Menopausal Hormone Therapy May Boost GLP-1 Weight Loss

Research presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society suggests that hormone therapy used alongside GLP-1 medications may result in greater weight loss for middle-aged women. Published in a study, the findings indicate that women using menopause hormone therapy (MHT) alongside semaglutide (Wegovy) experienced more significant weight loss compared to those taking semaglutide alone.

In contrast, tirzepatide (Zepbound) combined with MHT showed only marginal early weight loss differences, with no statistically significant difference at later time points. Though hormone therapy medications are approved for menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, they are not specifically approved for weight loss.

Experts recommend personalized treatment decisions considering symptoms, medical history, and health goals, rather than adding MHT solely to boost weight loss with GLP-1 medications. Dr. Betul Hatipoglu, Director of the Diabetes and Obesity Center at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, expressed optimism about the findings.

However, she cautioned against interpreting the results as evidence that hormone therapy should be added to GLP-1 treatment solely to enhance weight loss. Dr. Sherry Ross, a board-certified OB-GYN and Women's Health Expert, highlighted that weight gain is a primary concern for women during menopause. Excess abdominal fat can heighten the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

"Finding effective, sustainable ways to manage weight is crucial for women's long-term health and healthy aging," she stated. She called for prospective, randomized studies to determine if hormone therapy directly improves weight loss and its maintenance in the long term. Until then, treatment choices should be made individually with the guidance of healthcare professionals.