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Science-Backed Individualized Care: GLP-1 ID + Hormone Optimization for Lasting Results 

Mature couple cuddling together while reading a book, representing supportive relationships during menopause health journey with GLP-1 and hormone therapy
Posted in Hormone Health, Weight Loss

Science-Backed Individualized Care: GLP-1 ID + Hormone Optimization for Lasting Results 

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Understanding the difference between traditional weight management and what may be needed during menopause is essential for women navigating midlife changes. These two concepts represent significantly different strategies but are often confused or misunderstood.  

Recognizing which approach may be appropriate for your current life stage can directly impact treatment options and lifestyle decisions. At Ivim Health, we focus on individualized care tailored to your unique stage of life, helping you understand the complexities of weight loss during menopause. 

If you’re realizing traditional weight loss methods no longer deliver the results they once did, you may be part of the 75 million U.S. women currently navigating some stage of menopause.

Why Understanding Your Body’s Changes Matters 

The truth is, your body is operating differently than it did before the menopause transition began. During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels decline significantly, insulin sensitivity often decreases, and your metabolism naturally shifts. These biological changes mean that traditional weight loss programs that focus solely on calories in versus calories out may not address the underlying hormonal and metabolic factors affecting your body. 

Research shows that hormonal changes during the menopause transition can be complex. When estrogen drops, your body tends to store fat differently, particularly around the midsection. At the same time, lower insulin sensitivity can make it harder to use stored fat, which can lead to metabolic dysfunction.  

Studies have shown that menopause brings significant metabolic changes that affect how your body processes nutrients and stores energy. The changes in hormones can impact everything from appetite regulation to fat distribution. 

Because of this, managing weight during menopause often means addressing both hormone balance and metabolic health together to support your body through this transition. 

The Ivim Advantage: Dual Program Support for Menopause Weight Management

At Ivim Health, we’ve developed a comprehensive program that addresses both sides of the menopause weight equation through two distinct but complementary membership programs: our GLP-1 ID Program and our Hormone Optimization Program.

GLP-1 Program: Targeting Metabolic Challenges

Our GLP-1 Program features FDA approved medications including Wegovy®(semaglutide) and Zepbound®(tirzepatide). We also offer compounded GLP-1 options through our GLP-1 ID program when clinically appropriate, which are not FDA-approved. These medications are designed to address the insulin resistance and appetite regulation challenges that can interfere with weight loss during menopause.

GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking your body’s natural hormones, helping to regulate blood sugar function and reduce food cravings that can sometimes intensify during menopause. Studies on GLP-1 medications, like tirzepatide, show they can also influence gastric emptying, helping you feel satisfied with appropriate portions, something that becomes increasingly important as your metabolism changes.

Hormone Optimization Program: Restoring Your Foundation

Ivim’s Hormone Optimization Program, through selected bioidentical hormone therapy, including estradiol patches and oral progesterone, may help support weight management by restoring hormonal balance during menopause. By addressing key shifts in estrogen and progesterone levels, you create a stronger foundation for your body’s metabolic health. 

When key hormones are better aligned, it may also support energy, sleep, mood, and your body’s ability to respond to weight loss efforts.

The Combo Effect: Why They Work Better Together

Each membership program offers benefits on its own, but for individuals who may benefit from a well-rounded approach, combining programs can offer more comprehensive support by addressing multiple aspects of health, from metabolism and hormone balance to energy, mood, and overall well-being.

How GLP-1s Support Your Goals

GLP-1 medications support weight loss by working on important body processes like: 

  • Helping to improve insulin sensitivity 
  • Reducing food preoccupation and cravings 
  • Supporting balanced blood sugar throughout the day 
  • Potentially supporting fat metabolism 

With a decrease in persistent urges to snack or overeat, it may make it easier to maintain consistent eating patterns during the menopause transition.

How Hormone Optimization May Support Health

Hormone optimization therapy can help address foundational factors that can make weight management challenging during menopause: 

Muscle Mass Preservation: Adequate estrogen levels help support muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining metabolic function. Research indicates that women can lose significant muscle mass during menopause, making exercise strategies specifically designed for post-menopause crucial for maintaining strength and metabolism. 

Sleep Quality Improvement: Balanced hormones support better sleep, which is crucial for weight management. Studies show that sleep deprivation can significantly hamper weight control by disrupting appetite-regulating hormones like leptin and ghrelin. 

Energy and Mood Support: Hormonal changes can significantly impact mood, which in turn affects motivation and consistency with healthy habits. Optimized hormones can help maintain the energy and emotional stability needed for consistent healthy behaviors. 

Bone Density Support: The connection between menopause and bone loss is well-established. When you maintain bone health, you can better support an active lifestyle that complements weight management efforts and overall health during this life stage.

How Ivim’s Programs Work Together

When combined, these programs are designed to create comprehensive support that addresses both the immediate metabolic challenges and the underlying hormonal changes affecting your body during menopause.  

Ivim Health providers understand that weight management during this life stage often requires addressing the complex relationship between hormones, metabolism, sleep, mood, and how your body feels and functions day-to-day.

Inside Ivim’s GLP-1 and Hormone Optimization Programs

Ivim’s comprehensive solution extends beyond medication prescriptions to provide ongoing, personalized support: 

Unlimited Provider Visits: Get ongoing access to experienced providers who can adjust your plan as your needs evolve. 

Optional At-Home Testing: No lab visits or testing are required to begin. If needed, hormone test kits can be mailed directly to you, only if and when you request them. 

Custom Add-On Options: 

  • High-quality magnesium to support better sleep and muscle function 
  • Whey protein to help support muscle health during weight management programs 

Member Benefits: 20% discount on all supplements, plus flexible monthly memberships designed to fit your lifestyle and budget.

The Patient Journey: Simplified and Supportive

We recognize that women who are navigating menopause need support that fits into their busy lives. Getting started with Ivim is designed to be straightforward and accessible: 

  • Comprehensive Online Health Assessment: Complete a hormone or GLP-1 health questionnaire that helps our providers understand your unique situation, symptoms, medical history, and weight management goals. 
  • Virtual Consultation with Expert Providers: Meet with an experienced telehealth provider to review your health history, discuss your specific goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan. During this consultation, we’ll determine whether one or both of our programs might be appropriate for your situation. 
  • Direct-to-Home Delivery: Your medications and lab testing kits (if requested, but not required) are shipped directly to you, eliminating pharmacy visits and insurance complications.  
  • Ongoing Support & Monitoring: Easily manage refills, access support through your online account or app, and stay connected with our team. Regular check-ins help ensure your treatment plan adapts to your evolving needs. 

This streamlined process eliminates common barriers like waiting rooms, insurance hurdles, and scheduling conflicts, allowing you to focus on your personal health journey without unnecessary complications.

Potential Benefits and Considerations

Some people may notice improvements in energy, sleep, or weight while using GLP-1 medications or hormone treatments, but results can vary widely. How your body responds depends on factors like your overall health, daily habits, and lifestyle. Staying consistent with healthy habits, such as eating well and staying active, can also make a difference. Since everyone’s experience is different, working with a healthcare provider can help guide your journey. 

Weight management during menopause is complex and influenced by many factors. Ivim’s programs are designed to offer personalized support. 

Your Next Step Toward Comprehensive Support

You don’t have to pick between getting help with metabolism or hormone balance. Ivim Health offers programs that can work together or separately to support your unique needs during menopause through personalized, evidence-based care. 

Because menopause affects every woman differently, your approach should be just as unique. Ivim Health provides tailored options that combine metabolic and hormone support based on what fits your goals and health. 

Interested in seeing how personalized hormone and metabolic care could fit into your health journey? Take our online hormone health assessment or GLP-1 assessment today to learn more about which Ivim Health program might be a good fit for you. 

Reviewed by Dr. Emily Bigby, MD, Provider with Ivim Health

Disclaimers: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about hormone therapy, GLP-1 medications, or related treatments. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Compounded medication is not FDA-approved. Compounded drugs have not undergone FDA review for safety, efficacy, or quality. Use only as directed by a licensed healthcare professional.  

Zepbound® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly. Ivím is not affiliated with Eli Lilly. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk. Ivím is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk.

Sources:

  • Genazzani, Alessandro D., et al. “Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Resistance and Menopause: The Changes in Body Structure and the Therapeutic Approach.” Gynecological and Reproductive Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 4, no. 2, 2023, pp. 86–91. https://doi.org/10.53260/grem.234026. 
  • Leeners, Brigitte, et al. “Ovarian Hormones and Obesity.” Human Reproduction Update, vol. 23, no. 3, May–June 2017, pp. 300–321. Oxford Academic, https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmw045. 
  • Jastreboff, Ania M., et al. “Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity.” The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 387, no. 2, 21 July 2022, pp. 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. 
  • Labrie, Fernand, et al. “Efficacy of Intravaginal Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on Moderate to Severe Dyspareunia and Vaginal Dryness, Symptoms of Vulvovaginal Atrophy and of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.” Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society, vol. 25, no. 11, 2018, pp. 1339–1353. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001238 

 

 

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