Why Do Women Gain Weight During Menopause?

It’s normal for menopausal women to experience some hormonal weight gain, usually around the belly.  Although not as talked about as other common symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats or joint aches, menopause weight gain is one of the most common symptoms of middle-aged and elderly women, whether they are experiencing perimenopause, menopause or postmenopause.

Some studies have suggested that genetics plays a role in menopause weight gain.  However, it is possible for women nearing menopause to prevent weight gain.  Even if the woman gains weight, there are steps she can take to lose her extra pounds through diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes.

Massive Hormonal Changes

When women hit middle age, their bodies slow down the production of the hormone estrogen.  Menopausal weight gain is caused by this hormonal imbalance.  It is thought that estrogen somehow plays a crucial role in how the body stores fat.  More studies need to be done to determine exactly how estrogen affects body metabolism.

A common misconception is that hormone replacement therapy or HRT causes menopausal weight gain.  Although women can get other negative medical conditions from estrogen replacement therapy, weight gain is not one of them.  Adding estrogen or the ability to balance hormones naturally is thought to help a woman prevent weight gain or lose weight.

The Aging Process

Hormonal imbalance is not the only problem facing a middle-aged woman.  As women age, they tend to get tired easily and are not able to be as active as they once were.  As a consequence, they become more sedentary.  Since they are not burning off more calories they consume, they will gain weight.

Older women also begin losing the lean muscle mass they had as youths.  Their bones also become more brittle and prone to breaking due to estrogen loss.  This combination of weakened muscles and problematic bones can certainly make an aging woman become wary of exercise.

Treatment

Women experiencing hormonal weight gain or other menopause hormonal changes should talk to their doctors or gynecologists about changes in diet and safe exercise options.  Many women prefer to go on a plant based natural hormone replacement regimen rather than use estrogen replacement medications made from pregnant mare urine.

Women should stop smoking and cut back on their exposure to second hand smoke, since tobacco smoke can slow down metabolism and dull the taste buds, making a woman crave foods high in sugars and fats.