This Can Be the Year You Finally Lose That Excess Weight—Even in Menopause

The momentum at the start of a new year is perfect for turning your goals into a reality. But if you're a woman approaching menopause and losing weight has been on your list, you may find it hard to shed those extra pounds. 

That's because weight gain is often linked to hormone imbalances, making it a challenge to budge the scale on your own—especially when accompanied by other frustrating menopause symptoms! That's where a knowledgeable provider like Dr. Shamsah Amersi comes in. 

At her private practice in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Amersi specializes in helping women manage hormonal imbalances and the weight gain they can bring. Learn more about hormonal weight gain and how we can help you reach your goal weight and improve your quality of life.

Why is it harder to lose weight as I get older?

While diet and lack of exercise contribute to weight gain, hormone imbalances play a role, too. Hormones help regulate different vital body functions, including metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat accumulation. 

For example, estrogen helps regulate your appetite and works with other hormones to metabolize fat and blood sugar (glucose). Estrogen also plays a role in fat and muscle distribution. 

As women age, estrogen levels decline dramatically. This explains why it's easier to gain weight and harder to lose it as you get older. It also explains why you might notice an expanding middle—even if you're not eating more—and a lean muscle mass reduction. 

Other hormone-related conditions can also lead to weight gain, such as:

• Insulin resistance and diabetes
• Estrogen dominance
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid dysfunction and disorders
• Chronic stress/high cortisol levels

If you’re experiencing one of these conditions along with the effects of perimenopause or menopause, it can be even harder to lose weight.   

What treatments can help me battle the menopausal middle?

With the help of a provider specializing in hormone imbalances and weight loss, you can achieve your weight loss goals no matter your age. To create a personalized weight-loss plan, Dr. Amersi assesses your medical history, symptoms, lab work, and preferences. 

While the details of plans vary based on unique factors and  weight-loss goals, here’s a look at three of our go-to choices for managing hormone-related weight gain:

Safe and effective hormone replacement therapy

For women struggling with symptoms associated with perimenopause or menopause, including weight gain, Dr. Amersi may recommend FDA-approved bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). 

Some women worry about the safety of hormone replacement therapy. Many of the myths surrounding the treatment stem from a decades-old study that reported hormone therapy increased the risk of breast cancer and heart disease. 

The medical community is speaking out against these old myths, and the truth is that the evidence shows these risks are very low for most women. This treatment is safe and effective and significantly improves the quality of life for millions of women. 

The latest research suggests that hormone replacement therapy brings many benefits, including:

• Preventing osteoporosis
• Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• Maintaining muscle strength
• Improving vaginal health
• Preventing or reversing sexual dysfunction
• Addressing perimenopause symptoms
• Improved cognition and brain health

Dr. Amersi matches your BHRT doses to your specific imbalances as determined by lab tests, helping your shifting hormones come into balance. And if BHRT isn’t the best choice to meet your needs, Dr. Amersi may prescribe synthetic hormones, which offer the same benefits. 

Lifestyle changes

The foundation of sustained weight loss lies in the choices you make every day. As such, Dr. Amersi makes personalized recommendations for healthy lifestyle changes to support your weight loss, including:

• Moving your body more
• Staying hydrated
• Getting enough quality sleep
• Managing mental health and stress
• Nutritional supplements

Naturally, your diet plays the biggest role. Dr. Amersi helps you evaluate your eating habits and shift toward a healthier diet.

New weight loss medications 

For some women, a hormone-focused weight-loss medication may be helpful.  For others, a new group of weight loss medications, originally developed for type 2 diabetes management, is a game-changer. These include Ozempic®, Mounjaro™, and  Wegovy® (semaglutide); also, metformin, originally developed to treat high blood pressure.

Treatment with these medications works like a hormone your body produces naturally: glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone regulates appetite and blood sugar levels.

With these medications, you feel fuller with smaller amounts of food. And when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, these medications are extremely effective at helping you lose excess weight. 

The drug isn’t for everyone, however, so it’s important to talk to Dr. Amersi about this therapy. Generally, weight loss medications are best for patients who have:

• A BMI over 30, or
• A BMI over 27 AND a weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, PCOS, or hypertension)

Another option Dr. Amersi may recommend is herbal supplements, berberine, or inositol.

Get personalized help achieving your weight-loss goals—even in menopause!—by scheduling an appointment at our Santa Monica, California, office today.