Tirzepatide plus hormone therapy boosts weight loss in menopausal women

Tirzepatide plus hormone therapy boosts weight loss in menopausal women | Image Credit: © Mike Kemp/Blend Images - © Mike Kemp/Blend Images - stock.adobe.com.

Combination tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy increases weight loss in overweight or obese menopausal women, according to a recent study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, California.¹

The data indicted a 17% reduction in body weight among patients using tirzepatide plus menopause hormone therapy vs 14% in those using tirzepatide alone. A total body weight loss of over 20% was also seen more often in patients taking menopause hormone therapy, at 45% vs 18% among non-users.

“These data are the first to show the combined use of tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy significantly increases treatment effectiveness in postmenopausal women,” said Regina Castaneda, MD, research fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

First evidence supporting combined use of tirzepatide and hormone therapy

The real-world study included 120 postmenopausal women. Researchers assessed electronic medical record from a median duration of 18 months in this population. Of participants, 40 reported concurrent tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy use, while 80 reported using tirzepatide alone.

This data supports effective treatment for weight gain in postmenopausal women. This population often experiences increased abdominal fat, decreased muscle mass, and weight gain that increases the risks of heart disease and other severe health issues.

According to Maria Daniela Hurtado Andrade, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic, the study allows for further understanding about how to develop more effective and personalized weight management interventions. These may be used to decrease the risk of associated complications among postmenopausal women.

“This study underscores the urgent need for further research to better understand how obesity medications and menopause hormone therapy work together,” said Hurtado Andrade. “Gaining this knowledge could greatly improve the health and well-being of millions of postmenopausal women.”

Complementary findings

The importance of reducing weight in postmenopausal women has been highlighted by a study published in JAMA Network Open during March 2025.² The researchers found reduced odds of all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality among postmenopausal women engaging in intentional weight loss efforts.

These outcomes were determined through evaluations of death certificates, the National Death Index, medical records, and other records. Body mass index (BMI) changes were determined through measurements of weight and height at baseline and after 3 years.

At baseline, patients were aged a mean 63.3 years and had a mean BMI and waist circumference (WC) of 27 and 84.1, respectively. During the follow-up, all-cause mortality was reported in 49.5%, cardiovascular disease mortality in 15.5%, cancer mortality in 10.1%, and mortality from other causes in 24%.

A hazard ratio (HR) of 0.88 was reported for all-cause mortality among women with 5 or more pounds of intentional weight loss, highlighting a significant reduction in risk. Additionally, cardiovascular disease mortality, cancer mortality, and other mortality risks all had HRs of 0.87 in this population.

Implications

Reductions in WC alongside BMI further reduced these mortality risks. Overall, the data highlighted the importance of weight management in postmenopausal women.

“Lifestyle changes resulting in reductions in visceral adiposity should be the focus, such as encouraging physical activity that includes strength training to preserve or build muscle mass and dietary changes that promote heart-healthy diets, which may include calorie restriction but also provides adequate protein,” wrote authors.

References

1. Combination of obesity medication tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy fuels weight loss. Endocrine Society. July 8, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://www.newswise.com/articles/combination-of-obesity-medication-tirzepatide-and-menopause-hormone-therapy-fuels-weight-loss/?sc=mwhr&xy=10023887.
2. Krewson C. Intentional weight loss linked to lower mortality in postmenopausal women. Contemporary OB/GYN. March 11, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/intentional-weight-loss-linked-to-lower-mortality-in-postmenopausal-women.