What We’ll Cover:

• What HRT is and why it may be offered
• Things to consider if you are taking a weight-management medicine
• Questions to ask your healthcare professional
• Advice from Roczen clinicians

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HRT (hormone replacement therapy) can help manage symptoms of the menopause. It comes in different forms including tablets, patches, gels and sprays. 

If you are taking a weight-management medicine, you may have questions about starting HRT or changing your HRT. This article explains some things to consider and when to speak with a healthcare professional.

Your healthcare professional can help you choose the right treatment for you. Do not stop or change your medicines without speaking to them first.

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What is HRT?

HRT replaces hormones that your body produces less of during menopause. It can help manage symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal symptoms.

There are different types of HRT. The right option depends on things such as your symptoms, whether you still have your womb and your personal preferences. Your healthcare professional can talk you through the options.

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What should I consider if I take a weight-management medicine? 

1. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take. If you are starting HRT, tell your healthcare professional about any weight-management medicines, other medicines and supplements you take. They can check for any potential interactions and advise you if anything needs to be monitored. 

2. Pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms. Starting HRT or changing your weight-management treatment may involve changes in how you feel. If you notice new or worsening symptoms, let your healthcare professional know. They can help you understand what may be causing them and whether anything needs to change.  

3. What about weight? Weight gain and changes in body shape are common during perimenopause and menopause. HRT is not a weight-loss treatment, and there is no good evidence that most types of HRT cause weight gain. Your weight-management plan can continue alongside your menopause care. Your healthcare professional can help you manage both in a way that is right for you.

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Questions to ask your healthcare professional

• Is HRT suitable for me?
• Which type of HRT might be right for me?
• Could HRT affect any of the medicines I take? 
• Do I need to change anything about my weight-management medicine?
• Are there any medicines or supplements I should tell you about?
• What side effects should I look out for?
• When should I contact you again?

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What do our Roczen clinicians say?

"If you are taking an oral HRT tablet alongside an incretin weight-management medicine, it is worth discussing this with your clinician. Weight-management treatments slow down how quickly your stomach empties, which can change how your body absorbs oral medications. If you notice your menopause symptoms returning or changing, your doctor can advise on whether adjusting your dose or switching to a non-oral option (like a patch or gel) might work better for you." Dr Raquel Sanchez Windt

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Summary

HRT can help manage symptoms of the menopause, and there are different types and ways to use it.

If you take a weight-management medicine, speak with your healthcare professional before starting or changing HRT. Tell them about all the medicines and supplements you take.

Your healthcare professional can help you understand your options and decide what is right for you.