Peri Menopause & Weight Gain

Many women notice that they are having a hard time losing weight when they are in the transitional period leading up to menopause, which is called peri-menopause. In fact, they may be gaining weight, particularly around the mid-section, even though they aren't eating more. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is due in part to hormonal changes. However, it is also affected by lifestyle choices. If a woman doesn't remain active and continues to eat as she did prior to peri-menopause, she is probably going to gain weight.

What Happens

• Peri-menopause can last up to five years for some women. Women may become symptomatic because of hormonal fluctuations. The symptoms can include weight gain, night sweats, hot flashes, irregular menstrual periods, irritability and sleep disorders. Some women will notice a difference in their skin texture and their hair may become thinner during peri-menopause. During this time, women gain on average one pound per year, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  Some of the weight gain is due to a shift in a woman's hormones. Your estrogen levels are dropping and the body knows it so it seeks new sources of estrogen, which are found in fat cells. The body begins to turn calories into fat to maintain estrogen production. The body also tries to maintain muscle mass, which requires even more fat cells. This can result in weight gain. When progesterone levels dip during peri-menopause, the body retains water and a woman may feel and look bloated.

Biofeedback Network

• Our bodies consist of a biofeedback network that involves crosstalk between your hormones and fat cells. Crosstalk means that the hormones and cells communicate. When the hormones are in flux, this can cause a disruption in this crosstalk, which may result in food cravings. The more you eat, the more weight you will gain. As we age, our metabolism slows down and we aren't aren't burning calories as fast as we once did so you can't continue eating as much or you will gain weight.

Redistribution

• You may notice that your weight gain is mainly in your mid-section. This is typical. In fact, your legs, arms and buttocks may get smaller, while your waist and belly expand. Although you may not actually gain any weight, your weight is being redistributed. This may be due to a decrease in testosterone, the male hormone. According to Bodylogicmd.com, levels of testosterone decline during menopause, which lowers your metabolic rate and reduces muscle mass. The lower levels can make a woman gain weight.

Stress

• When you are emotionally or physically stressed, the body produces a hormone called cortisol, which is beneficial in small doses. It makes adrenaline pump faster, allowing you to think more clearly and handle crises better. However, if you are in crisis mode all of the time, high cortisol levels make it impossible for you to lose weight. The body goes into famine mode, interpreting the unrelenting stress as famine. As a result, the body begins hoarding fat cells so you won't starve.

Insulin Resistance

• Some peri-menopausal women become insulin resistant. If you have spent years eating a high-carb, low-fat diet and chowing down on lots of pasta, breads, beer, wine and snacks, this can end up in a condition known as insulin resistance, which means that the body coverts every calorie into fat. When estrogen levels decline in a woman's body, all sorts of issues that she was unaware of before can crop up, such as insulin resistance.

Allergies

• Some women develop food allergies while in peri-menopause. Estrogen has a soothing and masking effect on the digestive tract so when estrogen levels dip, new allergies may surface. In addition, if you are experiencing an out-of-balance immune system along with food sensitivities and allergies, this can make losing weight difficult.

Advice

• The Mayo Clinic advises women who are nearing menopause to consume 200 fewer calories a day because their metabolism is slowing down. Watch your salt intake and exercise more. Don't lose weight too quickly because the body will revolt and conserve energy, which will make the process even more difficult.