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If I Take Estrogen During Menopause Will I Gain Weight?

Estrogen supplementation for menopausal symptoms is known to increase a woman's risk of having several different diseases. When considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) you might wonder if weight gain might present a problem.

  1. Age Related Weight Gain

    • According to the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, many women experience weight gain as they age, because of lower activity levels and slower metabolism, than because of using HRT.

    Purpose of Estrogen Replacement Therapy

    • HRT often takes the form of estrogen supplementation because it relieves symptoms like hot flashes, and night sweats. Estrogen may also help prevent osteoporosis.

    Estrogen Dominance

    • Estrogen dominance, a condition that can occur as hormone levels drop unevenly, may contribute to weight gain according to DrHoffman.com. Estrogen therapy often includes a form of progesterone, so this could help avoid estrogen dominance.

    Estrogen and Fat

    • Fat cells tend to store estrogen easily. DrHoffman.com states this often occurs because women with higher fat ratios have lower incidence of osteoporosis. This could seem as if there is a causal relationship between women with higher estrogen and higher fat levels.

    Conclusion

    • Rather than avoid HRT, control your weight at any age by eating a healthy diet and getting daily exercise.

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