Do you gain weight on HRT?

Written by Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist: Gabriella Sanchez - February 03, 2023

Do You Gain Weight on HRT?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for the relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It is also widely used to improve physical and psychological wellbeing during the transition to menopause. The question however is: do you gain weight on hormone replacement therapy?

The answer depends on a variety of factors including your lifestyle, diet, and activity levels - as well as the type and dose of hormones you are taking. It is not uncommon for many women to gain a small amount of weight during or after hormone replacement therapy due to its effect on metabolism; however, this can often be managed with some simple lifestyle modifications.

What Causes Weight Gain During HRT?

Weight gain during HRT may be caused by several factors, including:

• Changes in metabolism: As our bodies age, they naturally produce fewer hormones which can lead to a slowing down of our metabolic rate. This in turn means that we burn fewer calories throughout the day, making it easier for us to gain weight. Hormone replacement therapy can help counteract this by reintroducing certain hormones into the body that help boost metabolism and energy levels.
• Changes in appetite: Many women report feeling hungrier than usual when starting hormone replacement therapy due to fluctuations in hormone levels. If these cravings are not managed properly it could lead to overeating and thus weight gain.
• Stress: Menopause often causes stress which can lead to emotional eating and comfort eating which ultimately results in weight gain.
• Reduced muscle mass: The natural process of ageing can result in a loss of muscle mass which makes it harder to maintain a healthy weight as fat accumulates more easily around our midsections. This can be countered through regular exercise and strength training which helps boost lean muscle mass while burning fat deposits at the same time.

How Can I Avoid Weight Gain During HRT?

Here are some tips that may help you avoid gaining weight during hormone replacement therapy:

• Monitor your calorie intake – make sure you’re getting enough protein but not overdoing carbs or sugar.
• Increase your exercise – aim for at least 30 minutes per day if possible. This will help speed up your metabolism while helping build muscle mass which burns more calories even when at rest.
• Get plenty of sleep – aim for 7-8 hours per night if possible as lack of sleep has been linked with increased hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods such as sugar or carbs that tend to cause weight gain quickly when consumed in excess amounts.
• Drink lots of water – this will help keep you hydrated which aids digestion, boosts energy levels and curbs hunger pangs between meals so you don’t end up snacking excessively throughout the day resulting in unwanted calories from processed snacks or junk food items.

By following these simple tips it should be possible for most people going through hormone replacement therapy have any side effects related to weight gain under control with minimal effort required from them personally! For best results though, always consult with your doctor who may advise additional measures tailored specifically towards your individual needs such as prescribing vitamins or supplements etc.. And lastly don’t forget about BHRT Pro Center knows exactly how each person's body functions differently when undergoing hormone therapy - giving hope & peace of mind even whilst delivering real results!

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