Let’s be honest; losing weight is a tough battle, and getting rid of those pesky pounds is tricky. Sometimes, you don’t see any progress even after cutting off the extra calories and exercising regularly.
The good news? International Journal of Obesity reported that hormone treatment can improve individuals’ body composition and weight loss.
This means understanding your hormones and opting for healthy and mindful habits; you can shed some weight while on HRT.
Let’s talk in detail about hormone therapy and how it can make your life easy!
What is Hormone Treatment?
As a woman reaches near menopause, the hormone levels in her body start fluctuating rapidly. Mainly, the progesterone and estrogen hormones fluctuate and start declining over time. This can make it difficult to prevent weight gain or lose weight.
Here’s when hormone treatment comes in. HRT is designed to balance the hormone levels in your body during menopause. As a result, pesky side effects like weight gain, mood swings, etc, are controlled.
Hormone therapy also boosts metabolism, increases energy levels, and prevents sleep disturbances. So, it is the combination of all these factors that help you to maintain a healthy weight.
Read: 7 Ways to Lose Belly Fat After Breast Reduction 2024
Best HRT for Weight Loss
Again, HRT is not majorly designed for weight loss. However, it may indirectly impact the body mass as hormones regulate and balance.
Some HRT options that may have an impact on weight include:
- Estrogen therapy
- Testosterone therapy
- Thyroid Hormone therapy
Has Anyone Lost Weight on HRT?
Yes, it’s possible to lose weight on HRT, even though that’s not the goal of the treatment.
HRT addresses and fixes hormone imbalance and its related symptoms. It can help individuals lose weight more effectively as the body doesn’t hold onto excess fat. Some reasons why individuals lose weight during the treatment are:
- Changes in body composition
- An increase in energy
- Hormone balance
How to Lose Weight While on Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Although there is limited proof of natural HRT for weight loss, it isn’t impossible. 2 Hormone Replacement Therapy mainly focuses on replenishing the hormone levels in the body rather than being a weight loss strategy.
Besides, the following lifestyle changes can help to shed unwanted pounds:
1- Diet
Having a well-balanced and healthy diet directly impacts your hormones and weight. Include tons of fruits, vegetables, and protein in your diet, and avoid processed food.
2- Exercise
Physical activity should become your daily priority if you’re wondering how to lose weight while on HRT.
Exercising not only alleviates your mood, but it also helps boost metabolism and lose weight. Opt for strength training or cardiovascular exercises to stay healthy and fit.
3- Sleep
A good night’s sleep will help regulate hormones and decrease hunger and cravings. So, always prioritize your sleep and aim for 8 hours of rest.
4- Stress Management
Stress is the main culprit behind imbalanced hormones and weight fluctuations. Thus, if you suffer from stress and anxiety, practice mindful habits like yoga, deep breathing, etc., to calm and relax your mind.
5- Mindful Eating
People ask how to lose weight after hormone treatment. In this regard, mindful eating is highly important.
So now you know what lifestyle customizations you can do to ensure you don’t gain weight after hormone replacement therapy.
How to Avoid Water Weight on HRT?
Water weight is one of the side effects of hormone replacement therapy. Following are some things to minimize water retention, even though you can’t prevent it.
i. Hydration
Adequate hydration helps fight water retention. When your body is hydrated, it’s less likely to hold onto the excess water. So, aim for 8 glasses of water in a day.
ii. Sodium/ Potassium intake
High sodium intake increases the chances of water retention, while high potassium intake decreases it. Always stay away from food that contains a high quantity of sodium.
Don’t forget to consume potassium-rich foods like oranges, spinach, avocados, etc.
iii. Compression Garments
Compression leggings and socks can help provide temporary relief from water retention. These also improve circulation in your body and decrease the chances of water retention.
iv. Consult Your Physician
If the water retention doesn’t go away and becomes bothersome, it’s best to consult your physician and get help.
Some think using over-the-counter hormone replacement for weight loss will help them stay fit and healthy. However, it’s vital to note that OTC options aren’t recommended. Always discuss with your healthcare professional before taking medication, as it can have severe side effects.
How Long Does it Take to Lose Weight on HRT?
Losing weight through hormone therapy varies among various individuals. For example, some people may start seeing results immediately, while others may wait for weeks.
Generally, the factors that affect weight loss on HRT are:
- Initial Weight
- Body Composition
- Metabolism
- Healthy LifeStyle
- Response to HRT
That said, please note that the primary purpose of HRT is to fix the imbalance of hormones and not help you lose weight.
However, fixing the hormone levels in the body will directly impact weight gain/loss. So, incorporate healthy activities like diet and exercise to see long-lasting results.
Conclusion
Hormone replacement therapy is essential for menopausal women as it helps them with the adverse side effects of the condition, like hot flashes, weight gain, depression, etc. 3
Every individual’s experience is unique, but tons of HRT weight loss success stories ensure that the treatment does affect the body mass.
So, if you’re battling these issues, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Talk to your doctor and start HRT for a healthier and happier you.
FAQs
Can you lose weight while on hormone therapy?
Yes, you can lose weight while on hormone therapy. To do that, follow a healthy lifestyle and opt for regular physical activities and stress relief tactics during HRT. HRT is not for weight loss; balancing your hormones directly impacts weight.
How to lose weight with hormone overload?
You must first address and fix the underlying cause of losing weight with hormone overload. Contact your doctor and discuss how you can balance your hormones. Once the root cause is fixed, losing weight will be 10x easier.
How do you stop weight gain on hormone therapy?
When you’re on hormone therapy, you must opt for various lifestyle changes to ensure you don’t pack in more weight. So, go for regular walks, eat a fiber-rich diet and vegetables, and stay as active as you can to keep the calories in check.
