Jump to: What is endometriosis? | What is Mounjaro? | Why take Mounjaro if you have endometriosis? | Take home message
You can take Mounjaro (tirzepatide) if you have endometriosis and you have a higher BMI. However, the relationship between weight and endometriosis is complex and unique compared to many other conditions.
Research shows an interesting ‘paradox’: women with endometriosis tend to have lower BMIs, with studies suggesting a 33% reduction in endometriosis risk for each 5 kg/m² increase in BMI.
Many hormonal factors, such as lower estrogen production and leptin levels in lean women, may contribute to this apparent paradox.
It’s only quoted as a paradox in a world where obesity and having a higher body fat percentage is viewed through the lens of only being harmful.
However, not all chronic health conditions can be attributed to higher body fat, and in some scenarios, more body fat can be protective, as is the case with endometriosis.
Still, for those living with both endometriosis and a higher BMI, weight loss might still offer benefits by reducing inflammation and helping to manage symptoms.
No studies have directly investigated how Mounjaro affects endometriosis symptoms. The potential benefits are based on our understanding of how weight loss and improved metabolic health (such as lower blood sugar levels) might help manage the condition.
If you take Mounjaro with endometriosis, it’s recommended that you:
- Work closely with your healthcare team
- Continue any prescribed endometriosis treatments
- Monitor your symptoms carefully
- Make gradual lifestyle changes
- Maintain a diet based primarily on whole foods rich in protein and vegetables
On Second Nature, our nutritionists and dietitians understand the complex relationship between weight and chronic health conditions and can help you develop sustainable habits that support your overall health.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, typically affecting reproductive organs and surrounding areas in the pelvis.
This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, leading to inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Fertility challenges
The condition affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, with symptoms varying significantly between individuals.
The weight ‘paradox’ in endometriosis
Research shows an inverse relationship between body weight and endometriosis risk, unlike many chronic conditions. Women with endometriosis tend to have lower BMIs and are less frequently affected by obesity.
Many hormonal factors may contribute to this apparent paradox, such as lower estrogen production and leptin levels in lean women.
The hormonal balance observed in lean women may provide a more favourable environment for developing endometriosis than in women with a higher body fat percentage.
However, this doesn’t mean that weight loss wouldn’t benefit someone living with both conditions. The mechanisms linking weight and endometriosis are complex and need to be fully understood.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a dual-action weight-loss injection. It supports weight loss by mimicking two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, that communicate with the brain’s appetite control centre, the hypothalamus, to lower hunger and food-seeking behaviour.
By lowering hunger and our desire to eat, Mounjaro helps us eat fewer calories to achieve a calorie deficit.
A calorie deficit occurs when we consume fewer calories than our body needs to fuel its essential functions, such as digestion, blood flow, and brain function.
By creating a calorie deficit, our bodies will ‘burn’ the excess fat stored for energy, and we’ll lose weight.
Mounjaro also slows down the rate at which we digest food so that our stomach and gut send signals to the brain to signal the feeling of fullness.
So, Mounjaro supports weight loss by making us feel less hungry through two mechanisms:
- Communicating with the brain’s appetite control centre
- Slowing the rate that food is digested
Research shows that Mounjaro leads to an average weight loss of around 26% after one year.
Why take Mounjaro if you have endometriosis?
For individuals living with both endometriosis and obesity, Mounjaro might offer several potential benefits:
Anti-inflammatory effects: Weight loss can help reduce overall inflammation in the body. Since endometriosis is an inflammatory condition, reducing inflammation through weight loss might help manage symptoms.
Metabolic health: Mounjaro improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic health, which may help regulate hormones that can influence endometriosis symptoms.
Reduced mechanical stress: Losing weight can decrease physical pressure on pelvic organs, potentially helping to manage discomfort and pain.
Quality of life: Weight loss might make it easier to stay physically active, which some research suggests could help manage endometriosis symptoms.
However, it’s crucial to understand that:
- Weight loss isn’t a primary treatment for endometriosis
- Continue any prescribed endometriosis medications
- Work with your healthcare team to monitor both conditions
- Make lifestyle changes gradually
Take home message
While the relationship between weight and endometriosis is complex, Mounjaro could benefit those living with both endometriosis and a higher BMI through its effects on inflammation and metabolic health.
Success depends on working closely with your healthcare team to monitor both your endometriosis symptoms and your response to the medication.
Remember that managing endometriosis requires a comprehensive approach, including proper medical treatment, stress management, and appropriate physical activity.
Second Nature’s medication programme
Second Nature currently provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
Why should you choose Second Nature over other medication providers if you’ve decided to try Mounjaro (assuming you’re eligible)?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programmes focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.
Please note: We generally recommend speaking with your GP/doctor before you start taking any new medication like Mounjaro. If you do sign up for Second Nature's Mounjaro programme, then we'll also send your GP a letter to let them know you've started a medication-supported weight-loss journey.
