Hit Play Not Pause What the Largest Menopause Fitness Survey Reveals About Hormones, Calories, and Fat Loss with Bill Campbell, PhD (Episode 258)
Jan 21, 2026
In this discussion, Dr. Bill Campbell, an exercise scientist and fitness expert, dives deep into groundbreaking findings from the largest menopause fitness survey. He reveals that 55% of fit midlife women are using hormone therapy, challenging common notions. Bill addresses the surprisingly high protein intake among respondents and defines weight-loss resistance during menopause. The conversation highlights how high-intensity interval training effectively targets visceral fat, making it a promising approach for women navigating these changes.
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Higher HRT Use Among Active Women
- Hormone therapy usage in this fitness-engaged sample was far higher than national estimates.
- About 55% of respondents reported estrogen/progesterone use, vastly above reported 4–6% national rates.
Shift From HRT Fear To Acceptance
- Selene described cultural shifts: many women moved from fearing HRT to feeling it's necessary.
- She noted clinicians remain cautious because of long-standing warnings and liability concerns.
Personal HRT Success Story
- Bill described his wife's experience: progesterone improved her symptoms quickly and she felt stronger.
- He found randomized trials showing estrogen supports muscle and bone, which validated their experience.