Thanks to a combination of diet changes, different activity levels, and genetics, many people experience weight fluctuations as they get older. But can HT affect weight too? We answer your questions.
Why is weight important?
Midlife can be the perfect time to think about your lifestyle and general health, including your weight. Small changes like tweaking your exercise routine – or starting one – and looking at your diet can boost your bone density, enhance your cardiovascular health, and reduce your cancer risk.
It is a personal topic, but your weight is an important part of your overall health, and being overweight or underweight can have an impact as you age.
Risks of being overweight
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiac problems including heart attacks and heart failure
- Certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, bowel cancer, and endometrial cancer
- Vascular disease including blood clots and strokes
- Osteoarthritis
- Liver and gallbladder disease
Risks of being underweight
- Osteoporosis – thinning of the bones, which can lead to fragility fractures
How to check if your weight is in a healthy range
You can check if your weight is in the healthy range for your height by using the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is not a perfect system, but it can be a good measure of roughly how healthy your weight is.
You can calculate your BMI by using an online calculator.
Take care of your emotions when it comes to weight
If you struggle with your body image and feelings around your weight, addressing it can feel like a minefield. We know it is hard to find time for yourself when life is so busy, and that thinking about your weight can bring up all kinds of difficult emotions and frustrations. We understand and hear you.
We’re here to encourage you to improve your health and feel better about being in your skin. We want to acknowledge every small step you make towards healthier habits, while sharing tips and advice, and celebrating your wins.
Weight gain as you get older
It’s normal to gain about one pound per year during middle age. This is thought to be due to the aging process, rather than menopause itself.
- Hormonal changes can lead to more fat being stored around your waist due to changes in fat distribution. Menopause is also linked to muscle loss. A lower muscle mass means that your body needs fewer calories at baseline, making it easier to gain weight without meaning to
- Mental health conditions – which become more common during menopause – can also be associated with weight gain. Depression is a common culprit because many of us use food as a form of comfort and a source of pleasure
- Changes to your diet and activity levels can also be responsible. You may find that you are less active during menopause. This is common and understandable, especially if you are struggling with sleepless nights and feeling terrible! But it can cause the pounds to creep on
- Certain medications can cause weight gain too, especially some that are used to control mental health conditions. Likewise, medical conditions that become more common around midlife, like thyroid issues, can also cause a slower metabolism and weight gain
Read more about weight and menopause.
Can HT make you gain weight?
No, HT does not cause weight gain!
If you find that your weight is changing rapidly or if you are struggling to lose or gain weight, it is worth checking in with your healthcare provider. Lots of other conditions, including thyroid problems and water retention, can cause these issues and can be treated effectively.
Read more about common HT myths and find out the facts.
Can HT help you lose weight?
HT does not directly make you lose weight, but it can help indirectly.
Supplying estrogen that your body no longer produces can reverse menopausal changes to fat distribution. This means that instead of fat accumulating around your middle, you could notice it returning to your thighs and buttocks, which is more typical premenopause.
HT can also improve several menopause symptoms that might be getting in the way of your efforts to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. It is much easier to make healthy choices about food if you aren’t struggling with sleepless nights, mood swings, and hot flashes. Plus exercising regularly might well be more appealing if you aren’t struggling with all the aches and pains that menopause sometimes brings.
Does progesterone make you gain weight?
Progesterone is thought to cause an increased appetite in some circumstances and in some people. This may be the reason why you may find yourself craving food, especially carbs, at certain points in your menstrual cycle.
There is no evidence that taking progesterone as part of your HT is associated with weight gain.
Final word
Weight is a tricky issue for many of us. While HT can’t help you lose or gain weight, it is an effective treatment for menopause symptoms including hot flashes, poor sleep, and mood changes among others.
Speak to your healthcare provider if you want help with your weight. You can explore more about weight gain in our symptom library, or read about weight loss drugs and menopause.
- Hirschberg AL 2012, ‘Sex hormones, appetite and eating behaviour in women’, Maturitas, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 248-56
- Davis SR, Castelo-Branco C, Chedraui P, Lumsden MA, Nappi RE, Shah D, Villaseca P 2012, ‘Understanding weight gain at menopause’, Climacteric, vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 419-429
The latest
Do antibiotics, D-mannose or cranberry juice treat UTIs? Why do UTIs happen after sex during menopause and how can you minimize infections? Find out…
Black cohosh, devil’s claw, red clover, evening primrose oil and flax seeds – are these the best supplements for menopause and are they worth the money?
You need menopause contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy. If you are in a new relationship, you also need menopause contraception to prevent STIs.
It is common for anxiety to cause problems during menopause – it can be a side effect of HT. Here’s how best to manage and treat anxiety at this time of life.
The timing, symptoms, and overall experience of menopause is different for everyone. Our guide arms you with the knowledge to spot and manage symptoms.
Low libido along with decreased confidence is common in menopause. But this doesn’t mean your sex life is over. Sex expert Ruth Ramsay shares her top tips.
