What Can Cause Weight Gain During BioTE® Hormone Replacement Therapy?

For many men and women, one of the reasons they begin to consider bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in the first place is to help boost their metabolism and lose the weight they’ve gained associated with aging and declining hormones. So, the thought of potentially gaining more weight while on BHRT may make a person second guess their decision to start treatment.

Fortunately, many patients successfully undergo BHRT treatment without gaining weight and — in fact — find that they are better able to manage their weight while on the therapy. At Monarch Ideal Care in Fairlawn, OH, Dr. Leslee McElrath offers BioTE® pellet therapy to help men and women overcome the unwanted side effects of menopause, andropause, and other hormone conditions to once again feel like themselves and enjoy more of what life has to offer. Here, you’ll find important information about what to expect with BioTE BHRT, including what factors may potentially impact your weight during treatment and how you can avoid them.

What is BioTE?

BioTE is a popular and effective form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that can help to minimize the symptoms of andropause, menopause, and other types of hormonal imbalance using plant-based hormones that are compounded to mimic the body’s naturally occurring hormones. BioTE is administered via a unique pellet delivery system, which involves inserting a tiny, rice-sized pellet beneath the skin’s surface, which slowly dissolves over time to deliver a consistent dose of hormone medication to the patient.

What symptoms can BHRT help with?

Our hormones play an integral role in regulating a number of functions and processes throughout the body, meaning a shift or drop in hormone levels can cause significant — and often adverse — symptoms. By rebalancing the hormones with BioTE treatment, patients can achieve dramatic improvements in the unwanted symptoms of hormone imbalance, menopause, and andropause, including:

• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Poor sleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Brain fog
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Hair loss or thinning hair
• Weight gain
• Loss of muscle mass
• Weak libido
• Sexual dysfunction

Will I gain weight with BHRT?

Many patients are concerned about gaining weight on BioTE therapy, particularly if unwanted weight gain is one of the reasons they are considering BHRT. While studies have shown no substantial link between BHRT and weight gain directly, there are some potential factors that could contribute to weight changes while on BioTE. These may include an increased appetite, increased muscle mass, and temporary fluid retention. If you are worried about weight gain with BHRT, Dr. McElrath can discuss strategies to help you avoid gaining weight with hormone therapy, including appetite suppressants, diuretics to address water retention, and other strategies that may be considered safe and appropriate for you. Many patients are pleasantly surprised to find that BioTE BHRT actually helps in weight loss and weight management efforts by boosting the metabolism, increasing energy levels, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress.

Feel like the best version of yourself with BioTE therapy in Fairlawn, OH

If you suspect that declining hormones are contributing to your unwanted physical and psychological symptoms and you’re ready to regain control of your body, health, and life once again, we are here to help you get started. Take the first step toward rebalancing your hormones with BioTE BHRT by calling Monarch Ideal Care to schedule your private consultation in Fairlawn, OH with Dr. Leslee McElrath today.