Hormone Replacement Therapy and Weight Loss for Women

As we know, the body is all about hormones!

Hormones play a crucial role in so many vital body functions. 

And they are huge when it comes to weight loss, and certain medical conditions. 

Unfortunately for us ladies, as we age, our hormones can take a hit. 

Maybe you’ve cleaned up your diet, and incorporated fasting into your lifestyle, but still not losing weight. 

Or you’re gaining weight for no reason that you can pinpoint.

It could be hormonal, especially if you’re over 40. 

That’s where Hormone Replacement Therapy can come in. 

What exactly is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

HRT is the process of supplementing the body with hormones that are out of balance or have declined. 

This usually means estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. 

Hormones

Let’s do a little recap on these specific hormones and how they can impact fat gain/loss. 

Estrogen 

Estrogen plays a key role in fat storage and insulin sensitivity. 

This is why stubborn belly fat can be so hard to get rid of post-menopause.

Progesterone 

Progesterone helps with sleep, mood, and also plays a role in cortisol balance. 

If progesterone levels are off, you might experience increased hunger and cravings, making it more difficult to stick to a diet or fast.

Testosterone

Testosterone isn’t only a male hormone, although that’s what we usually think of.

Women also produce smaller amounts of testosterone, and it supports metabolism.

Low testosterone can make fat loss harder. 

Thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones control metabolic rate, and for many women these sometimes need a boost, as well. 

So how does HRT help? 

Hormone Replacement Therapy helps to restore those hormones that are in decline. 

Benefits of HRT include:

• Boosts metabolism and fat burning

• Helps to fix insulin resistance

• Helps with fatigue

• Improves muscle tone

• Lowers cortisol levels

• Improves sleep and mood

HRT not only helps to relieve the symptoms of menopause, but can make weight loss efforts much more effective. 

Are there any downsides to HRT?

Like many other treatments, Hormone Replacement Therapy can have side effects.

Some of the possible side effects include:

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Breast tenderness

• Spotting

• Diarrhea

• Mood changes

Note that side effects, if they occur, are usually mild and temporary. 

Can I still fast if I do Hormone Replacement?

Yes, it’s no different than if you were getting those hormones naturally. 

And most menopausal women find their fasts are much easier when combined with HRT because cortisol levels are more balanced. 

What if I eat a Carnivore diet? Can I still do HRT?

Yes, in fact combining Carnivore and HRT can be the best of both worlds. 

The Carnivore diet is already beneficial for hormones because it is high in the building blocks of hormones - cholesterol and fat. 

In fact, if you’re not already doing Carnivore, that can be a great place to start. 

How do I know if I need Hormone Replacement Therapy?

You might suspect your hormones need a boost if you are perimenopause or beyond.

Especially if you are finding it difficult to lose weight or you’re gaining weight. 

But only your doctor can tell you for sure. 

Because HRT isn’t one size fits all (is anything?), your doctor will need to run some blood work.

They will check your hormone levels, as well as some other things such as thyroid function and insulin levels. 

And your doctor will take things into consideration like your weight and your metabolic health. 

If your doctor determines that you will benefit from HRT, they will write you a prescription.

It’s important that you stay in touch with your doctor so they can monitor you and make 

adjustments as needed. 

Is there anyone who should not do HRT?

While HRT is great for many women, there are some conditions and risk factors where HRT might not be recommended:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Anyone with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers (breast cancer, uterine cancer, etc), or where there’s history in the family,  should not do HRT unless cleared by their oncologist or doctor.

• Blood clotting disorders (estrogen can increase risk of DVT)

• Cardiovascular disease that is new or uncontrolled

• Severe liver disease

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

Not a magic pill

Yes, hormones matter. They matter a lot. 

HRT can help you stick to your diet and achieve optimal fat loss. 

But you still need to focus on a clean diet and a healthy lifestyle. 

Final thoughts

If you’re over 40 and struggling with fat loss, you’re not broken. 

You just might need a little help with your hormones. 

Combined with a healthy lifestyle, Hormone Replacement Therapy can be just the thing to get you back on track.