Fat cells, or adipose tissue, are present in everyone, and are an essential part of your body's function. Excess fat, however, is potentially harmful. Typically, women experience fat accumulation in their hips, thighs and arms; however, after menopause this adipose distribution may shift, centering in the abdomen. Abdominal fat is cause for concern, according to Mayoclinic.com, as it increases your risk for certain diseases.
Types of Fat
There are many types of fat in your body, although two are most commonly referenced--subcutaneous and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat lies under the skin and can be grasped. Subcutaneous fat is the type of fat women typically experience during their lifetime, as it is seen on thighs, hips, buttocks and arms. Visceral fat cannot be touched, although it can increase your overall size. Visceral fat lies deep in the abdomen, surrounding your organs. According to Harvard Medical School, visceral fat is linked to increased risk of insulin resistance and Type II diabetes.
Causes
Abdominal fat accumulates for several reasons. Consuming too many calories per day leads to increases in fat storage. A slower metabolism and decreases in exercise can also affect your fat stores. Three factors determine where those additional calories are stored. Harvard Medical School states that heredity, hormonal changes and stress can all lead to accumulation of visceral fat. Although stress and heredity can affect you at any time, women often see increases in abdominal fat during during and after menopause.
Menopause
As you age, your reproductive organs produce less reproductive hormones, like estrogen and progesterone. Menopause causes decreases in estrogen and relative increases in androgens, like testosterone. This changing estrogen to androgen ratio is linked to more abdominal fat storage. In addition, drops in estrogen can also lead to higher stress levels; higher stress equates to more cortisol released in your body. Increases in cortisol can also add to your visceral fat storage.
Significance
Visceral fat poses more serious health risks than subcutaneous fat. Abdominal fat is not dormant; according to Mayoclinic.com, adipose cells in the abdomen actively secrete substances into the body. One of these substances is estrogen. Although estrogen is a natural substance, excesses are linked to increased risk of certain types of cancer. Other hormones secreted by adipose cells can contribute to insulin resistance and Type II diabetes.
Measurement
Body mass index, or BMI, testing is used as a standard of health; however, waist circumference is now considered just as, if not more, important for indicating health. To measure your waist circumference, simply use a tape measure around the level of your navel. Talk to your doctor about your BMI and waist circumference to help determine your overall health and potential risk for disease.
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