In an unexpected twist, the rise of online weight-loss drug providers is driving renewed interest in an older, once-stigmatized treatment: hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As more women seek solutions for menopause-related symptoms, including weight gain, online healthcare platforms are stepping in to fill the gap.
Why the change?
As we’ve previously discussed, regulators declared that popular weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound are no longer in short supply. As a result, consumers who have relied on less expensive, compounded versions — often obtained through telehealth services or medical spas — will need to find other options.
As reported in Stat,
In the last two years, hundreds of businesses have cropped up to meet the surge in demand for the obesity and diabetes medications known as GLP-1s. The majority prescribe compounded copies of the drugs — a tenuous business strategy as shortages of the branded versions of the medications have come to an end.
Now, some businesses are setting their sights on another opportunity in compounding: hormones.
This leaves consumers potentially having to shell out the big bucks for the branded versions, and telehealth companies finding another cash cow.
As explained in a recent SELF article,
In theory, the FDA’s removal of GLP-1s from its shortage list should mean any patient who needs the brand-name drugs will be able to get them. But it’s more complicated than that. While the compounded options that have been filling the gap aren’t FDA-approved (a red flag), they have been available at much lower prices — making their imminent illegality a potential access issue.
Why this matters
Many women struggling with menopause symptoms find themselves facing a shortage of specialized healthcare providers. Turning to the internet for solutions, they are increasingly discovering comprehensive telemedicine platforms that offer not only GLP-1 weight-loss drugs but also HRT. While this growing market provides convenient access to treatments, it also raises concerns about patient care quality, the safety of compounded medications, and the evolving nature of doctor-patient relationships.
A booming market
The global HRT market was valued at nearly $21 billion in 2022 and is projected to surpass $35 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. This rapid growth reflects increasing awareness and acceptance of menopause treatments that were previously difficult to obtain. The demand is also fueled by a broader consumer interest in health and wellness, along with the rising popularity of GLP-1 medications for weight management.
Beth Mosier, a director in West Monroe’s healthcare M&A group, notes that the expansion of GLP-1 offerings has created a natural pathway for integrating HRT. “It coincides with increased consumer demand for more holistic health solutions,” she says.
Major players enter the space
The weight-loss and wellness industry is quickly adapting to this trend. Earlier this month, Noom announced its entry into the HRT market, joining platforms like Midi, which already offer both GLP-1s and HRT. Additionally, Hims & Hers is expanding its services to include care for perimenopause and menopause.
Women between the ages of 40 and 60 represent a key customer base for Noom, making HRT a strategic addition to their GLP-1 offerings. Noom CEO Geoff Cook says:
As menopause approaches, metabolic shifts occur, altering how the body processes sugars and fat, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and weight gain.
A 2023 Mayo Clinic study published in Menopause found that using HRT alongside GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy resulted in approximately 30% greater total body weight loss than GLP-1s alone. Other studies have echoed these findings, reinforcing the synergy between the two treatments.
The growing role of telehealth
For years, high-end medical aesthetic and wellness clinics have combined GLP-1 and HRT treatments to optimize weight management and overall health. Now, telehealth providers are embracing this model, offering convenient and often more affordable access to these therapies.
Mosier says,
They’re realizing they can address not just weight concerns but also muscle mass, sleep, and quality of life… Telemedicine is catching up to what high-end clinics have been doing for years.
The risks of direct-to-consumer care
Despite the benefits, the surge in direct-to-consumer HRT services comes with risks. Unlike traditional in-person care, online platforms shift more responsibility onto patients, particularly when compounded medications are involved.
Dr. Robert Kauffman, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Texas Tech University, acknowledges the positive shift in attitudes toward HRT but raises concerns about the quality of care. He says:
Most of us who specialize in menopausal medicine are pleased that more women are open to hormone therapy… But are these services encouraging women to bypass in-person exams, where critical health information can be uncovered?
The financial incentives driving companies into this space also raise red flags. “There’s a huge profit motive,” Dr. Kauffman warns. “How often are these doctors following up with their patients?”
The bottom line
The intersection of weight-loss treatments and menopause care is creating new opportunities for both patients and healthcare providers. As telehealth platforms expand their offerings, they provide unprecedented access to treatments that were once difficult to obtain.
As with any rapidly growing market, caution is warranted. Women considering these services should weigh the convenience of telemedicine against the benefits of traditional in-person care, ensuring they receive comprehensive and safe treatment.
Your responses and feedback are welcome!
Source: “As GLP-1 compounding stares down a wall, telehealth companies pivot to hormones,” STAT, 3/11/25
Source: “Online GLP-1 sales fuel hormone replacement therapy,” Axios, 3/11/25
Source: “Access to Compounded GLP-1s Is Drying Up. Here’s What to Know About the Copycat Weight-Loss Drugs.,” SELF, 3/13/25
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