Will starting HRT help me lose weight?

Author: Ansley Gusikowski  |  Last update: Sunday, May 14, 2023

Studies confirm that HRT is effective in helping to reduce belly fat. However, if you desire long-lasting results, then it is recommended you also avoid self-defeating habits that contribute to weight fluctuations.

How long does it take for HRT to help with weight loss?

These tend to continue to improve with time. However, for other results like weight loss and muscle gain, it can take up to 3-months, which is when studies show 80% of women experience full relief.

Can you lose weight when you start HRT?

Many women actually find that they lose weight by using HRT as it shifts the metabolism back into a pre-menopausal metabolic state. Progesterone can sometimes cause fluid retention which can mimic weight gain, but there are alterations that can be made to the regime to minimise this impact.

What should I expect the first week of HRT?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is medicine used to treat the symptoms of the menopause. It is common to have side effects in the first few months of taking HRT. These usually settle on their own within 6 to 8 weeks. Side effects include weight gain, irregular bleeding, feeling sick (nausea) and skin irritation.

Does taking HRT reduce belly fat?

A new study of more than 1,000 postmenopausal women, ages 50 to 80, found that those who were currently taking hormones had significantly lower levels of tummy fat than women who had never used them.

VIDEO: Hormone therapy and weight loss

Does HRT change your body shape?

Muscle mass and strength will decrease. Additionally, arms and legs will appear smoother. This is because the fat below the skin becomes thicker. As the fat under the skin increases and moves, the eyes and face may take on a more “feminine” appearance.

How long does it take for HRT to start working?

How long HRT takes to work. It usually takes a few weeks before you feel the benefits of HRT. It can take up to 3 months to feel the full effects. If you have not felt the benefit of HRT after 4 to 6 months, it may help to try a different type.

When is the best time of the month to start HRT?

You can usually begin HRT as soon as you start experiencing menopausal symptoms and will not usually need to have any tests first.

Is HRT worth starting?

The benefits of HRT usually outweigh the risks for most women. The risks are usually very small, and depend on the type of HRT you take, how long you take it and your own health risks. Speak to a GP if you're thinking about starting HRT or you're already taking it, and you're worried about any risks.

Does HRT give you energy?

Men and women concerned with low energy and increasing fatigue can experience the energy benefits of HRT (hormone replacement therapy).

Does HRT speed up your metabolism?

Likewise, HRT regulates metabolism, which means the body burns more calories and appetite is reduced. HRT can also help to reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease and type II diabetes. Additional benefits include reduced hot flashes and night sweats, increased bone density, and improved mood.

What hormone helps you lose weight?

Leptin. What it is: Leptin is derived from the Greek word for “thin,” because rising levels of this hormone signal the body to shed body fat. Leptin also helps regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, fertility and more.

Will estradiol help me lose weight?

One reason why people might gain weight around menopause is changing hormone levels. One form of estrogen called estradiol decreases at menopause. This hormone helps to regulate metabolism and body weight. Lower levels of estradiol may lead to weight gain.

Do you always put on weight with HRT?

Although it is a common belief that HRT inevitably causes weight gain, available evidence suggests that this is not true.

At what age is it too late for HRT?

Hormone therapy can be extremely beneficial for bone health purposes for women up to the age of 60 years, and in some circumstances women may continue hormone therapy after this age, depending on their general health, family history and bone density / history of fracture.

When is it too late to start HRT?

There is no specific age cut-off for starting HRT.

Why is HRT not recommended?

Long-running studies

Over the last 15 years, these studies, and others, have found little or no evidence that HRT reduces the risk of heart disease. In fact, they have found evidence for an increased risk of blood clots and stroke. They also found an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women using HRT.

Should I take HRT for early menopause?

Management of early and premature menopause

Having an early or premature menopause can increase the risk of osteoporosis (weak bones) and cardiovascular (heart) disease. It is believed that HRT can reduce these risks, as well as controlling menopausal symptoms.

Should you start HRT in perimenopause?

When is the best time to start taking HRT? HRT is most effective to start when you are perimenopausal – this is before your official 'menopause' – which is 12 months after your last period. This means you don't have to wait for your periods to stop before starting HRT.

Do you get a period on HRT?

Sequential HRT – Oestrogen is taken every day, and the progestogen is taken for (usually) half of the month. HRT taken this way results in a monthly bleed. Continuous combined HRT – So-called because the two hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) are taken together, daily. This approach results in no bleeding.

How much better does HRT make you feel?

HRT improves vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms: intimacy becomes more comfortable, and the desire for it also often improves. The nuisance of losing small amounts of urine when one coughs or plays a game of tennis is also reduced, as is the need to rush to the loo to empty the bladder.

How did you feel after starting HRT?

When starting HRT, it's very common to experience some initial side effects or start-up symptoms such as breast tenderness or breast size increase. Some women describe slight nausea, headaches or abdominal bloating. Light erratic bleeding is also quite usual.

Does HRT help with anxiety?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

If your mood changes are related to the perimenopause and menopause, evidence indicates that HRT is better at improving your mood and anxiety than antidepressants.

Can HRT change your face?

Conclusions: Hormone treatment in transwomen induces an increase in cheek tissue and a decrease in jaw tissue. In transmen a tendency of decrease in cheek tissue and an increase in jaw tissue was found. These changes are in the direction of the desired gender. Tebbens M, Nota NM, Liberton NPTJ, et al.

Does HRT reverse skin aging?

While HRT cannot reverse the ageing process, it can help you to age gracefully and maintain your health as you get older.

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