Hormones and Weight Gain in Menopause: How They're Related

During menopause, women often face a number of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and decreased energy levels. Weight gain is another prevalent concern, often catching women off guard as it can occur both before and during menopause. This unexpected change can feel overwhelming, particularly when it happens despite maintaining the same diet and exercise habits. 

Many women are unaware that this weight gain is deeply influenced by hormonal changes, rather than being solely linked to lifestyle factors. Understanding the intricate relationship between hormones and weight gain is essential for addressing this issue effectively. In this post, we’re going to explore the connection between hormones and weight gain during menopause, examining the link and its impact on your health and well-being.

Why Does Menopausal Weight Gain Happen?

Menopausal weight gain is a common issue that many women experience as they transition through perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. While weight gain can happen for various reasons, hormonal changes are one of the primary contributors. During menopause, oestrogen levels decline significantly, triggering a cascade of metabolic and physiological changes that can lead to an increase in body weight, particularly around the abdominal area. 

These changes can be frustrating and difficult to manage, as they are compounded by other menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Understanding the role of hormones in weight gain can help you navigate this stage of life and find effective ways to manage your health.

The Role of Hormones in Weight Gain

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, fat storage, and muscle mass, all of which can be disrupted during menopause. The decline in oestrogen, the key hormone responsible for regulating many body processes, is at the heart of menopausal weight gain. Oestrogen helps the body maintain a healthy balance of fat and muscle mass, and its reduction can lead to a shift in fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. As oestrogen levels drop, the body’s ability to burn fat efficiently also decreases, leading to weight gain.

In addition to oestrogen, the body’s levels of progesterone and testosterone also fluctuate during menopause, further complicating weight management. Lower levels of progesterone can lead to water retention and bloating, while the decrease in testosterone, which helps preserve muscle mass, can result in a loss of lean muscle tissue. Muscle loss slows the metabolism, making it harder for the body to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. The changes in these hormones can also increase the body’s production of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can promote fat storage, particularly around the belly.

Other Common Menopausal Symptoms

Alongside weight gain, many women experience a range of other symptoms during menopause. These can make weight management even more difficult, as they can contribute to emotional and physical challenges that affect diet, exercise, and overall well-being. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Mood swings

• Sleep disturbances

• Fatigue

• Vaginal dryness

• Reduced libido

• Memory and concentration problems (sometimes called ‘brain fog’)

These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, and while they are normal during menopause, they can disrupt daily life and impact a woman’s ability to manage her weight. 

For example, poor sleep due to hot flashes or night sweats can affect hunger-regulating hormones, leading to overeating or poor food choices. Similarly, mood swings and irritability that can accompany hormonal fluctuations might trigger emotional eating or stress-related behaviours that contribute to weight gain.

Managing Menopausal Weight Gain: What You Can Do

Menopausal weight gain can be managed through diet, exercise, stress reduction, and natural supplements. Start by focusing on a balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods, including fibre, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains, to regulate blood sugar and reduce overeating. Limiting refined sugars and processed foods also helps minimise fat storage. Regular exercise is key, combining aerobic activities like walking or swimming with strength training to preserve muscle mass and boost metabolism.

Stress reduction is equally important - yoga, deep breathing, or meditation can lower cortisol levels, which are linked to fat storage. Natural supplements can also be beneficial during menopause. They help balance hormones, provide essential vitamins and minerals, improve sleep, and reduce other symptoms. We offer a range of these supplements at anatomē to support your overall well-being during this time.

Regain Control of Your Weight During Menopause with anatomē

If you’re looking to regain control of your weight during menopause, our range of natural supplements are designed to help. They support hormonal balance and provide the body with everything it needs during this transformative stage, our supplements combine the best of nature and science to enhance your well-being. Our Women’s Health Collection features carefully crafted options like Menosupport + Renewal, Women’s Daily Wellbeing + Hormonal Support and Reset, Relax + Sleep - all 100% natural, research-backed, and GMO-free to ensure the highest quality for your body and mind.

These supplements are designed to help balance hormones, combat fatigue, support mood stability, and boost energy, empowering you to face each day of menopause with confidence and vitality. 

Take advantage of free UK delivery on all orders over £50. Visit our website to explore our full range of menopausal supplements and take the first step toward feeling your best during this transformative time.