Menopause is the phase of life a woman enters when she has not had a period for one year. Perimenopause is the time of life that comes just before menopause, when the time between periods is growing longer and less predictable. Both phases involve hormonal shifts, which can affect the body in various ways. Weight gain is common during perimenopause and menopause alike.
Weight gain can increase the body’s risk of diabetes and heart disease, so controlling weight gain is very important. Understanding how menopause and perimenopause affect weight gain, and knowing what you can do to avoid such weight gain, can help you take care of yourself while these hormonal changes are taking place. Here’s what you need to know. The good news is that balancing the hormones with atural estrogen replacement weight loss treatments can help control your weight. With that, let’s look at some different Natural Estrogen for Weight Loss.
How Do Perimenopause and Menopause Cause Sudden Weight Gain?
Perimenopause and menopause cause weight gain in a few ways. First, estrogen levels dip when perimenopause begins. Levels stay low throughout menopause. This hormone shift can cause fat to build up in the abdominal area, and can also cause an overall increase in body fat generally. A drop in estrogen levels can also lead to poor quality sleep, thus slowing the metabolism and contributing to weight problems.
Finally, it’s also at this time in a woman’s life when they may have overall less energy, and may become less active. This too leads to an increase in body fat.
Hormonal Weight Gain Symptoms
Hormone weight gain usually occurs in the abdominal area, and may occur even if a woman’s behaviors and routines have stayed the same. At the same time, the woman may experience a variety of other symptoms that also indicate she is experiencing a hormone shift.
- Irregular menstruation.
- Difficulty sleeping or difficulty sleeping well.
- Irritability.
- Dry scalp and hair loss.
- Anxiety or moodiness.
- Vaginal dryness.
- Pain during intercourse.
How Long Does Menopause Weight Gain Last?
Perimenopause can start any age beginning in the mid-thirties and into the mid-forties. For some women, perimenopause can last as long as 10 years. Weight gain associated with menopause can be permanent unless you make significant lifestyle changes or address your hormonal changes. That is why many women are looking for Natural Estrogen for Weight Loss.
What to Know About Natural Estrogen Replacement Weight Loss
Natural estrogen replacement is one of the many things that a woman can do to minimize the effects of menopause and perimenopause. Hormone replacement therapy can bring a woman’s estrogen levels closer to what they used to be, which in turn can reduce risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Hormone replacement therapy must be overseen by an experienced doctor to ensure that the hormones are delivered to a good candidate and the levels are appropriate for the patient. Some at-risk groups, like women who have had certain types of cancer, may not be a good candidate for this type of therapy. Working with a doctor ensures that the therapy is done safely.
How Else to Lose Weight During Menopause?
While hormone therapy is one of the most effective ways to prevent perimenopause and menopause weight gain in stomach, there are other things that women can do to control their weight at this time in their life, including:
- Get more sleep.
- Increase activity or stay active.
- Eat well.
Another way to increase levels of estrogen in the body is to eat more foods rich in phytoestrogen, like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, berries and peaches. Phytoestrogen is a plant-made chemical that is similar to the estrogen produced by the body. Eating phytoestrogens can help control symptoms of menopause.
Work With a Medical Professional
Weight gain during menopause is more than a nuisance, it can be risky. By increasing the chances of heart disease and diabetes, weight gain can put a woman’s health at risk for years to come.
How long does menopause weight gain last? Weight gained during menopause and perimenopause can stay on for a long time, so preventing its gain in the first place is always the best option.
If you’re a woman who is entering the part of your life when you’re more likely to gain weight because of hormone changes, this is an optimal time to consider hormone replacement therapy. BHRT is a reliable, effective way to control weight gain and reduce symptoms of menopause. We encourage you to become a “losing weight after menopause” success stories. To make an appointment for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, get started with Nava Health and Vitality Center today.
Contact Nava Health and Vitality Center About Bioidentical Hormones and Weight Loss
Hormones and weight gain after 40 can go through rapid changes. The best HRT for menopause and natural aging should be administered by someone who is experienced in the medical field and who understands the body’s hormones. Call Nava Health and Vitality Center today or make an online appointment.