The Menopause and Weight Loss Connection : Can Wegovy and Mounjaro Help?

For many women, menopause brings an unwelcome companion: stubborn weight gain that refuses to budge despite diet and exercise efforts. If you're experiencing this frustrating phenomenon, you're far from alone. Between hormonal upheaval, metabolic changes, and sleep disruption, the menopause transition creates a perfect storm for weight management challenges. But there's encouraging news: weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are showing real promise for women navigating this stage of life.

Understanding Menopausal Weight Gain

During perimenopause and menopause, your body undergoes profound hormonal changes that directly impact weight. Research indicates that metabolic rate may burn 250–300 fewer calories per day than before menopause due to changing hormone levels. This means you could be eating exactly the same and exercising just as much, yet still gaining weight.

The weight gain isn't merely cosmetic. Increased body fat, particularly around the abdomen, can worsen other menopause symptoms including hot flushes, sleep difficulties, joint pain, and low self-esteem. For many women, achieving significant weight loss (typically at least 5% of body weight) can lead to improvements in daytime hot flushes and night-time sweats.

Beyond symptom relief, maintaining a healthy weight during menopause reduces the risk of serious health conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

How Weight Loss Injections Work During Menopause

Weight loss injections, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), work by mimicking natural hormones your body produces after eating. These medications help you feel fuller for longer, reduce cravings, and regulate blood sugar levels. Stable blood sugar can be particularly beneficial during menopause, potentially helping with symptoms like fatigue, hot flushes, and mood swings.

Do They Work as Well During Menopause?

A secondary analysis of the SURMOUNT clinical trial examining tirzepatide found that the medication was associated with significant body weight, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio reductions in women living with obesity or overweight, regardless of their reproductive stage. In other words, Mounjaro works just as well for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women as it does for premenopausal women.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that people using Wegovy experienced an average weight reduction of 15% over 68 weeks, whilst Mounjaro clinical research indicated up to 23% body weight loss over 72 weeks. For someone weighing 90kg, a 15% weight loss represents 13.5kg, which can dramatically improve health outcomes and quality of life during menopause.

Critical Information: HRT and Weight Loss Injections

Many women going through menopause are also taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage symptoms. If this applies to you, there's an important interaction to understand.

The Safety Issue You Need to Know

Weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro slow down digestion, which could reduce how well your body absorbs oral hormones, particularly progesterone. Since progesterone protects the lining of your womb when you're on oestrogen, inadequate absorption may increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer over time.

The British Menopause Society published guidance in April 2025 recommending that women using weight loss injections alongside HRT should consider switching from oral progesterone to non-oral forms. Safe alternatives include:

• Transdermal patches or gels (absorbed through the skin)

• The Mirena coil (hormone-releasing intrauterine device)

• Vaginal progesterone (for localised symptoms)

NHS England advises that if you're using Mounjaro and taking HRT, you should consider using patches or gels which are absorbed through the skin, as your body may not absorb oral HRT whilst using tirzepatide.

This doesn't mean you can't use both treatments together. It simply means your HRT may need adjusting to ensure you remain protected. If you're currently taking oral progesterone as part of your HRT and considering weight loss injections, book a review with your GP or menopause specialist before starting treatment.

Potential Benefits of Combined Treatment

Interestingly, some research suggests combining HRT with weight loss medication may actually enhance results. A Mayo Clinic study found that postmenopausal women who combined semaglutide and HRT experienced approximately 30% more significant weight loss than those using semaglutide alone, possibly because HRT improves sleep quality and other factors that support weight loss.

Beyond Weight Loss: Additional Health Benefits

Losing weight during menopause offers benefits that extend beyond the number on the scales:

Heart Health Protection

Studies show that GLP-1 treatment taken for around one year results in less death and disability from heart disease, related to decreased blood pressure and inflammation. This is particularly important since cardiovascular risk increases after menopause.

Improved Sleep

Weight loss can reduce sleep apnoea and improve overall sleep quality, which many women struggle with during menopause.

Better Symptom Control

Significant weight loss often leads to improvements in hot flushes and night sweats, creating a positive cycle of better sleep and symptom management.

Reduced Joint Pain

Carrying less weight means less stress on joints, alleviating the joint pain many menopausal women experience.

Happy Pharmacy: Menopause-Aware Weight Loss Support

At Happy Pharmacy, we understand the unique challenges women face during menopause. Our regulated online pharmacy service provides safe access to weight loss injections with comprehensive medical support tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Happy Pharmacy?

✓ Fully GPhC Registered: Meeting the highest standards for online pharmacy services
✓ Menopause-Aware Care: Our prescribers understand the interaction between weight loss medications and HRT, ensuring your treatment plan is safe
✓ Comprehensive Consultation: Thorough assessment including verification of all clinical information
✓ Personal Support: Access to healthcare professionals who can answer questions about managing menopause alongside weight loss
✓ Genuine Medications: All weight loss injections sourced from licensed UK wholesalers
✓ Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins to assess progress and manage any side effects
✓ Convenient Service: Discreet home delivery across the UK

Lifestyle Factors That Support Success

Weight loss injections work best as part of a comprehensive approach. Focus on:

• Nutrition: Balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Calcium and vitamin D are particularly important during menopause for bone health.

• Exercise: Combination of cardiovascular exercise, strength training to preserve muscle mass, and flexibility work for joint health.

• Sleep and Stress Management: Prioritise good sleep hygiene and consider relaxation techniques. Poor sleep and chronic stress can undermine weight loss efforts.

Take Control of Your Health

Menopause doesn't have to mean accepting unwanted weight gain. Modern weight loss medications, when used appropriately under medical supervision, can provide powerful support during this challenging time. The key is accessing these treatments safely through regulated providers who understand the unique considerations for menopausal women, including the important interactions with HRT.

At Happy Pharmacy, we're committed to helping women navigate menopause with confidence, providing access to effective weight loss treatments alongside the expert guidance needed to use them safely and successfully.

Your Next Steps

If you're struggling with menopausal weight gain and would like to explore whether weight loss injections could help you, Happy Pharmacy offers comprehensive online weight loss consultations conducted by experienced healthcare professionals.

Our straightforward process:

1. Complete our detailed online consultation

2. Medical review by qualified prescribers

3. Personalised treatment plan (with HRT considerations)

4. Genuine medications delivered discreetly

5. Ongoing support throughout your journey

Don't let menopausal weight gain compromise your health and wellbeing. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you with safe, regulated access to weight loss injections through Happy Pharmacy.

Ready to discuss your options?
Contact Happy Pharmacy today for a trusted, regulated online weight loss consultation designed with menopausal women in mind.

Blog medically reviewed by : Palvinder Deol, GPhC Registered Pharmacist, 29 October 2025

References

1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity. London: NICE; 2024 Dec. 

2. British Menopause Society. Tool for Clinicians: Use of incretin-based therapies. Marlow: BMS; 2025 Apr. 

3. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know. London: MHRA; 2025 Jun 4. 

4. NHS England. Weight management injections. London: NHS England. Available from: 

Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Weight loss medications are prescription-only medicines that should only be used under medical supervision. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any weight loss treatment. If you're taking HRT, discuss potential interactions with your prescriber before beginning weight loss medication. Happy Pharmacy is a registered online pharmacy committed to patient safety and regulated healthcare delivery.