Menopause is the permanent cessation of a woman's monthly menstrual period and marks the end of her fertility. It may also mark the beginning of extra, unwelcome fat around the middle. Mayo Clinic doctors say it's not uncommon for a woman to gain abdominal fat after menopause. The accumulation of belly fat during this time of a woman's life can be related to hormonal changes, aging, genetics and lifestyle factors.
Genetic Considerations
Genetics may be at least partially to blame for excess abdominal fat after menopause. Scientists have identified several genes that help predict how many fat cells an individual develops and where in the body they will be stored, according to Harvard Health Publications. A woman may have simply inherited a tendency to gain fat in the midsection.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones can play a major role in the development of post-menopausal belly fat. When a woman enters menopause, estrogen production typically declines, while male hormones, called androgens, tend to increase. Harvard Health Publications reports that this hormonal shift is associated with an increase in abdominal fat after menopause. Some researchers also theorize that plummeting estrogen levels are linked to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol, which encourages the accumulation of belly fat.
According to the National Institute on Aging, a woman in menopause may want to talk to her doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, the long-term use of HRT is not recommended because it may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Sluggish Metabolism
As a woman ages, her metabolism tends to become increasingly lethargic. This can cause a slow but steady rise in body fat. According to the Mayo Clinic, an increase in fat due to a sluggish metabolism is more pronounced in women than in men. Fat may also be more apt to settle in the abdomen after menopause, rather than in the arms, legs and hips.
Sedentary Lifestyle
A woman may become less physically active after menopause. Decreased physical activity may contribute to weight gain in the abdomen and elsewhere, according to the Mayo Clinic. Regular exercise will improve a woman's overall health and fitness by controlling weight. A doctor can suggest the right exercise program to help reduce abdominal fat.
