Menopause for women is often described via the symptoms of hot flashes and mood swings. One common worry is that going through menopause will lead to weight gain. Bloating and fluid retention during this time can also occur, increasing the effects of increased weight. A number of treatments are available on the market to help women manage the effects of menopause including hormone replacement therapy and alternative treatments such as soy. Yet all of these treatments have risks, making lifestyle changes your most effective strategy in preventing weight gain.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is typically described as a long period of time when women are nearing the end of menstruation. True menopause, however, begins at the point when you have stopped having menstrual periods for one year. The years leading up to the end of menstruation is called perimenopause and you may experience symptoms during this time. In addition to hot flashes and mood swings, common symptoms include sleep difficulty, irregular periods, urinary problems, vaginal dryness and problems with memory.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is common during menopause and the preceding years, particularly in the abdominal area. Hormonal changes are often the culprit for weight gain around the middle, but there are other factors at play. The aging process reduces your muscle mass, which increases your body's fat and slows your ability to burn calories. In addition, you may become less physically active and turn to food for comfort if you are having a challenging time with this period in your life. The combination of these factors, along with a genetic predisposition for abdominal fat, can contribute to the number on the scale rising.
MRT Effects
Bloating is usually associated with menstrual periods, but it can also be a side effect of menopause replacement therapy, or MRT. MRT, also known as hormone replacement therapy, uses estrogen and progestin medications to manage menopause symptoms. These drugs cause several side effects connected to the abdominal area including bloating, stomach cramps, fluid retention, upset stomach and weight changes. MRT is controversial because it increases your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer, so discuss this method of treatment with your physician.
Lifestyle Choices
Research shows that gaining weight during menopause isn't a guarantee, especially if you make healthy lifestyle choices beforehand. A December 2003 study in "Annals of Behavioral Medicine" found that women who participated in a healthy eating plan and exercised regularly remained at the same weight or lost weight. They also had reduced waist size. You may need to cut 200 calories from your daily consumption to maintain your current weight during menopause, according to MayoClinic.com. Making exercise a priority supports weight loss, stress management and strengthening your muscles.
References
- Office on Women's Health: Menopause and Menopause Treatments Frequently Asked Questions
- MayoClinic.com: Menopause Weight Gain: Stop the Middle-age Spread
- National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus: Estrogen and Progestin (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
- PubMed.gov: Lifestyle Intervention Can Prevent Weight Gain During Menopause: Results From a 5-year Randomized Clinical Trial
