New Report: Estrogen Therapy & Weight Gain

Perimenopausal weight gain is a real thing.

This is a fact.

It's common for weight gain to start a few years before menopause, during the time known as perimenopause. Weight gain often continues at about the rate of 1.5 pounds each year as a woman goes through her 50s.

When I meet with women to discuss the potential risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy - fear of weight gain with estrogen therapy is common.

But is this fear valid?

A recent report (involving a complex literature search and a summary of 10 studies) found that NO!

Just the opposite, actually.

This study found that estrogen taken as an oral contraceptive pill or as hormone replacement at menopause INCREASED metabolism (resting energy expenditure)—suggesting it may actually protect against weight gain.

I’m not suggesting women should take estrogen to lose weight - adding estrogen therapy in menopause does not cause weight loss - but these results can help alleviate the fear that adding menopausal estrogen therapy should not contribute to weight gain.

The better we understand these mechanisms, the more informed choices we can make.

Are you ready for a fresh perspective on your hormonal health? I can help! As a board-certified Integrative & Functional Medicine physician, I have an extensive background in hormone expertise and experience. I offer a variety of laboratory testing, bioidentical hormone therapies, botanicals and nutraceuticals, weight loss programs, and more! Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more.

References

Weidlinger S, Winterberger K, Pape J, et al. Impact of estrogens on resting energy expenditure: A systematic review. Obes Rev. 2023;24(10):e13605.

Mayo Clinic Women’s Health