Balancing Your Body With Hormone Replacement Therapy

You’re putting in the hard work: healthy meals, consistent workouts, staying hydrated. But the number on the scale just won’t budge. It’s not a lack of willpower or effort — you may have a hormonal imbalance.

If it seems like you’re doing everything right and you’re still not losing weight, James Joachim, MD, and the team at El Cajon Weight Clinic can help. We offer personalized hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including men's testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), to aid in weight management.

Are hormones sabotaging your weight loss? Read on to learn how balancing your body with HRT can make a healthy weight more attainable.

Menopause, low testosterone, and your weight

Hormones act as messengers within the body, influencing practically all of its functions, including your metabolism and how you store energy. As essential hormones like estrogen and testosterone decline with age, your metabolism slows, and weight loss becomes more difficult — even with consistent diet and exercise.

How menopause affects women’s weight

For women, the decrease in estrogen during menopause and perimenopause often leads to weight gain and changes in fat distribution, such as excess belly fat. 

Common menopause symptoms like night sweats and disrupted sleep can further complicate matters by affecting your energy levels and elevating stress hormones.

How low testosterone affects men’s weight

Men experience a similar metabolic slowdown as testosterone begins to decline in their 30s or 40s. This can result in decreased muscle mass and increased body fat, particularly around the midsection. You may also notice a drop in energy levels, making it challenging to stay active.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and weight management

If you’re struggling to lose weight due to hormonal changes, HRT can rebalance your body and get you back on the right track. It works by restoring the hormones you’re lacking to address the underlying cause of your weight gain.

For women, HRT can speed up the metabolism that slows down during menopause. By bringing estrogen levels back up, your body burns calories more efficiently. You may also notice a positive change in your sleep patterns and stress levels — both important for maintaining a healthy weight.

For men, TRT can counter muscle loss and increase in fat that often go along with age-related hormone changes. By boosting testosterone, TRT can rev up your metabolism, help you build muscle, and give you more energy to stay active.

However, HRT isn't a magic weight loss solution. While it can be effective for eligible patients, it works best when you combine treatment with a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise.

Beyond weight: the wider benefits of HRT

HRT offers more than just weight management support. During menopause, it can ease uncomfortable and frustrating symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, brain fog, and mood fluctuations. 

People of all genders may notice benefits such as an increased sex drive, mental clarity, and an improvement in overall wellness. Balanced hormones also lower your risk of osteoporosis, a condition tied to both low estrogen and low testosterone.

Don’t let a hormonal imbalance hold you back from achieving your weight loss goals. Call or book online to schedule a consultation with the El Cajon Weight Clinic team and find out if HRT is the right choice for you.