GLP-1 medications and HRT can both help with weight loss, but they work very differently.

GLP-1 medications affect insulin production, glucagon release, and gastric emptying time. Because the stomach takes longer to empty, this is often associated with nausea and vomiting, which is part of how people lose weight with GLP-1 medications. GLP-1 medications also require weekly injections, whereas HRT can be delivered as a pill, patch, or cream.

HRT works by replacing the hormones the ovaries can no longer produce as they become more and more inefficient during the menopause transition. HRT helps return the metabolism to more useful functioning and does not typically cause nausea or vomiting as side effects.