Menopause and Weight Gain
Many women approaching the menopause will experience a number of symptoms, including vaginal dryness, hot flushes and a lack of sex drive. However another symptom that may arise as a result of the menopause is weight gain. Most commonly occurring around the hips and abdomen, this menopausal symptom for the majority of women is considered to be the least desirable.
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Although the exact factors that contribute to weight gain are not entirely understood, it is known that a decline in oestrogen levels, a loss of muscle tissue and lifestyle factors are part of the cause. Though it can be argued that a slight increase in weight is a natural part of getting older, the truth is excess weight gain (particularly on your lower abdomen) can lead to a number of health complications. These include:
heart disease
high blood pressure
diabetes
high cholesterol
kidney disease
osteoarthritis
stroke
sleep disorder
Oestrogen
As a woman enters the early stages of menopause she will experience hormonal fluctuation, resulting in the decline of oestrogen levels. The loss of oestrogen from the ovaries acts as a catalyst, triggering the body to find the hormone in other places. The natural production of oestrogen is in part produced by fat cells. To increase production of oestrogen therefore, it is believed the body converts calories into fat. The decline of oestrogen can also cause ‘insulin resistance’, causing the body to use starches and glucose less effective...
Source: The Hysterectomy Association - Category: OBGYN Authors: Linda Parkinson-Hardman Tags: menopause hormone replacement therapy oestrogen weight gain Source Type: news
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