Estrogen supplements can improve the effectiveness of strength training in menopausal women

When menopause comes, many women consider starting hormone therapy, which includes the sex hormone estrogen

Hormonal therapy has pros and cons, but research from Aarhus University shows that hormonal therapy has a particular advantage when it comes to strength training and maintaining muscle mass: Women who take estrogen patches have faster

Significant difference

A total of 31 healthy early menopausal women participated in the 12-week trial, and they had not previously participated in strength training

The group that received the extra estrogen grew significantly more muscle growth — the muscle cross-sectional area increased by 7.

When taking into account estrogen therapy in the early stages of menopause, the results of the study added a plus point

Women experience more loss of muscle mass and strength around menopause, which may be related

"Studies have shown that estrogen is an important hormone

Exercise is beneficial – anyway

The increase in body fat-free body mass was not due to the estrogen group losing the most weight – rather

The placebo group reduced their total fat mass — including fat on the thighs and between organs — while the estrogen group didn't

The researchers emphasize that exercise during menopause is important regardless of whether hormone therapy is chosen or not:

"Although women who did not receive additional estrogen therapy had less increased muscle mass, there was still a positive trend

"Whether you take estrogen supplements or not, physical exercise has a positive effect on most lifestyle-related illnesses and gives you more energy to stay physically active until old age

The researchers behind this study are currently applying for funding for a collaborative study with the University of Copenhagen in which they will monitor a group of women who