GLP-1: The Midlife Plot Twist?

Join us as we take a look at what’s really going on behind the dazzling array of ‘jaw-drops’ and jeans sizes, and what the drugs mean for perimenopausal health.

Appetite changes:

Hormonal changes can influence hunger signals, potentially leading to increased appetite and cravings (1).

Fat distribution:

Oestrogen has a say in where your body stores fat. When levels drop, it can trigger a relocation from hips and thighs to centre stage: the belly (2).

Insulin resistance:

When oestrogen dips, your body can get a bit rubbish at handling insulin (3). That means blood sugar swings get wilder, and weight gain can sneak in even when you're doing all the right things.

GLP-1 drugs, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are a class of medications that mimic the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 (4).

In simple terms, they mimic a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is released in your gut after eating. This hormone does a few different things:

1. Tells your pancreas to release insulin (5) only when your blood sugar is high (known as a "glucose-dependent" effect).
2. Slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach (6), so you feel full for longer.
3. Reduces appetite by acting on areas of your brain that control hunger (7).

Why are GLP-1 drugs sometimes used in perimenopause?

These drug effects have sparked interest in the medical world for women in perimenopause (and postmenopause) (8). Peri is a time when falling oestrogen can make blood sugar harder to manage, increase cravings, alter how the body stores fat and change cholesterol levels.

Of course, this is only part of the bigger picture. So stick with us as we explore the upsides, the limitations, risks and unanswered questions around GLP-1s.

GLP-1 meds might be known for weight loss, but there’s more here than meets the eye. 

Some research suggests benefits for heart health, blood pressure, and cholesterol (9). However, while that’s worth noting, especially as oestrogen dips and risks to heart and metabolic health rise in midlife, long-term health (10) is rarely discussed. 

And, yes, gleefully zipping up old dresses is one thing, but the full picture isn’t clear. There’s a bigger conversation taking place. And this time, it includes women like us.

That makes GLP-1s a pretty tricky territory. 

Yep, curiosity is good, but it pays to stay cautious, too.

Another big issue is that GLP-1s don’t just reduce fat, they can chip away at muscle (11), too.

And let’s face it, muscle is already difficult to hold onto (12) once perimenopause kicks in. Without protein, strength training or movement, that loss can creep up on you.

Plus, muscle matters for more than just the classic Jennifer Aniston aesthetic value. It supports metabolism, balance, and blood sugar control (13), all super important when it comes to midlife. Basically, muscle mass is your secret weapon, not something to lose. Read more by wonderful fitness expert Liz Marsland.

Here’s what we do know. Most studies focus on diabetes or obesity (14).

So, if you're in the perimenopausal stage, but in good health, the research isn’t likely to be talking to you. 

Moreover, some argue that there remains a lack of data on side effects (15) or outcomes (16) for women, especially in this stage of life. Also, there are claims GLP-1 agonists may interfere with hormonal medication, such as HRT (17).

GLP-1s mimic a gut hormone that helps control appetite and blood sugar.

Some may say they are relevant to perimenopause, as this stage affects fat storage, cravings and insulin. This may explain the growing interest in GLP-1, despite the research currently pointing in different directions.

There are some potential benefits being put forward beyond the obvious weight loss, like improved heart health and reduced inflammation. 

But then muscle loss is a risk, and some experts warn that the long-term effects aren’t fully known.

So, GLP-1s. Interesting? Yes. A peri cure-all? Well, that remains to be seen.

Chromium

In research, it’s been shown to support blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, especially in those with type 2 diabetes (18) or carrying extra weight (19). 

Chromium is a pretty big name in the world of blood sugar-controlling nutrients. It helps cells respond better to insulin and can reduce sugar crashes and cravings. For women dealing with hormonal shifts, that can help take the edge off those mid-afternoon snack spirals.

Magnesium

This unsung hero helps your body respond better to insulin (20), which basically means it can help keep those sugar dips and cravings in check. 

Magnesium is also good for sleep, stress (21) and not launching your laptop out the window. And it works both ways, in that improved sleep and better stress management are good news for your blood sugar. Win win…

Vitamin B6

Supports glucose metabolism (22), especially handy when your hormones get busy doing the Macarena and taking your energy levels with them. Additionally, this B vit is great for keeping those hangry outbursts to a minimum.

Vitamin D3

Low D3 is actually very common in perimenopause, (23) and something to look out for as it could be making blood sugar highs and lows even worse (24). 

Why? This one very handy nutrient supports insulin sensitivity, mood and motivation, so you’re less likely to wish it was lunchtime at only 10 am.

Zinc

Essential for how your body uses insulin and controls appetite (25). A bit of a blessing for blood sugar balance, especially when PMS, perimenopause and that Wednesday slump all gang up on you.