Weight Gain And Menopause-why Is It Happening?

In addition to the other symptoms of menopause, you've probably also experienced the weight gain.  In this article I'm going to discuss the reasons why. If you've heard that weight gain naturally occurs with age, I'll let you know it's just not true!   Hormones and weight gain are directly related.   It's a good idea  to know the "why"  before you deal with the " how" (to lose weight during menopause).

Don't Stress Out! In addition to the every day daily stresses of life, a woman going through menopause also suffers the stress of the many changes to her body.  Stress hormones increase the level of cortisol (from the adrenal gland).  Cortisol directs calories to the abdomen, also known as belly fat!  Insomnia, also common during menopause, puts additional stress on your body.  Again, this will also raise the levels of cortisol.

The Big E As estrogen levels decrease, the body compensates by producing more fat cells.  Why?  Fat cells manufacture estrogen.  Your body is now telling itself to make more fat in order to make up for decreasing estrogen levels!    A decrease in estrogen also increases your appetite for the very same reason.  This makes it even more difficult to lose weight during menopause.

Androgen-What's that? The most well known androgen is testosterone.  Testosterone helps your muscles produce more calories to burn than fat cells. This raises your metabolism, making it easier to burn calories.  The decrease in testosterone during menopause slows your metabolism making it harder to lose weight. Also related to this is that during menopause your body does not metabolize "carbs " as well.  This leads to fat storage and high blood sugar levels.  Excess blood sugar is linked to weight gain.

Progesterone-Good News and Bad News A decrease in progesterone does not lead to weight gain.  However, lower levels of this hormone causes water retention. So now you're bloated!  Although its not "fat", the bloating makes you look heavier and clothes fit tight. Lower progesterone levels also lead to blood sugar fluctuations.  The result is increased appetite and slower metabolism.

These are the most important reasons for the weight gained during menopause. The decrease in these "key" hormones is what  makes it difficult to lose weight during menopause. The good news is that with the right combination of diet and exercise you can reverse the weight gain.  So now that you know the reasons, let's do something about it!.   For more information, please visit my website menopauseweightgainsite.com

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