Weight Gain During Menopause
Weight Gain
Weight gain is a phenomenon that is closely related to sedentary lifestyle, eating habits and aging. Menopause has always been a major factor in weight gain in middle age women and these extra pounds at midlife can bring with them increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. In June 2009, The Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine published the results of a study which revealed that American women gain at least a pound in a year between their mid 40s and 50s, the period that coincides with the years just before menopause called ‘perimenopause’ and after menopause.
The increase in weight gain during this period is directly related to the drop in the production of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone hormones and an increase in the androgen hormone.
A decline in estrogen levels within ovaries causes the body to search for estrogen in other parts of the body. Fat cells produce estrogen, thus the body works harder to increase estrogen levels by converting calories into fat. However, weight gain is then caused as the fat cells can’t burn calories as easily as muscle cells.
Reducing progesterone levels are linked to water retention and although not an actual gain in weight the bloated feeling and the fact of clothes feeling tighter gives a feeling of weight gain.
When testosterone levels drop there is a decrease in a woman’s metabolism – fewer calories are transformed into muscle mass with the lack of testosterone. This hormone is usually involved in creating lean muscle out of consumed calories.
As a woman approaches menopause the androgen hormone increases. This hormone deals with sending new weight to the mid-section instead of the hips as with the normal distribution of weight. This new placement of weight again give rise to weight gain during menopause.
It is quite common for men and women alike turn down their level of physical activity as they grow older – kids leave home as they go to college, get married or move to their own houses and parents can become more sedentary. Such changes in the life of a woman at this stage of life could also lead to stress, anxiety or even depression which can result in excess food consumption and weight gain. The best way to combat excess weight gain is through a few simple lifestyle changes. Diet – make sure a regular balanced diet of fresh and natural food is part of your everyday life. Remain hydrated, and reduce alcohol and tobacco consumption if necessary and make regular exercise part of your weekly routine. Get plenty of sleep – the recommended 7-8 hours per night. As a method of balancing hormone levels it is thought that a unique device from the UK – Now available in the USA – called LadyCare can help to restore your natural hormone balance. For more information see http://www.ladycareusa.com.
The comments on this page are for informational purposes only. We do not provide any medical advice. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problem, or replace professional advice from a qualified medical expert.
