Weight Gain During Menopause - Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that female weight gain can mostly be attributed to sedentary and female hormone levels? Yes, studies show that most women gain more weight between 35 and 55 years of age because of menopause and natural aging.

Menopause happens when the female ovaries stop producing estrogen, thus stopping menstruation and ovulation altogether. Since metabolism slows down and the body's muscles get smaller when this happens, it only makes sense that weight gain comes with the territory. That aside, menopause also comes with other symptoms, including a loss of libido, hair loss and vaginal atrophy. This is why a lot of menopausal women lose their self-esteem and self-confidence during this stage. Fortunately, however, weight gain can be solved.

Weight Gain During Menopause

During menopause, women usually gain a minimum of 15 pounds around their abdomen and in their butts, hips, and thighs; and, as you get older, this weight gain will just keep increasing. Plus, if you have to go through early menopause because of a major operation, then you should expect even faster weight gain than normal. Due to these size and weight changes, a lot of women are beginning to dread menopause altogether.

The minute you enter the early menopausal stages, you will already have a hard time maintaining your weight due to the hormone fluctuations. These changes in estrogen, androgen, and testosterone will greatly affect your fat storage, appetite and metabolism, so it would be highly recommended to limit your food intake and to exercise on a regular basis from then on out. You should also be more aware of when menopause is almost upon you, so you can get ready for it beforehand.

The Causes Of Weight Gain During Menopause

First of all, a lack of estrogen can result in extra weight gain because it changes certain bodily functions and significantly influences the body's fat distribution. This is why you need to understand fat distribution and estrogen very well.

Secondly, your metabolism will slow down as you get older, so it would be best to reduce your energy intake during menopause. What you need to do is prepare a balanced diet that mostly consists of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Unfortunately, women also become more sedentary during this stage and an inactive lifestyle will definitely result in weight gain, as well. However, if you experience muscle pain and cannot do basic exercises on a regular basis, you can try taking mineral and vitamin supplements to boost your energy levels instead. A lot of natural supplements such as Amberen in today's market can actually help you battle menopausal symptoms, in general, and help keep weight gain at bay.

Another potentially huge factor in weight gain during menopause would be hormone replacement therapy. Although this form of therapy can help boost your hormone levels, it can also contribute to your weight gain.

If you suffer from emotional problems like depression, then overeating out of frustration or emotional eating can also contribute to excessive weight gain. What you need to do is talk to people that you love and stay active as much as possible in order to fight back.