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How HRT & GLP-1 Medications work together

Dr Amit Srivastava

Weight Loss Specialist UK

3 min read

Dr Amit Srivastava
How HRT & GLP-1 Medications work together

In recent years, the landscape of weight management has rapidly evolved, especially for women navigating midlife hormonal changes. As a UK‑based medical clinician and weight loss specialist, I have seen how two powerful tools can support better outcomes for patients:

  • 💊 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • 💉 GLP-1 receptor agonists

Whether you are exploring Mounjaro, Wegovy or Saxenda, or are already on HRT, understanding how these treatments can complement each other is key to making informed, effective health decisions.

Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT replenishes declining hormones like estrogen and progesterone during menopause.

This shift often leads to:

  • 🔹 Increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen

  • 🔹 Slower metabolism

  • 🔹 Mood swings, poor sleep, and low energy—all of which can make lifestyle changes more difficult

✅ By restoring hormonal balance, HRT can improve overall well-being and make weight loss more achievable.

Will HRT Help Me Lose Weight?

🔹 A common question:

“Will HRT help me lose weight?”

🔍 The honest answer?

No—HRT isn’t a direct weight loss treatment. However, it can support weight management indirectly by improving key health factors.

How HRT Might Support Weight Loss Efforts

Even if the number on the scale doesn’t drop right away, many women find it easier to manage weight after starting HRT:

  • 😴 Improved Sleep Quality

    Better sleep helps regulate hunger hormones (leptin & ghrelin), making healthy eating easier.

  • Increased Energy & Better Mood

    Reduced fatigue and mood swings lead to better adherence to exercise and diet.

  • 💧 Reduced Bloating and Fluid Retention

    Women feel lighter and more comfortable, improving motivation to stay active.

  • 🧪 Changes in Fat Distribution

    Research suggests HRT may help prevent abdominal fat gain, supporting metabolic health.

Can HRT Cause Weight Gain?

Some women report weight gain after starting HRT—but here’s what might be behind it:

  • 💧 Fluid Retention

    Temporary water weight early on is common but usually resolves.

  • ⚖️ Incorrect Type or Dose

    Personalized dosing matters. The wrong formulation may lead to side effects, including weight changes.

My Approach: Whole-Person, Individualised Care

As a practitioner focused on medical weight loss, I advocate for a comprehensive approach:

  • 🔹 HRT for hormonal balance

  • 🔹 GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro for appetite regulation

  • 🔹 Lifestyle support for long-term success

Where GLP‑1 Medications Fit In

GLP‑1 receptor agonists—Wegovy, Saxenda, and Mounjaro—are originally diabetes medications, now used for weight loss.

They work by:

  • 🧠 Suppressing appetite (affects hunger signals in the brain)

  • 🕑 Slowing gastric emptying, helping you feel full longer

  • 🍬 Improving blood sugar control, especially beneficial during midlife

Result:

Patients often lose 10–20% of body weight with support and supervision.

🤝Can HRT and GLP‑1s Be Used Together?

Yes—and they can be very effective together. There’s no known harmful interaction, and the combination offers synergistic benefits:

  • 🔹 Improved metabolic health – HRT reduces insulin resistance; GLP‑1s boost insulin sensitivity

  • Greater energy & mood – HRT makes it easier to stay engaged in healthy routines

  • 🍽️ Reduced cravings & appetite – GLP‑1s help tackle emotional eating triggers

  • 😴 Better sleep & recovery – Key to sustainable fat loss

🧠Things to Consider Before Starting Combination Therapy

Before you begin, keep these in mind:

  • 🔹 Medical Review First

    Get a full health assessment including cardiovascular and hormonal evaluations. GLP‑1s may affect HRT absorption.

  • 🔹 Monitor Side Effects

    Early symptoms like nausea or fatigue are normal and manageable.

  • 🔹 Choose the Right HRT

    Body‑identical oestrogen and micronised progesterone are often preferred.

  • 🔹 Lifestyle Still Matters

    Medications are support tools, not replacements for movement, nutrition, and sleep hygiene.

Real-Life Impact : A Patient Story

One of my patients, a 51‑year‑old woman struggling with post‑menopausal weight gain and fatigue, had tried countless diets. After starting HRT to manage hot flushes and low mood, we introduced Mounjaro several months later. With tailored lifestyle coaching and ongoing support, she lost over 15% of her body weight and reported improvements in her energy, mood, and confidence.

This is not just about the number on the scales—it’s about reclaiming health and vitality. At Obeva Health, we offer comprehensive assessments for both HRT and weight loss injections, along with ongoing wrap‑around care to help women thrive during and after midlife.

Take the next step

If you’re struggling with stubborn weight gain, low energy, or menopause‑related changes, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to go it alone. With the right support, medical tools, and personalised guidance, lasting change is possible.

👉Contact our clinic or visit our Weight Management page and complete a FREE Obeva consultation.

     Together, we can find the right solution for your unique journey.

Dr Amit Srivastava

Dr Amit Srivastava

Weight Loss Specialist UK

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How HRT & GLP-1 Medications work together | Obeva Health Blog