Weight Watchers for Menopause is not covered by insurance (but Registered Dietitians usually are covered by insurance if you decide to add-on). Additionally, in WeightWatchers Clinic for Menopause—if your clinician determines that you qualify for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also known as menopause hormone therapy (MHT) and you are prescribed it, most insurance plans will cover it.

Weight Watchers for Menopause is specially designed to support women through the menopause transition. While no one is turned away from the program, WeightWatchers for Menopause is likely best for women 35 and older. If you are not in perimenopause, menopause or postmenopause, our other WeightWatchers programs—like our #1 doctor-recommended Points® program*—may be a better fit for your life stage.

*Based on a 2023 survey by Cerner Enviza of 500 doctors who recommend weight-loss programs to patients.

The first step for anyone wondering about MHT is to talk to their healthcare provider (or set up a visit with a provider at Weight Watchers Clinic). Your doctor will be able to go through the pros and cons of the medication and help you determine if MHT is a good option for your symptoms.
They will consider things like what symptoms you’re experiencing, how severe they are, and how long you’ve been experiencing them.
There are some people who may be advised not to start MHT, such as those whose last period was more than 10 years ago. Your healthcare provider will help you figure out if you’re a good candidate.

The main symptoms MHT improves are vasomotor symptoms, which includes hot flashes and night sweats. The medication helps your estrogen stay at a more constant level, which can reduce these symptoms’ severity and frequency.

MHT can also help with vaginal dryness and discomfort. While not approved specifically for these purposes, MHT can also counter other side effects of menopause, like increased belly fat and reduced bone density.

Some people on MHT don’t experience any side effects, but others may. The most common include headaches, stomach cramps and bloating, vomiting or upset stomach, and diarrhea. There is the smaller possibility for more serious side effects, including allergic reactions, so make sure to talk to your doctor about all potential side effects and what to look out for.


Weight Watchers has always supported women through every stage of life, including menopause. As science has evolved to show the impact hormones can have on weight, we also evolved to expand our offerings and make sure we continue to offer strategies and solutions for all of our members. Prescription medications like MHT fit into our holistic program, working side-by-side with features like community support and access to medical experts.

Yes, all MHT prescribed by Weight Watchers Clinic clinicians are FDA-approved, meaning they have gone through extensive safety and efficacy clinical trials.

We offer many forms of MHT to ensure you can find one that is right for you. This includes estradiol tablets that are taken orally as well as estradiol patches, gel, and spray that are applied to the skin. We also have oral progesterone tablets and combination tablets that contain both estradiol and progesterone. For localized therapy, we offer vaginal estradiol creams and tablets. Your provider will be able to explain the differences between these offerings and recommend the appropriate treatment plan for your symptoms.

While some people can avoid it, the average woman will gain weight throughout their 40s and 50s, especially in the form of visceral fat around the abdomen. This is due to many factors: having a slower metabolism brought on by less muscle mass, moving less than you used to, and, you guessed it, changing hormones. Lower levels of estrogen shift your body from distributing fat evenly all over to mostly storing it in your abdomen. The result: An average five to seven pound weight gain during the menopause transition.

The type of weight that many women gain during menopause is visceral fat, which is in the abdomen area. This type of fat is often harder to lose with traditional approaches to weight loss, like nutrition and lifestyle changes. While not a weight-loss medication, MHT can help reduce visceral fat and, when combined with GLP-1s (for those who medically qualify), can result in more weight loss than GLP-1s alone.

As soon as you notice menopause symptoms, it’s a good time to talk to your provider about all of your treatment options, including MHT. There is no benefit to waiting.

Many women benefit from staying on MHT until their symptoms improve, which varies from person to person. Regularly checking in with your doctor and going over how you feel will ensure you only take MHT for as long as necessary.

Yes, you can still join Weight Watchers for Menopause if you’re taking other medications. When you meet with your WeightWatchers Clinic clinician, make sure to discuss all of the medications and supplements you’re currently taking.

You have the option to attend WeightWatchers workshops in person, but you might also enjoy menopause-focused virtual workshops led by menopause-trained Coaches. In these virtual workshops, you’ll discover expert nutritional advice for your specific stage of menopause, strength training classes, real talk about symptoms, and more.