It’s said that there are over 34 different symptoms of menopause. To name a few: Hot flushes, changes in mood, and weight gain.
For many people experiencing said symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help ease discomfort and provide much-needed relief.
But if you’re going through menopause and are also interested in Mounjaro weight loss injections, you might be wondering: Can I take Mounjaro and HRT together? Read on to find out.
The menopause and weight gain
First, let’s look at the link between menopause and weight.
Around 60-70% of people going through menopause will be affected by weight gain, though we still aren’t completely sure why.
One possible explanation is the shift in hormones during this time. For instance, your levels of oestrogen and progesterone decline (though they can fluctuate as they do so). These hormonal changes can influence your metabolism and are associated with an increased waist circumference and fat build-up around the stomach.
Age is another factor. Most people tend to gain weight as they get older. On average, women gain around 1.5 pounds per year between the ages of 50-60. Plus, after age 30, muscle mass typically declines by 3-8% per decade.
What is Mounjaro?
It’s a new weight loss medicine that works by making you feel full. It does that by acting like two of the body’s natural hunger hormones, GLP-1 and GIP.
And it’s very effective. On average, people taking Mounjaro injections for over a year (alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise) might lose up to 25% of their starting weight—compared to a 1-10% loss from healthy lifestyle changes alone.
Mounjaro also helps keep your blood sugar levels in check and may contribute to improved heart health.
What is HRT?
As the name suggests, HRT is a menopause treatment that works to replace the hormones that have declined. More specifically, it’s used to top up levels of oestrogen and/or progesterone.
While HRT isn’t suitable for everyone, it’s been shown to be effective at treating various symptoms, including hot flushes and vaginal dryness. For the people it helps, it can be a game changer.
Can you take Mounjaro and HRT together?
Now onto the burning question, can you take HRT and Mounjaro together? There hasn’t been much research into how these medicines could interact, but the advice is currently that you can use both at once.
But if you’re taking HRT tablets, there’s a few things you should bear in mind. We’ve covered this in more detail below.
What are the benefits of combining Mounjaro and HRT?
Again, there’s barely any research looking into this. Though we do have some evidence to suggest that taking HRT alongside weight loss medicines can lead to a greater loss than if you only took weight loss medication.
In one study of postmenopausal women taking semaglutide, a medicine similar to Mounjaro, those also using HRT lost 16% of their starting weight on average after a year. For those just on semaglutide, the mean loss was 12%.
But we need more research to get a clearer picture of what could be going on here—including studies that are specifically about Mounjaro.
Things to consider when taking Mounjaro and HRT together
Earlier, we mentioned that there are a few things you should be aware of if you’re taking HRT tablets as well as Mounjaro.
Mounjaro’s effect on the gut—it slows digestion to make you feel full—can affect how well oral medicines are absorbed. So, there’s a chance that your HRT pills might not work as well.
FYI: Other forms of HRT wouldn’t be affected by this. So you would be fine to take Mounjaro and HRT patches or gels, for instance. Do check in with your provider if you aren’t sure!
The British Menopause Society suggests either switching to a non-oral form of HRT or, if you’re taking HRT tablets to top up your progesterone, to increase your progesterone dose for 4 weeks after starting Mounjaro and again after each time you move up to a higher strength of Mounjaro. Here, your provider will advise on the best route forward for you personally.
Your weight loss journey
The decision to start weight loss medication is personal, and these injections aren’t suitable for everyone. But if you’ve tried to lose weight another way and it didn’t go as you’d hoped, they could be a great option.
That said, even though these medicines work very well, they aren’t a quick fix. Losing weight (and keeping it off) is a long game—and it isn’t always an easy journey.
You don’t have to do it alone, though. Through our weight loss programme, you can get one-to-one support and guidance from our coaches and clinicians, plus monthly weight loss medication. It’s backed by science and designed to drive sustainable, long-term results.
Take our quiz to find out if you’re eligible. It won’t take more than a few minutes.
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