Research
Hormonal
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and progestin therapy reduce BMI, waist circumference, fasting insulin, and the incidence of new diabetes compared to placebo.
If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms and metabolic risks, discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with your doctor. It may help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve body composition, though you must weigh this against potential side effects.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
BMI and waist circumference decreased in women taking estrogen and progestin therapy compared to those taking placebo in the WHI study. Fasting insulin levels and glucose were reduced in women on active treatment and the incidence of new diabetes was reduced in this group.
Why this rating
Based on major trials like WHI and Nurses' Health Study cited in the review.
Source
Weight, Shape, and Body Composition Changes at Menopause
Anna Fenton · Journal of Mid-life Health · 2021
DOI 10.4103/jmh.jmh_123_21
narrative_reviewCited 73×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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