Hormone Therapy and Weight Loss Drugs Show Promising Results

Mayo Clinic study finds postmenopausal women on hormone therapy lost 35% more weight with tirzepatide

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A new study led by Mayo Clinic found that postmenopausal women receiving menopausal hormone therapy lost 35 percent more weight while taking tirzepatide, an FDA-approved drug for treating overweight and obesity. The findings, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health, could expand treatment possibilities for millions of women struggling with obesity and obesity-related diseases after menopause.

Why it matters

Menopause can accelerate age-related weight gain and increase the likelihood of developing overweight and obesity, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other conditions. The study provides important insights for developing more effective and personalized strategies for managing cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women.

The details

The researchers reviewed data from 120 participants with overweight or obesity who received tirzepatide for weight management for 12 or more months. Patients receiving tirzepatide along with hormone therapy were compared to participants with similar characteristics who were not using hormone therapy. The study found that postmenopausal women using both hormone therapy and tirzepatide lost 35% more weight compared to those taking tirzepatide alone.

  • The study was published on February 10, 2026 in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health.

The players

Regina Castaneda, M.D.

Postdoctoral research fellow at Mayo Clinic and first author of the study.

Mayo Clinic

A nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.

The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health

A medical journal covering research in obstetrics, gynecology, and women's health.

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What they’re saying

“This study provides important insights for developing more effective and personalized strategies for managing cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women.”

— Regina Castaneda, M.D., Postdoctoral research fellow at Mayo Clinic (The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health)

What’s next

The researchers plan to conduct further studies to better understand the mechanisms behind the enhanced weight loss seen in postmenopausal women using both hormone therapy and tirzepatide.

The takeaway

This study suggests that combining hormone therapy and weight loss medications like tirzepatide could be a promising approach for managing obesity and related health issues in postmenopausal women, a population that often struggles with weight gain and associated chronic conditions.