Scared of the menopot? Learn more about menopause and hormonal weight gain

Get a group of women together who are dealing with perimenopause or menopausal changes, and extra pounds and the menopot or menobelly is sure to come up. Is hormonal weight gain inevitable for women in menopause, or are there ways you can look and feel better? The physicians at Athens ObGyn can help you find answers.

How do hormones cause menopausal weight issues?

Starting in your 40s, you may begin to notice signs that you are in the perimenopausal years. As your body transitions to the end of menstruation, your estrogen and progesterone levels start to decrease. As the hormone levels lessen, your metabolism slows. This leads to a decreased muscle mass. One of the areas of a woman’s body that losses muscle mass first is the abdomen, leading to the infamous menobelly, or an accumulation of extra fat around your midsection.

Do sleep issues contribute to weight gain?

Sleep problems are common during the years before, during and after menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats and other issues can cause a serious lack of sleep. When you don’t get enough quality sleep hours, you tend to be more sedentary and consume more calories, which can lead to hormonal weight gain. Hormone therapy can help alleviate your menopause symptoms, helping you get better sleep and become more active.

How can you stop weight gain during menopause?

Here are some steps you can take to manage hormonal weight gain during the menopause years.

• You need fewer calories when you get older, so cut your calorie intake by approximately 200 calories per day. You can also avoid highly processed food, opting instead for fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. It also helps to pay attention to your sugar intake.
• Add 150 to 200 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, such as swimming, biking or brisk walking, to your week.
• Discover some active hobbies, such as yoga, tai chi or gardening.
• Add strength training to your routine a couple of times each week. This helps build metabolism-boosting muscle tissue.

The physicians at Athens ObGyn can help you deal with hormonal weight gain

Our ObGyns can help you with menopause management. We have years of experience dealing with perimenopausal and menopausal hormones. Getting your hormones checked is another good option for dealing with hormonal weight gain. The dreaded menopot is not inevitable. Contact us for an appointment.