It's unfortunate, but most women don't realize how crucial a role regular fitness and exercise is to reducing many symptoms associated with perimenopause. As women approach menopause they begin to gain weight, especially around their mid-section. This abdominal weight is quite common and the result of declining hormone levels, which may cause the metabolism to slow down significantly.
Most women will notice a significant amount of fat deposition around the area of their mid-section or abdomen. You'll especially want to avoid or eliminate this added weight due to the fact that this type of fat plays a significant role in contributing to heart disease, the number one killer of middle-aged and older women. You may not think that losing your added weight is possible, but it is; this weight gain can be eliminated quite easily by simply getting into a regular exercise routine. Fitness and regular activity are the keys to decreasing weight and avoiding many conditions associated with aging. If you're willing to commit to a regular exercise routine – one that includes weight bearing exercises – you will change the muscle-to-fat ratio, enabling you to increase your metabolic rate and burn calories, even at rest.
In addition to weight gain, if you're in your thirties or beyond, you're also beginning to lose bone mass at a rate of approximately 1% per year. This rate will increase to 2%-3% per year after menopause. Many studies have proven that exercise can increase a woman's bone density, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis and the incidence of falls and bone fractures associated with osteoporosis. As you may know, osteoporosis goes undetected in many women until bone fractures occur; if, however, you take preventative measures, such as getting into a regular fitness routine, you can indeed reduce this risk.
Exercising regularly can also be beneficial in reducing the occurrence of hot flashes, a common symptom women experience as they approach menopause. Hot flashes have been known to contribute to impaired sleep patterns and a decreased energy level. If you're not getting enough sleep and are feeling sluggish, it's quite likely that this may affect your overall mood, which has the potential to negatively impact both personal and professional relationships. Estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to decrease these symptoms, but many women prefer to seek natural alternatives; obviously, exercise has proven to be a very viable alternative for a great number of women.
In summary, making fitness and exercise a priority will benefit most women who are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, and the positive results – both physical and emotional – are well worth the extra time you'll spend once you begin and continue a regular exercise routine. I know it's easier to make excuses to not exercise, but you love your family and yourself; therefore, take just a little extra time to ensure that you feel good, look good and have loads of energy to participate in all of life's offerings.
Related Articles
Perimenopause - A New Beginning
By: Susan Megge | 22/10/2006 | Careers
Perimenopause, the transitional period before menopause, can bring with it many symptoms, challenges and changes for women.
Perimenopause Symptoms - 10 Common Symptoms Of Perimenopause
By: Olinda Rola | 09/06/2006 | Careers
Perimenopause symptoms are most often experienced by women in their late 30's, 40's or early 50's. The perimenopause symptoms such as fluctuating menstrual cycles can signal the slowing down of reproductive capabilities.
Menopause And Your Diet
By: Susan Megge | 03/10/2006 | Careers
It seems like just yesterday that you were planning a tropical vacation or preparing for a high school reunion.
Menopause and Natural Alternatives
By: Mitamins Team | 22/01/2007 | Health
The Menopause signals a new phase of life for women and presents a great opportunity to give your diet and lifestyle re-think and make sure you are looking after yourself.
Perimenopause Symptoms - The Transition
By: Susan Megge | 12/10/2006 | Careers
Until you reached this stage in your life, there's a high probability that you'd never even heard of perimenopause.
Surgical Menopause
By: Susan Megge | 15/10/2006 | Careers
If you're facing menopause as a result of a surgical procedure, you're not alone. As a matter of fact, approximately 36,000 women under the age of 45 undergo total hysterectomies each year, causing them to enter into "surgical menopause.
Relieving Menopause Symptoms Through Diet
By: Dawn M. Olsen | 28/11/2007 | Women's Health
Here’s a four letter word I’ll bet you haven’t heard in the last ten minutes! Now, hold on just a minute. Before you stop reading or let your mind wander into the pits, let me tell you what this hated four letter word is. It’s the word DIET, and it’s a word that no one, particularly women, like hearing … especially at this time of year.
Perimenopause Signs and Symptoms
By: Alexander Holt | 18/03/2008 | Women's Health
Perimenopause is a process that begins several years before menopause, when the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. This is a gradual transition, a puberty in reverse, that can take between a year and 10 years, but averages about 4 years.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Mixing Hormones & Menopause Vitamins
By: jeb58 | 29-04-2008
Is it safe to take hormones (prescribed by my doctor for HRT) and vitamins with natural ingredients (i.e., herbs, etc.) specifically for menopause symptoms?
My daughter gets extreme anxiety due to hormone ...
By: tinaz | 10-02-2008
my daughter gets extreme anxiety due to hormone changes she is only 13,its very frightening for her.has anyone had experience with such a young person having anxiety like that?
What should i take food or oil or any thing which ...
By: surekha | 16-10-2007
what should i take food or oil or any thing which taken from home please advice me
Thyromine and Armour Thyroid
By: Jaime | 14-10-2007
Hi. I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I am taking Armour thyroid. My hair is still falling. Would Thyromine help me?? Can I take thyromine on top of Armour Thyroid?Thanks
Is it possible for the thyroid to start making the ...
By: freckles | 10-10-2007
is it possible for the thyroid to start making the correct amount of hormone if so how
Q&A Powered by:
More from Susan Megge
Weight Affects Self Esteem, Health And Contributes To Discrimination
By: Susan Megge | 18/01/2007 | Women's Issues
The recent Rosie vs. Donald "War of Words" has people across the nation taking sides. Donald's harsh words regarding Rosie's weight have many people outraged - and rightfully so. Unfortunately, it seems as though discriminating against those women who are considered "fat" has become the norm and is quite often...
Perimenopause And Phantom Periods
By: Susan Megge | 12/01/2007 | Women's Issues
If you've experienced symptoms exactly like those that may occur when you're expecting your period, but no period is present or ever arrives, it's most likely that you're having a "phantom" period.
Phantom periods are described as a period minus the menses. In other words, you may feel irritable, bloated, fatigued,...
Your Body Is Precious - Make It A Priority
By: Susan Megge | 05/01/2007 | Women's Issues
If you were told that you could earn one million dollars simply by spending an hour each day working on a farm, would you do it? Let's say you were offered free tickets - the best in the house - for your favorite artist, and a subsequent visit with that...
Women And Weight Gain
By: Susan Megge | 26/12/2006 | Health
Most women can't compete with the images we see all around us - from sexy, beautiful young models on magazine covers to gorgeous, hot middle aged housewives who call themselves desperate. This leads many of us to believe that these women have tools available to them that the rest of...
Women's Weight Loss Strategies That Work
By: Susan Megge | 06/12/2006 | Careers
If you're like the majority of women, especially those approaching menopause, there's a good chance that you're not satisfied with your weight and you have a strong desire to shed some pounds.
The Fear Of Humiliation And Weight Loss - Is There A Link?
By: Susan Megge | 01/12/2006 | Advice
Recently Kirstie Alley appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, proudly strutting her stuff in nothing more than a lacy bikini.
Strength Training Benefits Women
By: Susan Megge | 14/11/2006 | Careers
If you're a woman considering the possibility of exercising regularly, you may be wondering which type of fitness program is the most effective. I highly suggest that you give some serious thought to weight training.
Lose Menopause Weight Gain
By: Susan Megge | 11/11/2006 | Careers
As you approach menopause, it's not unusual to gain weight, especially around your mid-section. You have likely not changed your eating habits or level of activity, but the weight continues to accumulate, even if you're still experiencing regular periods.
Careers 
