Can Medication Help with Menopause Weight Gain?
Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Between the ages of 45 and 55, women commonly go through menopause. There are many symptoms that might result from this hormonal change, including weight gain. The body's metabolism slows down during menopause, which increases the likelihood that belly fat will be stored.
It's essential to tackle weight gain brought on by menopause for a number of reasons. Being overweight can raise your risk of contracting long-term illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer.
Another thing is, gaining weight during menopause may have a detrimental effect on one's quality of life in general, as well as their mental health and self-esteem.
Using medication can be really helpful in controlling menopause symptoms. A typical treatment for menopause symptoms is hormone therapy, which involves taking oestrogen and/or progestin to replace the hormones that the ovaries are no longer producing. This is not appropriate for everyone, and prolonged use may carry dangers like a higher risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke.
Common Menopause-related Weight Gain Medications
Menopause-related weight gain can be controlled using a variety of medications, both hormonal and non-hormonal. In postmenopausal women, hormonal treatments including oestrogen therapy (ET) and oestrogen-progestin therapy (EPT) have been found to reduce central adiposity and improve weight distribution. Menopause-related weight gain has also been treated with non-hormonal drugs.
The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been demonstrated to be beneficial in lowering menopausal symptoms, including weight gain, but it has also been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may have unwanted effects, including nausea and decreased libido, but they can also be beneficial in lowering weight gain and menopausal symptoms. Menopausal women should be able to safely and effectively take the medication if it does not conflict with any other medications the woman might be taking.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
HRT is typically used to treat menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. One or more hormones may be replaced as part of the therapy, in varied quantities and by a variety of delivery systems, including pills, patches, gels, creams, injections, and gels and creams.
Oestrogen and progesterone levels fall after menopause, which can result in an increase in body fat and a loss in muscle mass. HRT can aid in reestablishing the hormonal balance. It can also assist with other menopause symptoms including hot flashes and sleeplessness. HRT does come with some risks, though, such as a higher chance of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke.
For those who are enduring menopausal symptoms or other hormonal abnormalities, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an option. HRT is not suitable for everyone, thus using it should be decided in cooperation with a healthcare professional.
Non-Hormonal Medications for Menopause-related Weight Gain
Non-hormonal medications are used to treat a variety of medical disorders but do not include any synthetic hormones. These drugs target particular receptors, enzymes, or other bodily systems. Analgesics (painkillers), anti-inflammatories, and many other medications are examples of non-hormonal treatments.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, are one type of medicine that is frequently used for this purpose. SSRIs can aid in mood regulation and lessen anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Reduced danger of hormone-related side effects is an advantage of non-hormonal drugs. This, however, could potentially come with concerns like gastrointestinal issues, liver damage, and a decline in bone density. Women who are going through menopause but are unable or unable to take hormone therapy may want to examine non-hormonal drugs as a possible alternative.
Lifestyle Changes for Menopause-related Weight Gain
Modifying one's lifestyle can greatly aid in controlling weight gain during menopause. Women can control weight gain brought on by menopause and keep their weight in check by adopting these lifestyle adjustments.
Increase in consumption of nutritious foods and decrease your intake of processed and sugary meals. Inflammation can be reduced and calorie intake can be managed with the use of this. Incorporating glutathione supplementation in their lifestyle can also be beneficial because it fights inflammation. Regular exercise can also help boost metabolism, enhance muscle mass, and lower the risk of chronic illnesses. Making lifestyle modifications is equally important to managing weight gain as taking medicine, which can be beneficial in reducing menopausal symptoms.
Summary
Both Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT) and non-hormonal medications can be effective treatments for weight gain during menopause. Yet, women must place a high priority on healthy lifestyle practices including consistent exercise and a balanced diet in order to avoid or control weight gain associated with menopause.
It is crucial to seek medical counsel when it comes to weight increase during menopause. A medical expert can help make a correct diagnosis and help rule out these possible causes. They can also assist in creating a personalised treatment plan that takes the patient's medical background, risk factors, and preferences into account.