Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Make You Gain Weight?
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Release Date: 05/25/2024
Part 2 Q&A with Karen: Cortisol Replacement, Optimal Levels, HRT Absorption Issues, Estrogen Detox, BIEST Troches, Perimenopause Confusion & More!
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
This episode picks up right where part one leaves off as I dive into more of your thoughtful, honest questions in the second-part of this year-end Q&A. What happens when hormone therapy doesn’t seem to be working the way you expected? And how do you know if your dose is actually doing what you need it to do? I answer questions about achy joints, stubborn symptoms, cortisol replacement, thyroid interactions, and why some delivery methods work beautifully for one person and fail another. Why do absorption issues happen? What does “optimal” really mean when it comes to hormone levels?...
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The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
I’m wrapping up the year by answering your questions in this first of a two-part Q&A, and we cover a lot of ground. From confusing lab results to hormone dosing debates, I dig into the questions so many of you are quietly wondering about. What does high ferritin really mean? Is it iron—or something else entirely? We’ll also take a look at hormone replacement frustrations. Why do some people still bleed months into HRT? Are injections better than patches or creams? And how do you know if your body is actually absorbing what you’re taking? I share real-world context, common patterns...
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The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
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The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Are you curious about the buzz surrounding testosterone therapy for women, but wondering about the side effects? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of testosterone replacement therapy’s unwanted side effects, and more importantly, how to fix them. What happens when testosterone levels spike too high? Could the very treatment meant to enhance your energy and libido lead to unwanted changes in your body? Join us as we discuss real stories from women navigating their hormone journeys and uncover the truth behind the glamorous narratives often shared on social media. Are you ready to...
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The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
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The Most Asked HRT Questions of 2025 — Answered by Karen (a.k.a. The Ones She Hears 10,000 Times a Year)
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Curious about the future of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its impact on menopause? This episode features my answers to the most common HRT questions of 2025. Can HRT be your secret weapon for a healthier, longer life, even if you aren't experiencing typical menopause symptoms? Is HRT the missing piece in your weight loss journey? Explore the fascinating link between hormone cycling and midlife wellness. What does the latest research say about personalized hormone approaches, and how might these strategies keep cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis at bay? Ever wondered about the...
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The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
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The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
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The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Curious about the molecule that's been dubbed the "molecule of energy?” Ever wonder how it impacts women's health, especially during midlife? Join us as we dive into the world of nitric oxide with Cathy Eason, Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life. Discover why this often-overlooked molecule might be the missing piece in your health puzzle. What if your midlife vitality could be revitalized with a simple molecule? How does nitric oxide influence libido, heart health, and even skin vitality? Cathy debunks myths and uncovers the hidden connections between nitric oxide and hormones like...
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Menopause Besties Q&A: Hormone Testing, Progesterone Truths, Late-Start HRT & More with Zora Benhamou
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Are you curious about the mysteries of menopause and how to navigate this transformative life stage with confidence? In this Q&A episode, we sit down with Zora Benhamou to answer all your burning questions about hormone management and replacement therapy. How do you know if your hormone levels are optimal, and what can you do if they're not? Ever wondered about the truths and myths surrounding progesterone? Zora shares invaluable insights into the world of hormone testing and what those numbers really mean for your health. Why is it crucial to consider both estradiol and progesterone, and...
info_outlineToday, let’s talk about the correlation between hormone replacement therapy and weight gain, partially inspired by my own unexpected weight gain after starting testosterone therapy. We’ll examine the roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, examining how they can lead to both weight loss and gain, influenced by genetics and metabolism. While referencing clinical experience and research, we also discuss personalized HRT, the importance of liver health, and the impact of diet and xenoestrogens.
In this episode:
- How hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to unexpected weight gain, despite its weight loss associations.
- Why progesterone's impact on thyroid function and metabolism can lead to weight changes during HRT.
- How testosterone replacement in women may cause weight gain due to genetic predispositions.
- Why estrogen replacement therapy sometimes results in initial weight gain in postmenopausal women.
- How liver health and metabolism optimization can mitigate weight gain during HRT.
- The influence of diet, alcohol consumption, and xenoestrogens on hormone balance.
- How estrogen affects body composition through receptor sensitivity.
- Why understanding the signs of hormone-related weight gain can aid in identifying hormonal imbalances.
- How excessive progesterone can lead to weight gain, water retention, and mood changes.
- Why testosterone therapy research is limited for women, but suggests it can aid in muscle maintenance.
- How estrogen alone may improve lipid profiles and reduce centralized body fat in postmenopausal women.
- Why adding testosterone to estrogen therapy can shift body composition toward increased lean mass.
- How estradiol prevents visceral fat storage and impacts hunger regulation and insulin sensitivity.
Todays show is sponsored by: Eight Sleep
Go to www.eightsleep.com/hormone and get $200 off plus free shipping on the Pod Cover by Eight Sleep. Use coupon code HORMONE.
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Get 10% of your purchase with coupon code HORMONE.
Visit www.quicksilverscientific.com/karen and use code KAREN15 for 10% off your first purchase of PushCatch® Liver Detox.
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Karen Martel, Certified Hormone Specialist & Transformational Nutrition Coach and weight loss expert.
Visit https://karenmartel.com/