Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective treatment for people experiencing symptoms associated with hormone imbalances or deficiencies, such as those occurring during perimenopause, menopause, and andropause. While HRT is not specifically intended as a weight loss treatment, it can have beneficial effects on body composition in some individuals.
How HRT Influences Weight
HRT helps restore optimal hormone levels within the body. This regulation of hormones may:
- Increase lean muscle mass: Estrogen and testosterone play essential roles in building and maintaining lean muscle. More lean muscle equals a higher metabolic rate.
- Reduce fat accumulation: Balanced hormones prevent excess accumulation of adipose fat tissue. This is especially true regarding estrogen levels.
- Improve distribution of body fat: Our hormones significantly influence where we store body fat. Proper hormonal balance shifts weight distribution to be more favorable.
- Boost metabolism: Optimized hormones have a global positive influence on numerous metabolic processes responsible for converting food and drink into usable energy.
However, the degree to which HRT aids weight loss tends to depend significantly on the
individual situation. Those who implement healthy lifestyle changes alongside HRT are more likely to lose a noteworthy amount of weight.
Diet, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise remain crucial when aiming to shed excess pounds -
even while utilizing HRT.
Types of HRT That May Influence Weight
There are a few different forms of hormone replacement therapy. The impact on body weight can vary depending on which type(s) are used:
Estrogen HRT
Estrogen HRT is prescribed for perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women. Supplemental estrogen can:
- Help sustain lean muscle tissue
- Keep skin, hair and nails healthy
- Control hot flashes, night sweats and disruptive sleep
- Regulate menstrual cycles
- Improve mood
- Reduce abdominal body fat accumulation over time
Increased estrogen levels lead to greater fat distribution around hips/thighs rather than the abdomen. So while scales may show little change, your figure transforms into a "pear shape" associated with lower cardiovascular and diabetes risk.
Testosterone HRT
Testosterone is prescribed for women and men alike dealing with
testosterone deficiency (low T). Benefits include:
- Increased lean muscle mass
- Decreased body fat percentage
- More strength and endurance
- Improved mobility and activity ability
- Better mood and motivation
- Increased bone mineral density
With more lean muscle and less body fat, metabolism gets a noticeable boost. However, lifestyle factors remain paramount regarding tangible weight loss.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
HGH is very different from traditional HRT. It is injectable rather than oral, topical, or implanted. Benefits include:
- Gaining lean muscle
- Losing belly/visceral fat
- Improving skin elasticity
- Increasing bone density
- Quickening injury healing time
- Enhancing brain function
Compared to other HRT, HGH shows significantly more potential to aid fat loss efforts. Still, a well-constructed fitness plan and responsible nutrition form the foundation necessary to actualize noticeable weight reduction.
Hormone Harmony Offers Full Hormone Panels & Tailored Treatment Plans
The experienced physicians at
Hormone Harmony offer state-of-the-art testing to check testosterone, estrogen, HGH, and other hormone levels. If imbalances or deficiencies are found,
we create a customized treatment plan involving the precise combination of therapies to restore optimal balance based on your body's needs.
- Initial assessment & testing
- Ongoing monitoring & dosage adjustments
- HRT medication and injections
- Nutrition guidance
- Fitness coaching
- Stress reduction techniques
We also accept most major insurance plans.
Contact us today to schedule your evaluation. Our exceptional patient care helps you look and feel your absolute best!
