['Menopause is linked to an increase in fat mass and a decrease in lean mass exceeding age-related changes, possibly related to reduced output of ovarian steroids. In this study we examined the effect of combined postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the total and regional distribution of fat and lean body mass.', "Sixteen healthy postmenopausal women (age: 55 +/- 3 years) were studied in a placebo-controlled, crossover study and were randomized to 17beta estradiol plus cyclic norethisterone acetate (HRT) or placebo in two 12-week periods separated by a 3-month washout. Total and regional body composition was measured by DXA at baseline and in the 10th treatment week in both periods. Changes were compared by a paired Student's t test.", 'The change in body weight during HRT was equal to the change during placebo (-24.6 g vs. -164 g, p = 0.42), but relative fat mass was significantly reduced (-0.5% vs. +1.24%, p < 0.01). During HRT, compared with during placebo, lean body mass increased (+347 g vs. -996 g, p < 0.01) and total fat mass decreased (-400 g vs. +836 g, p = 0.06). Total bone mineral content increased (+28.9 g vs. -4.4 g, p = 0.04) and abdominal fat decreased (-185 g vs. +253 g, p = 0.04) during HRT compared with placebo.'] Are obesity and sarcopenia after menopause reversed by sex hormone replacement therapy?