menopause weight gain

Reverse Menopause Weight Gain with Natural Hormone Therapy

Lose Pounds & Inches with HRT During Menopause!

Are you experiencing weight gain during menopause or perimenopause? If so, you are not alone. Weight gain is one of the most common side-effects of menopause, and many women struggle with how to prevent or stop it. And menopause weight gain isn’t merely a matter of appearance – it marks a significant metabolic change largely due to the loss of critical hormones produced by the ovaries, specifically estradiol and progesterone.

Unfortunately, the weight gained during menopause and perimenopause often takes the form of belly fat, specifically deep “visceral fat”. This unsightly fat not only contributes to emotional distress and a loss of self-esteem, but also increases inflammation in the body which can lead to several serious health concerns.

At the forefront of addressing this issue is Dr. Ruthie Harper, a renowned functional medicine doctor and hormone therapy expert in Austin, TX. Dr. Harper understands that menopause weight gain is not just a cosmetic issue but a significant health concern that can impact a woman’s overall well-being and quality of life.

In this article Austin, TX functional medicine doctor Ruthie Harper, MD explains why menopause weight gain is so difficult to reverse – and she shares how hormone balancing can help you lose weight and get rid of stubborn fat during menopause.

Why Women Gain Weight During Menopause

Weight gain during this period marks a significant metabolic shift, largely due to the loss of critical hormones produced by the ovaries—specifically estradiol and progesterone. Many women begin to notice weight gain alongside other perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and irregular menstrual cycles.

In many cases, weight gain isn’t fat alone; it can be fluid retention, too. Unfortunately, many women are not aware of this distinction because they haven’t had a body composition analysis, which is critical for understanding what type of weight is being gained—whether it’s fat, muscle, or fluid.

At our Austin, TX functional medicine practice we provide these very important body composition analyses annually, in addition to thorough hormone testing, to help women maintain a happy, healthy weight  during the perimenopause and menopausal years.

The Role of Hormones in Menopause Weight Gain

The role of hormones in in weight gain during menopause cannot be overstated. Estrogen, particularly in the form of estradiol, plays a key role in regulating metabolic processes. Without enough estradiol, the body may begin to overproduce estrone, which is linked to inflammation and weight gain. This inflammation can lead to insulin resistance, promoting fat storage, especially visceral fat around the internal organs.

Estrogen is actually a family of hormones, including estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Each has different effects on the body, and how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is administered—whether via creams, oral supplements, or other methods—can affect your body differently.

Estradiol is the preferred form of estrogen for women in perimenopause and menopause, as it plays a key role in regulating metabolic processes. Without enough estradiol, the body may begin to over produce estrone, which is linked to inflammation and weight gain. Inflammation can lead to insulin resistance, which promotes fat storage, especially visceral fat, around the internal organs.

Why Body Composition Matters

However, one of the first steps in understanding weight gain during menopause is to measure body composition. Without this analysis, it is impossible to know if the weight gained and increased belly circumference is from fat, fluid, or muscle loss. Many women experience fluid retention during perimenopause, causing them to feel puffy, uncomfortable, and to experience changes in how their clothes fit.

The body composition test allows you to see what’s really happening: Are you gaining fat or retaining fluid? Is muscle being lost? Where is the fat accumulating? By monitoring these changes, Dr. Harper can help you better understand your body’s response to hormonal shifts and your treatment options like BHRT.

Hormonal Imbalance & Menopause Weight Gain

During perimenopause, the loss of estradiol and progesterone leads to hormonal imbalances, which contribute to weight gain.

Estradiol helps regulate fluid retention, thyroid function, appetite, insulin, and glucose transport—meaning that when estradiol levels drop, these systems may become impaired. The result is weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, due to increased fat storage and muscle loss.

However, often times, even women who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy are not receiving the optimal form, dose, or balance of hormones.

Estradiol & Menopause Weight Management

Balanced estriol levels help prevent weight gain in many ways, including the following:

Thyroid Function: Estradiol interacts with thyroid receptors to help regulate metabolism. Without adequate estradiol, thyroid function can become sluggish, mimicking hypothyroidism, which is associated with weight gain.

Appetite Regulation: Estradiol helps regulate appetite by influencing hormones like leptin, which suppresses appetite, and GLP-1- the active ingredient in Ozempic and semaglutide, which also helps control hunger and insulin sensitivity. Without enough estradiol, women may struggle with cravings and overeating.

Glucose Transport: Estradiol facilitates the transport of glucose into cells for energy. When glucose isn’t properly transported, it lingers in the bloodstream, prompting the pancreas to release more insulin. Excess insulin promotes fat storage, particularly visceral fat, and leads to insulin resistance—a major contributor to weight gain.

Gut Health: Estradiol plays a role in maintaining a healthy gut barrier. When estradiol levels decline, gut health can deteriorate, leading to conditions like leaky gut and dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria). These issues can trigger inflammation, which in turn causes insulin resistance and weight gain.
Mitochondrial Function: Estradiol also supports mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the energy powerhouses of cells, responsible for burning fat and glucose. Without sufficient estradiol, mitochondrial function suffers, reducing the body’s ability to burn fat for energy. This leads to further weight gain and a reduction in overall energy levels.

The Cycle of Weight Gain & Hormonal Decline

When estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, it sets off a cascade of metabolic problems that make weight gain almost inevitable. The accumulation of visceral fat promotes inflammation, which leads to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance, in turn, leads to even more fat storage, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break without intervention.

But the right form of hormone replacement therapy—tailored to your needs—can help break this cycle. With proper HRT, including balanced estradiol and progesterone, women can manage weight gain, maintain muscle mass, and reduce inflammation. Hormone balance is key to ensuring that your body responds positively during this critical time.

Why Menopausal Women Still Gain Weight on HRT

Many women express frustration about gaining weight while on hormone therapy. They wonder, “If hormones are supposed to help me, why is this happening?” The answer lies in the type, route, and dose of hormones being used. Not all hormones are created equal, and how your body processes them matters.

For example, if you’re taking estradiol but it’s being converted into excess estrone, you may experience increased inflammation and weight gain. Estrone, in excess, can be pro-inflammatory, which exacerbates weight problems. While estrone is necessary in small amounts, too much of it can cause metabolic issues. The key is ensuring your body is converting estradiol into estrone in a balanced way.

Functional medicine doctor Ruthie Harper, MD in Austin, TX takes a comprehensive, whole-person approach to hormone testing, diagnosis, and management. This includes thorough blood testing that most traditional doctors and OBGYNs do not take.

Fractionated Estrogens Testing in Menopausal Women

To begin with, Ruthie Harper, MD in Austin, TX measures both estradiol and estrone levels using a test called fractionated estrogens. This test evaluates the levels of estradiol, estrone, and estriol in your body, which helps us implement a tailored plan to balance these hormones effectively.

This is essential because many women are not only receiving estrogen in the wrong form – or through the wrong route – but also in incorrect doses. In addition, they may be converting estradiol to estrone in ways that do not benefit them. Fractionated estrogen testing provides keys and answers and should be performed on every women on HRT.

Why the Estrogen Dose Matters in Menopause

A common issue that women in menopause face is that their doctors prescribe too small a dose of estradiol, which does not provide the anti-inflammatory or metabolic benefits needed during perimenopause and menopause.

Many doctors are still influenced by outdated guidance from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, which suggested using the smallest dose of estrogen for the shortest time possible. This misunderstanding has led to under-treatment in many cases.

Small amounts of estradiol might not be enough to balance your hormones properly, leaving you with continued symptoms and weight gain. For hormone replacement therapy to be effective, it’s crucial to use the right form of HRT at the right dose and in the right balance. This requires working with a menopause and hormone specialist like Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX who understands the intricacies of HRT and can prescribe it in a way that benefits your unique needs.

Maintaining Muscle Mass is Crucial in Menopause

During perimenopause, not only do women gain visceral fat, but they also lose muscle mass, which is a common condition called sarcopenia. Most people don’t realize that estradiol also supports muscle health. Muscle is vital for burning fat and sugar, and losing muscle increases the risk of developing insulin resistance and diabetes. Insulin, when not properly regulated, promotes fat production and storage. Therefore, maintaining muscle mass is essential for preventing weight gain and metabolic issues.

In addition to estradiol, androgens such as DHEA and testosterone play a role in muscle maintenance. These hormones are also vital for muscle health and fat metabolism. Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX takes a holistic approach to monitoring and potentially supplementing androgens when necessary, to help maintain muscle mass and overall metabolic health for women in perimenopause and menopause.

Hormone Therapy, Exercise & Reversing Menopause Weight Gain

The loss of estradiol and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause is directly associated with weight gain, particularly visceral fat, and loss of vital muscle mass. Properly administered hormone therapy can help prevent these effects, and though reversing them can be challenging, it is possible with consistent effort.

Exercise is a vital component in reversing the effects of visceral fat accumulation. While prevention is always the best approach, if you’ve already gained visceral fat, don’t despair—there are ways we can help you to help you lose it. Hormone therapy, when balanced correctly, medication alongside a regular exercise regimen, can help address these issues.

Balancing Progesterone for Menopause Weight Gain

Progesterone plays a crucial role in a woman’s body during perimenopause and menopause, offering a variety of benefits, particularly when used in conjunction with estradiol. One of its key functions is acting as a natural diuretic, helping to counterbalance the fluid retention that often occurs when estradiol is administered alone. By promoting the excretion of excess fluid, progesterone prevents weight gain and prevents women from feeling bloated and uncomfortable from the swelling that sometimes accompanies hormone replacement therapy.

Additionally, progesterone supports mood stabilization, improves sleep quality, and helps protect the uterus from estrogen’s stimulating effects. Together, estradiol and progesterone maintain hormonal balance, enhancing overall well-being during the menopausal transition.

Hormones: Your Best Allies for Menopause Wight Loss

Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX likes to tell women in menopause that “hormones are not the enemy”. In fact, properly balanced hormones -especially estradiol and progesterone – are your best allies in maintaining a healthy weight, preserving muscle mass, and regulating metabolic processes during menopause and perimenopause. While the media and even some traditional doctors have demonized hormones, they are actually your best buddies in this transitional phase of life.

With the right treatment plan – including natural, customized, hormone replacement therapy, body composition monitoring, and lifestyle changes – women can take control of their weight during menopause and beyond. Addressing hormonal imbalances and inflammation through HRT not only helps manage weight but also supports overall health, energy, and well-being.

By understanding the role of hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and androgens in regulating appetite, metabolism, muscle mass, and fat storage, you can empower yourself with knowledge and make informed decisions about your health that will help you feel better and live a longer and healthier life!

Reverse Menopause Weight Gain | Austin, TX

If you’re struggling with menopause weight gain in it’s crucial to understand that hormones are not your enemy but your allies in maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. Dr. Ruthie Harper, in Austin, TX, with her expertise in functional medicine, menopause and hormone therapy, is dedicated to helping women navigate this challenging phase of life.

Don’t let menopause weight gain impact your self-esteem or your health. With the right treatment plan, including personalized hormone replacement therapy, body composition monitoring, and lifestyle changes, you can take control of your weight during menopause and beyond. Dr. Harper’s approach not only helps manage weight but also supports overall health, energy, and well-being.

If you’re ready to reverse menopause weight gain and feel like yourself again, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX, today. Let her expertise in hormone therapy guide you towards a healthier, more balanced you. Take the first step towards reclaiming your body and your confidence – your journey to wellness begins here!

Menopause Doctor | Austin, TX: 512.343.9355

ozempic-austin-tx

Top 10 Questions About Losing Weight with Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)

Weight loss “fads” come and go – but there is finally a medical answer to rapidly shedding pounds with long-lasting results.   Semaglutide, the active ingredient in the popular brands Ozempic® and Wegovy®, is a remarkable new medication that offers groundbreaking potential for losing weight.

Semaglutide – including brands Ozempic® and Wegovy® – enables patients to achieve their target weight without restrictive diets and strenuous exercise routines. As a result, semaglutide has emerged as a revolutionary tool to help shed those extra pounds, embraced by celebrities and everyday people alike. Whether you aspire to achieve the stunning figures of your favorite influencer or A-lister, or simply desire a healthier lifestyle, semaglutide can be a game-changer in meeting your weight loss goals.

In this article, integrative medicine specialist Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX delves into the extraordinary benefits of semaglutide, and answers patients’ frequently asked questions about this extraordinary weight loss tool.

#1. What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. It was originally developed as a medication to treat Type 2 Diabetes. However, it has now been approved as a weight loss treatment.

Semaglutide medication belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. By mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, Semaglutide slows down the digestion process, delays stomach emptying, and signals the brain to reduce food cravings.

2. How does Semaglutide cause weight loss?

Semaglutide works several ways to facilitate weight loss. To begin with, it reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness. This can help control cravings and reduce the urge to overeat, promoting a calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. Semaglutide also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which results in a longer-lasting feeling of fullness after meals.

Further, semaglutide assists in blood sugar control and reduces insulin resistance. Semaglutide can also inhibit the production of fat in the body. It does this by decreasing the release of certain enzymes that are involved in the synthesis and storage of fat. This can result in a decrease in overall body fat and contribute to weight loss.

Additionally, semaglutide has been shown to have positive effects on various metabolic parameters, such as reducing liver fat, improving blood lipid profiles, and reducing markers of inflammation. These changes can have a beneficial impact on overall health and aid in weight loss.

#3. Who is a good candidate for Semaglutide weight loss?

Semaglutide that is used for weight loss – like Ozempic and Wegovy – are ideal for individuals who have not achieved adequate weight loss through diet and exercise alone. Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

#4. How is Semaglutide administered for weight loss?

Semaglutide is a prescription-only medication that is typically administered as a once-weekly injection. The medication usually comes in a pre-filled pen, and Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX will guide you on the proper injection technique and dosage. Generally, the recommended starting dose is low and gradually increased over a few weeks to minimize potential side effects.

#5. How effective is Semaglutide for weight loss?

As with any medication, individual results may vary when using Semaglutide – like Ozempic and Wegovy – for weight loss. The effectiveness of semaglutide for weight loss will depend on factors such as adherence to the medication schedule, lifestyle modifications, diet, activity level, heredity, amount of weight to lose, and other individual characteristics.

In clinical trials, participants experienced weight reductions of around 5-15% of their initial body weight, with some achieving even higher percentages.

Real-world studies of actual semaglutide patients have also demonstrated the effectiveness of semaglutide for weight loss. A study published in Obesity Science & Practice found that individuals treated with semaglutide achieved an average weight loss of 15.3% after 26 weeks.

#6. Are there any side effects associated with Semaglutide for weight loss?

Like any medication, Semaglutide may cause side effects. In addition to decreased appetite, common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea in some patients. These side effects are usually temporary and diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.

#7. How long does it take to see weight loss results with Semaglutide?

Again, individual results will vary, but significant weight loss can be observed within a few months of starting Semaglutide treatment. The duration of treatment may vary depending on your weight loss goals and individual response to the medication.

#8. Are Semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy safe?

Semaglutide has been safely used to treat Type 2 diabetes for many years. The safety of Semaglutide for long-term use in weight management has also been extensively evaluated in clinical trials. Because it mimics natural processes that occur in the body, Ozempic and Wegovy and other semaglutide medications are generally free from major complications.

However, the safety of Semaglutide during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

And, as with any prescription medication, It is important to discuss your unique situation and medical history with a healthcare provider like Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX to ensure Semaglutide treatment is safe for you.  

#9. Is Semaglutide covered by insurance for weight loss treatment?

Some insurance plans do cover Semaglutide for weight loss, particularly for individuals with obesity and related health conditions. However, insurance coverage for Semaglutide medication – including Ozempic and Wegovy – can vary greatly.

Each patient will need to check with their insurance provider to determine if it is covered in their unique case, and to understand any specific requirements or limitations.

#10. What is the difference between different brands of semaglutide, such as Ozempic® and Wegovy®?

Ozempic® and Wegovy® both contain the same active ingredient, which is semaglutide. However, they may have different indications and dosages.

Ozempic® and Wegovy® are brand names that have received specific approvals from regulatory authorities, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These approvals are based on clinical trials and data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the medication for the indicated uses.

Generic semaglutide, on the other hand, refers to versions of the drug produced by different pharmaceutical companies that are bioequivalent to the brand-name medications. These generic versions go through a similar regulatory process to ensure they meet the required standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

Ozempic® was developed to treat Type 2 diabetes and is primarily indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes at a lower dosage.  Wegovy® is indicated for chronic weight management at a higher dosages.

The cost and availability of Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and generic semaglutide can also vary. Brand-name medications are typically more expensive than generic versions. However, specific pricing may depend on factors such as insurance coverage, location, and local regulations.

Semaglutide (Ozempic® & Wegovy®) | Austin, TX

Semaglutide (Ozempic® and Wegovy®) is recognized as perhaps the most effective, safe, and promising weight loss medications available – when prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician like Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX.

If you have been struggling to get rid of stubborn body fat without results, semaglutide available at Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX may be the answer to your weight loss success.  Schedule a weight loss consultation at Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX to see if Semaglutide (Ozempic® and Wegovy®) is right for you – and finally get the trim, thin body you’ve always dreamed of having!

Semaglutide (Ozempic® & Wegovy®) Doctor | Austin, TX: (512) 343-9355