Key takeaways:
You can take Zepbound during and after menopause.
It’s important to protect your bones and muscles during menopause, especially if you’re losing weight. Strength training and calcium supplements can help.
Zepbound won’t help ease vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes and sweating. But you can take Zepbound with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).
Save on related medications
Weight changes during menopause are common because your body goes through many changes. Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a popular treatment option for weight management.
But Zepbound hasn’t been studied specifically for weight loss during menopause. This means there are still many questions about how well Zepbound works for menopause-related weight gain. Here’s what to know if you’re considering taking Zepbound during menopause.
Can you take Zepbound during menopause?
Yes, you can take Zepbound during and after menopause. Menopause and perimenopause aren’t listed as reasons you can’t take Zepbound.
Zepbound hasn’t been studied specifically in people going through menopause. But people in perimenopause and menopause were included in the original Zepbound clinical trials. Researchers didn’t find that these participants had more side effects or complications than other participants. This means there’s no evidence that Zepbound is less safe for people going through menopause.
Researchers have also looked back at the clinical trial data to see how well Zepbound worked at different stages of menopause. They found that people taking tirzepatide lost about:
26% of their body weight if they were premenopausal
23% of their body weight if they were in perimenopause
23% of their body weight if they were in menopause
These findings suggest that menopause doesn’t make Zepbound less effective. Based on what we know now, Zepbound may work about as well before, during, or after menopause.
While Zepbound is safe for most people going through menopause, a few health issues deserve extra attention:
Bone health: Bone loss speeds up around menopause, and weight loss can also cause some bone loss. Getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein is important to help keep your bones strong.
Muscle health: You lose muscle as you get older, and weight loss can cause further muscle loss. Getting enough protein and doing strength training can help you keep as much muscle as possible.
Does Zepbound help with menopause symptoms?
Right now, there’s no evidence that Zepbound can help with menopause symptoms like:
These symptoms are linked to changes in hormone levels that happen during perimenopause and menopause. Zepbound doesn’t replace these hormones, so it’s not likely to help with these symptoms.
But Zepbound can help with weight management during menopause. Many people gain weight during menopause because of hormones and other health changes. Zepbound can help with weight loss and weight management, even though it doesn’t directly treat the hormone changes that happen during menopause.
Can you take a Zepbound with hormone therapy?
Yes, you can take Zepbound with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Some evidence suggests that using both treatments together may lead to better weight management. In a recent study, postmenopausal women taking tirzepatide with hormone therapy lost about 35% more weight than those taking tirzepatide alone.
There are no known interactions between Zepbound and MHT. But tirzepatide slows down how quickly food and medications leave your stomach. This could affect how well your body absorbs oral hormone therapy. Your healthcare team may recommend a form of MHT that doesn’t go through your stomach, such as a patch or gel.
Who should avoid glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1s) during menopause?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, like Zepbound, aren’t right for everyone. You shouldn’t take a GLP-1 if you:
Are pregnant or nursing
Have an allergy to GLP-1s or its ingredients
Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
Have a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2)
Have had serious complications while taking GLP-1 medications in the past
Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause. If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication, talk with your healthcare team about birth control options.
How else can you manage weight during menopause?
Weight changes are common during menopause. But maintaining a healthy weight can also help protect your muscles, bones, and heart. Here are some things that can help:
Prioritize nutrient-rich foods: There’s no single best menopause diet, but experts recommend eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with healthy fats. A Mediterranean-style diet is one option that can help you manage your weight.
Eat enough protein: Protein helps keep your muscles strong as you get older. Lean protein sources like fish, poultry, eggs, beans, and soy can help you reach your protein goals.
Focus on nutritious carbohydrates: Prioritize carbohydrates that are rich in fiber and nutrients, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.
Keep active: Regular exercise and strength training keep your muscles and bones strong. Include aerobic activities, such as walking or cycling, along with exercises that improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
Get enough sleep: Not getting enough sleep can affect your weight. Treatment for night sweats and hot flashes may help if these symptoms make it hard to sleep.
Stress management: Menopause can add stress to an already busy lifestyle. Find opportunities to manage stress during menopause. Exercise, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family can help reduce stress.
You don’t need to make all of these changes at once. But positive changes like these can help support your health during and after menopause.
Frequently asked questions
Hormone changes during menopause can affect how your body uses and stores energy. These changes can also affect your appetite, metabolism, and where your body stores fat. This makes weight gain more likely during menopause.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications aren’t FDA-approved to treat menopause. But GLP-1 medications like Zepbound may be prescribed for weight management if you meet the requirements for treatment.
Hormone changes during menopause can affect how your body uses and stores energy. These changes can also affect your appetite, metabolism, and where your body stores fat. This makes weight gain more likely during menopause.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications aren’t FDA-approved to treat menopause. But GLP-1 medications like Zepbound may be prescribed for weight management if you meet the requirements for treatment.
The bottom line
You can take Zepbound during and after menopause to help with weight management. There’s no evidence that menopause makes Zepbound less safe or less effective. Zepbound doesn’t help ease hot flashes or night sweats, but you can take it along with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Your healthcare team can help you decide if Zepbound fits with your menopause treatment plan.
Why trust our experts?
References
Castaneda, R., et al. (2026). The role of menopause hormone therapy in modulating tirzepatide-associated weight loss in postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity: A retrospective cohort study. The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health.
Eli Lilly and Company. (2026). Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection, solution . DailyMed.
Palacios, S., et al. (2024). Obesity and menopause. Gynecological Endocrinology.
Tchang, B. G., et al. (2025). Body weight reduction in women treated with tirzepatide by reproductive stage: A post hoc analysis from the SURMOUNT program. Obesity.
Wadden, T. A., et al. (2024). Author correction: Tirzepatide after intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with overweight or obesity: The SURMOUNT-3 phase 3 trial. Nature Medicine
