which can affect your ability to exercise and eat a balanced diet.

During perimenopause and menopause, weight gain can affect women in a number of ways and in particular, have an effect on self confidence, self- esteem, body image, and motivation.

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