Postmenopausal women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) experienced a significant increase in weight loss when taking the medication tirzepatide, according to a new study led by the Mayo Clinic. The research, which involved 120 participants classified as overweight or obese, revealed that those on HRT lost 35% more weight compared to their counterparts not on hormone therapy. This study, conducted over a period of 12 months, highlights the potential benefits of combining HRT with tirzepatide, a drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for weight management.
Menopause is known to exacerbate age-related weight gain, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. The findings of this study could pave the way for more personalized strategies to manage these risks in postmenopausal women. Regina Castaneda, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Mayo Clinic and the study’s first author, emphasized the significance of these insights, stating, “This study provides important insights for developing more effective and personalized strategies for managing cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women.”
Understanding the Study’s Implications
The research compared women using tirzepatide alongside HRT with those using the drug alone. While the results are promising, the study’s authors caution that it was not a randomized trial, meaning causation cannot be definitively established. Maria Daniela Hurtado Andrade, an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic and senior author of the study, noted, “In this observational study, women who used menopausal hormone therapy lost about 35% more weight than women taking tirzepatide alone.” She further explained that other factors, such as healthier behaviors or improved quality of life due to menopause symptom relief, could have contributed to the observed weight loss.
Dr. Castaneda added that while the findings are clinically meaningful, further studies are necessary to control for these variables. The potential synergy between GLP-1-based obesity medications and menopausal hormone therapy, suggested by preclinical data, warrants additional investigation. “Interestingly, preclinical data suggest a potential synergy, with estrogen appearing to enhance the appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1,” she said.
Broader Context of Menopause and Workplace Challenges
The study’s findings come at a time when menopause and its impact on women’s professional lives are gaining increased attention. Recent research commissioned by Benenden Health reveals that almost a third of women are considering leaving their jobs due to menopause symptoms, with 7% having already quit. A survey of 2,000 UK working women aged 40-65 found that nearly half have altered their work habits to cope, including reducing hours, cutting responsibilities, or declining promotions and training.
“Menopause affects women differently and can bring a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that are hard to manage while working,” said Dr. Cheryl Lythgoe, nurse consultant at Benenden Health.
Despite these challenges, a parallel survey of 500 HR decision-makers shows that 92% believe their organizations are adequately supporting menopausal staff. However, many women report a disconnect, with 40% unaware of any workplace policies, and only a third of organizations providing menopause training for managers.
Health Risks and Future Directions
Beyond the scope of weight management, the intersection of obesity, hormone therapy, and health risks continues to be a critical area of research. A study led by LSU Health New Orleans has highlighted how obesity and estrogen-based medicines can increase thrombotic risk, particularly in premenopausal women. This research underscores the importance of addressing obesity and its associated health risks, especially in cancer patients who may be using hormone therapies.
In response to these findings, the first NHS women’s health hub is set to open in Wales, aiming to provide integrated services focused on menstrual health, contraception, and menopause. These hubs represent a significant step forward in women’s health care, as noted by Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing: “These hubs will improve health outcomes for women and bring care closer to home.”
As the medical community continues to explore the interactions between hormone therapies and weight management medications, the potential for developing new, evidence-based strategies to reduce health risks for postmenopausal women remains promising. The Mayo Clinic plans to test these observations in a randomized clinical trial to further investigate the benefits of combining hormone therapy with GLP-1-based medications.