Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Make You Gain Weight?

Like every other medical treatment, Hormone Replacement Therapy also has its fair share of side effects. 

However, to truly understand whether it causes weight gain or loss, we need to dive deep into what Hormone Replacement Therapy is. 

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, is a medical procedure that is conducted to replace the estrogen that your body stops creating during menopause. This procedure is mostly used to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal discomfort.

Basic Types Of Hormone Therapy

Focused mainly on replacing the estrogen in your body, Hormone Replacement Therapy has two basic types.

1. Systemic hormone therapy– This therapy provides systemic estrogen through pills, skin patches, rings, gels, creams, or sprays. It contains a higher dose of estrogen that is absorbed throughout the body.
2. Low-dose vaginal products- This method uses a cream, tablet, or ring, leading to a lesser amount of estrogen absorbed by the body. They are primarily used to treat the vaginal and urinary symptoms of menopause.

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Side Effects Of Hormonal Replacement Therapy

Usually, the side effects of Hormonal Replacement Therapy are not very serious and get better with time. Some of the most prominent ones that you get after Hormone Therapy are-

For Estrogen-

1. Headaches
2. Nausea
3. Mood swing
4. Leg cramps
5. Hair fall
6. Diarrhea
7. Vaginal bleeding or spotting

For Progesterone-

1. Nausea
2. Dizziness
3. Mood swings
4. Acne
5. Itchy and sensitive skin
6. Breast tenderness
7. Headaches

These symptoms usually improve over time. However, if the conditions worsen or do not improve, it is best to reach out to your medical professional who is administering your hormone therapy. 

Does Hormone Replacement Cause Weight Gain?

Although it is commonly believed that hormone replacement therapy causes weight gain, new data suggests the exact opposite. The misconception arises from the fact that during menopause, there is an evident increase in fat storage and distribution in women. Prolonged use of hormone treatments like 17beta-oestradiol 2 mg/day with sequential dydrogesterone 10 mg/day for a full cycle can improve fat storage and distribution. (Source)

Hormonal therapy can cause rehydration in your body which is why you may see a few additional numbers in your weighing scale. Now, this rehydration is extremely beneficial since it not only improves the body’s water-holding capacity but also reduces itchiness, fine lines and wrinkles. (Source)

Why Do Some Women Report Weight Gain?

There are some women who, after continued Hormone Replacement Therapy, have reported an increase in their weight. This can be because of-

1. Water retention and bloating are major reasons for those extra pounds to show up on the scales. This, along with breast tenderness and swelling gives the illusion of weight gain.
2. Reduction in anxiety levels from hormone replacement therapy can lead to an increase in appetite. However, this is a temporary side effect that subsides with time.

Who can benefit from hormone therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy can be really beneficial if you suffer from-

• Severe hot flashes– Hormone Therapy is especially beneficial for the relief of problematic menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. Moreover, it can also deal with vaginal symptoms of menopause, such as dryness, itching, burning, and other discomforts that impact menstruators’ quality of life.
• Bone loss or fractures- With proper hormone replacement therapy, you will be able to prevent the bone-thinning disease called osteoporosis. While there are other medications for the same, estrogen therapy may help if you either can’t tolerate it or haven’t been benefitting from other treatments.

Early menopause or estrogen deficiency- If you have undergone surgeries to remove your ovaries before 45 years of age or lost normal function of your ovaries before 40 years of age, your body has been exposed to less estrogen when compared to other menstruators. This is where estrogen therapy helps decrease your risk of certain health conditions, including osteoporosis, stroke, dementia, and mood changes that come with early menopause or estrogen deficiency.

Looking For Trusted Medical Professionals For Undergoing Hormonal Replacement Therapy? Haven Medspa Is Here To Save The Day. 

Our highly accomplished team of medical practitioners in the beauty industry works relentlessly with customers to make them look and feel their best. At Haven Med Spa, we offer a range of beauty procedures to help you maintain a flawless and youthful look.

So, unlock a youthful future with the best Hormone Replacement Therapy in Yuba City and Lincoln, CA. Here, you can rest assured that you are in highly capable hands since our services are custom-made to match your requirements. Contact us today to book an appointment.