Mounjaro and menopause: everything you need to know

Menopause can bring changes to your weight, body shape, and where you store fat, even when your habits haven't changed. In fact, the British Menopause Society reports that weight gain affects at least 50% of women during perimenopause and menopause.

These changes can be emotionally difficult, although losing weight isn't something everyone needs or wants to pursue.

But can Mounjaro help with weight management during menopause? This guide explores its potential benefits, risks, and suitability, helping you make informed decisions about your health.

Weight and appetite changes during menopause

Hormonal changes, ageing, and lifestyle factors can make weight management more challenging during menopause.

As oestrogen levels fall, your body tends to store more fat around your abdomen. Meanwhile, age-related muscle loss can slow your metabolism, meaning your body burns fewer calories at rest.

Menopause symptoms such as poor sleep, fatigue, and mood changes can also affect your eating habits and activity levels.

However, it's important to remember that managing your weight isn't about returning to your younger body. It's about supporting your health and wellbeing in ways that work for you.

Learn more in our guide to weight gain during menopause.

Can you take Mounjaro during menopause?

Yes, you can take Mounjaro during perimenopause or menopause, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and your clinician considers it suitable.

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which acts on two natural hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). It helps reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, supporting weight loss in eligible adults.

While losing weight can help with certain menopause symptoms, Mounjaro doesn't treat menopause itself. It doesn't replace declining oestrogen or directly relieve symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. If these are affecting you, menopause-specific treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), may be more appropriate.

Is there a “best” GLP-1 for menopause?

No, there isn't one GLP-1 medication that's considered best for menopause or perimenopause. The most suitable option depends on your health, medical history, and weight management goals.

Several medications are approved for weight management in the UK, including Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Foundayo (orforglipron), and Wegovy (semaglutide).

If you choose take a weight loss treatment, our clinicians will consider your existing health conditions, other medications, and personal preferences when recommending treatment. Your menopause stage alone doesn't determine which medication is most suitable.

Can you take Mounjaro alongside HRT?

Yes, you can take Mounjaro and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) together if your clinician considers both suitable.

HRT replaces hormones that decline during menopause, helping relieve symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, while Mounjaro helps manage weight by regulating appetite.

However, Mounjaro slows stomach emptying, which may affect the absorption of oral HRT. Your clinician may recommend alternatives, such as patches or gels.

Always tell your prescribing clinician about any medications you're taking, including HRT.

Does HRT make Mounjaro work better?

Possibly, although more research is needed.

A 2026 study involving 120 postmenopausal women found greater weight loss among those taking HRT alongside tirzepatide (Mounjaro), compared with tirzepatide alone.

However, this observational study doesn't establish that HRT directly improves weight loss. Further research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

HRT should be prescribed according to your individual menopause symptoms and clinical needs, rather than to enhance weight-loss medication.

Muscle and bone health matter even more during menopause

Maintaining muscle strength and bone health is particularly important during menopause, especially when losing weight. That's because hormonal changes in this stage of life can affect both muscle and bone, while weight loss can lead to some loss of lean muscle alongside body fat.

Protecting your muscle while losing weight

A study of tirzepatide found that weight loss can lead to reductions in both body fat and lean mass. Combined with age-related muscle loss, this makes preserving strength important for mobility, balance, and independence as you get older.

To help protect your muscles:

• Prioritise protein: Regularly include foods such as meat, eggs, fish, beans, and yoghurt.
• Build strength: Try resistance exercises, such as squats, weights, or resistance bands.
• Eat regularly: Make sure you're getting enough nutrition, even when your appetite is reduced.

Don't forget about bone health

Falling oestrogen levels can reduce bone density during menopause. Research into the effects of GLP-1 medications on bone health is ongoing, so protecting your bones remains important.

To support your bones:

• Eat calcium-rich foods: Include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified alternatives.
• Get vitamin D: Consider a supplement during autumn and winter. The NHS recommends 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D daily for adults.
• Keep moving: Walking and strength training can help maintain bone strength.

What about heart health?

Menopause can increase your risk of heart disease because falling oestrogen levels can affect your cholesterol, blood pressure, and where your body stores fat.

In particular, more fat may accumulate around your internal organs. This is known as visceral fat, and it can increase your risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

However, weight is only one part of heart health. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol can all help reduce your risk.

For more information, read our guide to menopause belly.

Mounjaro side effects to be aware of during menopause

Like any medication, Mounjaro can cause side effects, including nausea, digestive problems, fatigue, and hair loss. Some may be particularly noticeable alongside menopause symptoms.

Hair thinning and hair loss

Hair thinning is common during menopause, while Mounjaro and significant weight loss can also contribute to hair shedding. Eating enough protein and maintaining a balanced diet may help. Speak to your GP if you're concerned.

Mood and emotional wellbeing

Menopause can affect your mood, causing anxiety, irritability, or low mood.

While current evidence doesn't establish that GLP-1 medications can cause low mood, a few people have anecdotally reported feeling "flatter than usual". This might be because of blood sugar fluctuations (which can cause feelings akin to anxiety), lifestyle changes, or even adapting to a changing body. Even though none of these is directly caused by the medication, they are important to note if you're considering Mounjaro during menopause.

Digestive symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are common Mounjaro side effects. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and prioritise nutritious meals even when your appetite is reduced. Speak to your clinician if symptoms persist or become difficult to manage.

You don’t have to simply put up with uncomfortable symptoms. Keeping track of when they happen and speaking to your healthcare team if they’re persistent, severe or worrying can help you get the right support.

And if you're a myBMI patient, our treatment plans include ongoing clinical support with side effects, including free treatments for your symptoms if deemed appropriate.

How to take Mounjaro safely during menopause

If you're considering Mounjaro during menopause, a few simple precautions can help you manage your treatment safely:

• Use a registered provider: Only take Mounjaro with a valid prescription from a regulated pharmacy such as myBMI.
• Follow your prescribed dose: Stick to your agreed dosing schedule, and never adjust it without clinical advice.
• Discuss other medications: Tell your clinician about any treatments you're taking, including HRT
• Prioritise nutrition: Eat enough protein and calcium-rich foods, even when your appetite is low. See our guide to eating with a reduced appetite for more advice.
• Stay active: Include strength training and weight-bearing exercise to support your muscles and bones
• Keep hydrated: Drink regularly, particularly if you're experiencing digestive side effects

Speak to your clinician if you experience troublesome side effects or have concerns about continuing treatment.

What about microdosing GLP-1s during menopause or perimenopause?

Microdosing GLP-1 medications involves taking smaller, non-standard doses. Although it's gaining attention online, there's no established evidence that microdosing improves menopause symptoms, prevents muscle loss, or reliably reduces side effects.

Mounjaro already uses a gradual dose-increase schedule to help manage side effects. Always follow your prescribed treatment plan rather than experimenting with smaller doses.

Looking after your whole health, not just the number on the scales

Your weight is only one part of your health during menopause. Maintaining muscle strength, protecting your bones, getting enough sleep, and looking after your emotional wellbeing are just as important.

With so much pressure surrounding weight and ageing, it's worth remembering that changes to your body during menopause are natural. You don't need to lose weight simply because your body looks different.

But for those who want or need support with weight management, Mounjaro may be an option. Our clinicians can help you understand whether treatment is suitable for your individual health needs and goals.

"Menopause is a time when it's particularly important to look at your health as a whole. If you're considering weight loss medication, it's not just about what the scales say. Maintaining your strength, protecting your bones, and feeling well day to day are just as important."

Ayesha BashirPrescribing Pharmacist

If you'd like to explore your options, you can learn more about how Mounjaro works and what treatment involves.

Sources

• Menopause: Nutrition and Weight Gain. (2026) British Menopause Society. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• Eating well for the perimenopause and menopause. (2025) British Dietetic Association. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. (2026) NHS. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• Tirzepatide. (2026) NHS. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• Treatment for menopause and perimenopause. (2026) NHS. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• Food for healthy bones. (2022) NHS. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• Osteoporosis - Prevention. (2018) NHS. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• Overweight and obesity management. (2026) NICE. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• The role of menopause hormone therapy in modulating tirzepatide-associated weight loss in postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity: a retrospective cohort study. (2026) The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• Body composition changes during weight reduction with tirzepatide in the SURMOUNT-1 study of adults with obesity or overweight. (2025) Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• Menopause and your heart. (2023) British Heart Foundation. [Accessed 26 October 2026]
• GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know. (2026) Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. [Accessed 28 October 2026]
• Mounjaro KwikPen 2.5mg. (2026) EMC. [Accessed 28 October 2026]