13th July 2025
By Dr Jacqueline Radley, British Menopause Society Accredited Advanced Menopause Specialist
HRT and Weight Loss Injections: What You Need to Know
New Guidance from the British Menopause Society (BMS)
More women than ever are using weight loss injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. These medications — known as GLP-1 receptor agonists — are commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, but have also become popular for weight management. They’re safe and effective for many people, including women going through the menopause.
However, if you’re also using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), there’s new guidance from the British Menopause Society that you should be aware of.
What’s the concern?
GLP-1 medications work by slowing down how quickly food leaves the stomach. While this helps with blood sugar and appetite, it can also affect how your body absorbs other medications — including oral progesterone, a key part of HRT.
Oral progesterone (such as Utrogestan) helps to protect the lining of the womb if you are taking oestrogen. If not enough is absorbed, it may not offer full protection, which could increase the risk of endometrial (womb) problems over time.
Summary of the BMS Guidance
The British Menopause Society (April 2025) advises the following:
- If you are using a GLP-1 weight loss injection alongside oral progesterone (like Utrogestan), you should review your HRT with a healthcare professional.
- This is particularly important if:
- You experience unusual bleeding
- You have had a Mirena coil for more than 5 years
- You are not sure whether your progesterone dose is still suitable
To ensure the womb lining remains protected, you may be advised to switch to a different type of progesterone, such as:
✔️ A Mirena coil
✔️ A combined oestrogen/progestogen patch
✔️ Vaginal progesterone (off-licence but sometimes used)
What this means for you
This does not mean you have to stop using GLP-1 medications or HRT — both can still be used safely and effectively. But it does mean your treatment plan might need a simple adjustment to keep you well protected.
What should you do next?
- If you are already taking HRT and a GLP-1 injection, talk to your menopause specialist.
- If you’re a healthcare provider, remember to ask patients about weight loss injections during HRT reviews.
👉 Read the full BMS guidance here
Still unsure about HRT and weight loss injections?
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