Obesity worsens menopause symptoms, reduces hormone therapy effectiveness.
Obesity worsens menopause symptoms, reduces hormone therapy effectiveness.
Obesity and Menopause: Exploring the Link and Seeking Solutions

Obesity is a growing concern around the world, with approximately 13% of adults currently classified as obese1. It is associated with a range of serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes2. However, recent research suggests that the impact of obesity extends beyond physical health, linking it to the severity of menopausal symptoms and the effectiveness of hormone therapy in relieving these symptoms3.
Menopause is a natural process that occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55, but perimenopausal symptoms can occur several years before and after menopause itself4. These symptoms can vary greatly in intensity and include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and reduced sex drive5.
In a five-year study examining the health records of 119 women at a menopause clinic, researchers found that women with obesity (defined as those with a body mass index greater than 30) reported more severe menopausal symptoms compared to women without obesity6. These symptoms included vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes), genitourinary/vulvovaginal symptoms, mood disturbances, and decreased libido7. Additionally, women with obesity were less likely to experience symptomatic relief from hormone therapy8.
One possible explanation for the worsened menopausal symptoms in women with obesity is the insulation provided by fatty tissue, trapping heat in the body and generating additional heat, leading to more intense hot flashes and night sweats9. There is also evidence to suggest that obesity can cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in increased estrogen levels and contributing to the severity of menopausal symptoms10. Furthermore, even when the ovaries shut down during menopause, women with obesity may still have a significant amount of estrogen circulating in their bodies due to the production of estrogen by fat cells, further disrupting the hormone balance11.
Critics of the study caution that the results should be interpreted with caution due to its small sample size and retrospective design, which carries a risk of bias and cannot definitively prove a link between obesity and worsened menopausal symptoms or reduced efficacy of hormone therapy12. However, the findings provide valuable insight for further research and exploration in this area.
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The connection between obesity and reduced efficacy of hormone therapy is of particular concern. While hormone therapy is commonly prescribed to alleviate menopausal symptoms by replacing estrogen and progesterone no longer produced by the body, it may be less effective in women with obesity13. Studies have shown that drug metabolism, including that of hormones, can be influenced by body mass index (BMI)14. Therefore, adjusting hormone therapy dosages or exploring alternative administration methods may be necessary to ensure its effectiveness in women with obesity15.
It is worth noting that some women may prefer to explore alternative options to hormone therapy for managing menopausal symptoms, regardless of whether they have obesity16. Natural alternatives, such as lifestyle changes and nonhormonal treatments, can also provide relief. Dr. Sherry Ross, an OB/GYN and women’s health expert, recommends adopting a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular exercise, following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, and quitting smoking to improve overall quality of life during menopause17.
Additionally, nonhormonal treatment options such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), and vaginal estrogen can help alleviate specific symptoms18. These options should be discussed with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances and preferences.
For women with obesity, losing weight should be encouraged as part of their overall health management. Weight loss can not only help manage menopausal symptoms but also reduce the risk of various life-threatening health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes19. Dr. Ashley Parr, an OB/GYN, emphasizes the importance of achieving a healthy weight to restore the intended physiological hormone levels and alleviate the compounded symptoms associated with menopause and obesity20.
More research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between obesity, menopause, and hormone therapy. The pilot study discussed here serves as a promising starting point, highlighting the potential impact of obesity on menopausal symptoms and treatment efficacy. By continuing to explore and advance our understanding, we can develop tailored approaches to support women experiencing menopause, regardless of their weight.
Key Points
- Obesity may worsen menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood disturbances, according to a pilot study examining the health records of 119 women21.
- The insulation provided by fatty tissue and hormonal imbalances are suggested explanations for the link between obesity and intensified menopausal symptoms22.
- Women with obesity may experience reduced symptomatic relief from hormone therapy compared to those without obesity23.
- Adjusting hormone therapy dosages or exploring alternative administration methods may be necessary for effective treatment in women with obesity24.
- Alternative options, including lifestyle changes and nonhormonal treatments, can also help alleviate menopausal symptoms25.
- Weight loss is advisable for women with obesity to manage menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of associated health problems26.
- Further research is needed to understand the impact of obesity on menopausal symptoms and develop tailored approaches to support women during this transitional phase27.
References
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Mayo Clinic. (2021, March 12). Perimenopause. /diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666↩︎
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Mayo Clinic. (2021, March 12). Perimenopause. /diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎
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Medical News Today. (2023, September 27). How obesity affects menopause and hormone therapy. /articles/how-obesity-affects-menopause-and-hormone-therapy↩︎