Menopause news

HRT and weight gain

13 September 2007

A study in America has looked at the effect of HRT and body composition. [ref] 822 healthy women 1-4 years post menopause were randomly assigned to receiving a range of types of HRT or placebo (inactive tablet) daily for 2 years. Body weight was assessed every 3-4 cycles and fat body mass, lean body mass and percent body fat at regular intervals.

Body weight, fat body mass, and percent body fat increased at each visit during the study in women taking placebo, while changes in these parameters were smaller in women taking HRT. The measurements were not affected by the dose or type of HRT used. The authors concluded that treatment with the HRT types used in the study did not affect body composition when used for up to 2 years.

Many women are concerned that taking HRT will cause weight gain. Although it is quite common that body composition and weight changes with age and menopause, this study should go some way in reassuring women that HRT is unlikely to cause further changes.

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