What are the symptoms of menopause? Hot flashes, mood swings, and trouble sleeping are all classic symptoms of menopause. Another nuisance that most women deal with is stubborn and persistent weight gain. Studies show that 90% of women experience weight gain between the ages of 35 and 55 during perimenopause and menopause, when certain hormone levels decline. For most women perimenopausal weight gain is gradual, averaging about a pound a year. It is caused by hormone fluctuations and imbalances that directly impact appetite, fat storage, and metabolism.
During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels drop. When normal estrogen production decreases, the body searches for another source in an effort to maintain efficiency, finding it in fat cells. In order to increase estrogen production, your body begins to convert more calories into fat resulting in unwanted weight gain. While progesterone does not directly impact fat storage, lower levels can cause water retention and bloating making clothes tighter, and you more uncomfortable.
Another hormone that decreases during menopause is testosterone which aids in building and maintaining muscle mass. Muscle tissue works to burn calories in your body resulting in a higher metabolism. When testosterone levels drop, your body’s muscle mass can decrease which then lowers your metabolism. Again, the result is menopause and weight gain.
While healthy choices and exercise are critical to weight loss, balancing your hormones after the imbalance of perimenopause and menopause is vital to your success in maintaining a healthier weight. When hormones get out of balance, your body does not function properly and you go through menopause and weight gain.
One way to restore your body’s balance is through Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). BHRT is an individualized treatment that safely and reliably restores hormone balance. Contact us to learn more about safe and effective hormone therapies to help with menopausal weight gain.
