Research provides new insights into menopause and weight gain

Can women in menopause get the benefits of hormone replacement therapy without the risks? A new UCLA study conducted with mice suggests women in menopause may be able to get the benefits of hormone replacement therapy without risks.

Hormone therapy, which gives women additional estrogen, can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and weight gain during and after menopause. However, therapy has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and breast cancer.

UCLA life scientists now report that a gene called reprimo, which is expressed by certain neurons in the brain, may play a role in menopause-related weight gain, a phenomenon not linked to increased eating. Their findings are published in the journal Nature Metabolism.

Correa and her research team show that the reprimo gene is important for regulating temperature. Changes in temperature are known to affect body weight and may contribute to the weight gain often seen in menopause.

This study was supported in part by a UCLA CTSI and Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Health Center/UCLA National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health Pilot Awards.

Read the press release for complete details.

Image source: UCLA

Image caption: Stephanie Correa and Edward van Veen in Correa's UCLA laboratory.