If you're like many women who are thirty-and-forty-something, you've probably noticed that you're gaining weight that stubbornly refuses to take its departure. You're also probably thinking that this extra weight couldn't possibly be due to menopause – after all, you're still experiencing regular periods.
Weight gain in pre-menopausal women is quite normal because menopause actually occurs in three major stages and can take 15 years or longer, depending on your age and family history. The first stage of menopause is known as perimenopause, and symptoms include spotting, hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, irregular periods and weight gain.
Most women will notice weight gain as one of the first symptoms of menopause, especially around the abdomen. This is due to the fact that their hormone levels are declining drastically.
One of the hormones that will have an effect on women as they approach and experience menopause is estrogen, which is the female sex hormone that is responsible for causing monthly ovulation. During your menopausal years, your estrogen levels decline rapidly, causing your body to eventually stop ovulating. This is the hormone that seems to play a big role in menopausal weight gain. When your ovaries produce less estrogen, your body will look for other places from where to get needed estrogen. Fat cells in your body can produce estrogen, so your body works harder to convert calories into fat to increase estrogen levels.
Another hormone responsible for your new body is androgen, which can be blamed for sending your new weight to your middle section. In fact, weight gain during these menopausal years is often referred to as "middle age spread" due to the rapid growth of the mid-section. Often, this is one of the very first signs of menopause.
Women also experience a drop in their testosterone levels during these years. While it's true that testosterone is known as the "male hormone," women have testosterone too, and this hormone helps your body to create lean muscle mass out of the calories that you consume. Since muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells do, with higher testosterone levels you'll have increased metabolism. Because your body is producing less testosterone during menopause you'll notice a loss of muscle, an increase in body fat and a much lower metabolism. Muscle burns more calories than fat does, so the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be. As you know, the lower your metabolism, the slower your body burns calories.
Women can benefit a great deal by committing to a regular exercise routine. It's important to know that weight training plays a very important role in losing the extra weight you've gained. You can keep the weight off by building muscle to help burn calories.
In summary, every woman's hormone levels decline at some point in their lives. Yes, this is going to result in some uncomfortable symptoms, but it's certainly not the end of the world. You can naturally reduce a lot of menopausal symptoms by simply making some lifestyle changes that will help to make you look and feel beautiful and energized.
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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?
What are some good examples of foods I can eat ...
By: Amcneil | 12-03-2008
What are some good examples of foods I can eat-small meals-between healthy breakfasts, lunch & dinners? I am an advanced exerciser who has ALWAYS eaten very healthy, but can't lose 10 lbs. I know I don't eat enough, but I'm not sure what to eat. I've been programmed to not eat snacks and now I need help. Thank you
I am so scared not to be satisfied
By: yamfriesplease | 06-11-2007
I am just so scared to be hungry because for along time I starved myself and I was always hunry but now I am so scared of that feeling. I still feel it but the fear comes to me at night around dinner time, I am so scared that if I dont eat allot that I wont be satisfied. I just dont know what to do. I am ok for the rest of the day by eating small meals but when it comes to dinner I eat so much, most of my calories to be exact. I want my dinner to be small, like my snacks, but maybe alittle bigger. I am sick of eating so much at night and then having regret and feeling sad.
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
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