Menopause is the natural occurrence when a woman stops getting her monthly period because she stops ovulating. For most women, this occurs during their late 40s to early 50s, though menopause happens earlier than that in a small percentage of women. There is a link between menopause and weight gain, and it is possible that an early menopause is linked to a greater risk of weight gain.
Early Menopause
According to the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health, approximately 1 percent of all women go through menopause before they are 40 years old. There are many different reasons why women experience early menopause. Some women experience early menopause as a result of a surgery to remove their ovaries. This is usually done to prevent ovarian cancer in those who are at very high risk. The Hailes Foundation states that other causes for early menopause include autoimmune conditions and genetic ovarian failure.
Menopause and Weight Gain
Weight gain is common during and after menopause, especially around the abdomen, hips and thighs, according to the Mayo Clinic. They state that the fluctuation of hormone levels is primarily to blame for weight gain around the time of menopause. Another reason the clinic gives is that women around the normal age for menopause tend to exercise less than those who are younger.
Length of Postmenopausal Life
Because regular menopause can cause weight gain for a woman, a woman who goes through menopause early may be even more likely to gain weight. This is because she has a longer time to live after menopause, during which her fluctuating hormones can affect her weight. Her metabolism may slow down and adjust itself to the needs of an older woman, even though she is still young.
Emotions and Weight
The Hailes Foundation explains that in addition to hormonal influences on a woman's weight during menopause, emotions can also affect her body's shape. They explain that premature menopause can cause severe emotional distress to women because they may realize they cannot have children anymore, and they may feel that they are starting to get old. These negative emotions can cause a woman to overeat or eat unhealthy foods and put on extra pounds.
Weight Management
There are strategies that women facing premature menopause can use in order to prevent excess weight gain. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women facing menopause exercise several times per week, especially by doing strength-bearing activities like weight lifting. They also state that if women eat more fruits and vegetables and less fat in their diet, they will avoid gaining too much weight.
