Mounjaro and Menopause, What UK Women Need to Know

Written By Phillipa Weaver-Smith

Why We’re Talking About This

If you’re in the thick of menopause and feeling like your body has suddenly stopped playing by the rules, you’re not alone. Weight gain that won’t budge, hormone havoc and the sense that your GP doesn’t quite “get it” are daily struggles for so many women I work with.

And now there’s increasing buzz around Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), a drug originally developed for type 2 diabetes and now approved for weight management.

So can it actually help with menopause-related weight gain? And is it accessible here in the UK? Let’s cut through the confusion and get the facts.

What Exactly Is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable that targets both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, helping to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite. This dual mechanism distinguishes it from GLP-1-only drugs like Wegovy and that’s one reason it’s attracting interest among midlife women navigating the metabolic slowdown of perimenopause and postmenopause.

Where Menopause & Mounjaro Intersect

As oestrogen levels fall, metabolism shifts, not because of personal failings, but due to hormonal change. This can mean more insulin resistance, increased abdominal fat and less responsiveness to habits that worked in the past.

Early research suggests tirzepatide may help reduce central adiposity (belly fat) across reproductive stages. While not a cure, it could become a supportive tool alongside nutrition, movement and lifestyle strategies.

Can You Access Mounjaro Through the NHS in the UK?

Yes, but only under very specific criteria and rollout is phased.

From March 2025, tirzepatide may be prescribed only through specialist weight-management services with eligibility, defined by NICE (TA1026). This included people with a BMI of at least 40 (or adjusted lower for some ethnic groups) plus four weight-related comorbidities, such as, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnoea or dyslipidaemia. These services also provide wraparound care, including dietary and lifestyle support NHS EnglandNHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

From June 2025, some areas (e.g. Cheshire & Merseyside ICB) began Cohort 1 prescribing:

  • BMI ≥40, plus ≥4 comorbidities.

Future phases are expected in 2026–2027, gradually widening access to those with BMI 35–39.9 plus comorbidities, but exact timings vary by region.

For now, if you don’t meet criteria, private access is possible, though costly. Always check with your local ICB or NHS England for the most up-to-date eligibility.

What Research Says About Hormone Therapy and Mounjaro

A recent study presented at ENDO 2025 found that postmenopausal women using both Mounjaro and menopause hormone therapy (MHT) lost significantly more weight- 17% of body weight versus 14% with Mounjaro alone. A greater share (45% vs. 18%) achieved ≥20% weight loss EndocrineThe Cardiology Advisorgastroenterologyadvisor.com.

While promising, these results are early and not yet peer-reviewed. Larger trials will be needed to confirm the long-term benefits.

Safety & Interactions: What You Need to Know

Mounjaro, like any medication, can cause side effects - common ones include nausea, fatigue, or digestive changes.

1. Interaction with Oral MRT or Hormonal Contraceptives

Emerging data shows tirzepatide can reduce absorption of oral contraceptives by delaying gastric emptying, lowering peak concentrations and exposure levels healthed.com.auPubMedReproductive Health Access Project. While specific data for oral progesterone (as used in MRT) is limited, expert guidance cautions that the same mechanism may apply.

The British Menopause Society recommends non-oral routes for MRT if you’re on tirzepatide, like patches, gels or intrauterine devices, to ensure effective endometrial protection British Menopause Society.

2. Holistic Support & Expectations

Clinical commentary underscores that while these drugs can be impactful, they are not magic bullets. Lifestyle changes remain crucial and there are concerns about long-term effectiveness and resource strain on primary care The Guardian+1.

How My Coaching Supports You, On or Off Medication

Whether you’re weighing Mounjaro, already using it, or leaning toward non-medication routes, I’m here to support the whole of you.

As a certified menopause health coach, I help you:

  • Make sense of your body’s changes and reassure you it’s not your fault.

  • Navigate private access with clarity (if you don’t meet NHS criteria).

  • Rebuild your connection with food, movement, and self-trust.

This isn't about quick fixes, it’s about sustainable, biology-aligned support.

Ready to Get Clear?

Book a compassionate, no-pressure clarity call, whether you're on Mounjaro, considering it or simply frustrated, let’s talk it through together.

You deserve more than trial and error, you deserve informed, empathetic support.

Let’s bring clarity back.

Note: I work within UKIHCA Scope of Practice.

References

Phillipa Weaver-Smith https://Themenopausehealthcoach.com
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