Menopause brings a range of changes to the body—some expected, some frustrating—and many women find themselves struggling with weight gain, low energy, mood changes, and declining muscle mass. At Flow Wellness, we understand that no two women experience menopause the same way. That’s why we offer a combination approach using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and GLP-1 medications to help women feel like themselves again.

Why Do Menopausal Women Gain Weight?

As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the body’s metabolism slows down. Fat is redistributed, often accumulating around the abdomen, and muscle mass naturally decreases. At the same time, sleep disturbances, insulin resistance, and mood swings can make it harder to stay active or make healthy food choices. These changes aren’t about willpower—they’re biological.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Restoring Balance

BHRT replaces declining estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone with hormones structurally identical to those your body once produced. This therapy can offer significant benefits, including:

• Improved energy and mood

• Better sleep quality

• Reduced hot flashes and night sweats

• Support for bone density and muscle mass

• Improved insulin sensitivity and reduced abdominal fat

GLP-1 Medications: A Targeted Approach to Weight Loss

GLP-1 medications work by mimicking natural hormones involved in appetite regulation and blood sugar control. For menopausal women, these medications can:

• Reduce hunger and cravings

• Support consistent, safe weight loss

• Help manage blood sugar and insulin resistance

• Preserve muscle mass when paired with adequate protein and strength training

• Alleviate fatigue through better blood sugar regulation

The Combined Benefit: Hormonal Harmony Meets Metabolic Momentum

When used together, BHRT and GLP-1 medications offer a powerful and complementary approach to managing menopausal weight gain and associated symptoms.

Here’s how they work in tandem:

• Estrogen supports insulin sensitivity and metabolic health, allowing GLP-1 medications to work more effectively.

• GLP-1 medications reduce excess fat, especially visceral fat, which can improve hormone balance and cardiovascular risk profiles.

• BHRT promotes muscle retention, energy, and mood, helping women stay consistent with the lifestyle changes needed for sustainable weight loss.

• GLP-1s support appetite control, making healthy eating easier during the hormonal rollercoaster of menopause.

What Does The Data Show?

A 2024 Mayo Clinic study found that postmenopausal women on hormone therapy experienced about 30% greater weight loss with semaglutide compared to those not on hormone therapy. This suggests that hormone therapy may enhance or help preserve the weight loss response to GLP-1 agonists in menopausal women, possibly by mitigating menopause-related metabolic changes and improving quality of life

Supporting the Whole You

At Flow Wellness, our team takes a concierge-style approach to optimizing your health. Every woman receives a personalized treatment plan, including hormone testing, nutritional guidance, and monthly follow-ups. Whether you’re struggling with weight, fatigue, or feeling like you’ve lost your spark, there is a path forward—and it starts with science-backed solutions tailored to your body.

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

Combining hormone replacement therapy and GLP-1 weight loss treatment may be the missing piece you’ve been looking for. Let us help you take control of your health, your hormones, and your confidence.

Book a BHRT consultation today and take the first step toward empowered wellness. Free 15 minute informational phone call also available with Dr Shena Vander Ploeg.

Flow Wellness offers BHRT services in Bend, Oregon and medical weight loss services at our clinics in Bend, Oregon & Seattle, Washington and in Oregon, Washington, and California via tele-health.

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