Menopause And Your Changing Body Shape

Menopause affects every woman's body differently. In truth, most women don't gain much weight during and after menopause, there is simply a redistribution of weight, much like after a woman has a child. This usually results in a heavier waist and thigh area, making it look as if they have put on several pounds. Most women do, though, gain about ten pounds during this period. This is probably due to hyperthyroidism more than a change in lifestyle. Trying to change this weight gain is both difficult and dangerous at this age. Women tend to want to please those around them, especially their husbands or significant others. If they put forth a body image they would like to see, the women may try extreme measure to oblige. In most cases, the weight a woman will fight to lose will end upcoming right back, and undergoing extreme dieting measures can not only cause severe emotional problems, especially with the already existing menopause induced emotional problems, it can also lead to other health problems. Studies have reported that women whose weight fluctuates frequently more than double their risk of heart disease. 

Most studies suggest that a weight gain of around ten pounds at this point in life is entirely normal. The thinner you are, the more likely you are to experience the more serious symptoms of menopause like extended hot flashes. Conversely, though, too much weight gain can be a problem, but chances are good that it is due to something else. Most studies have shown that women who are either taking too much estrogen or producing too much estrogen tend to have more weight gain. Estrogen, by its very nature, increases fat and fluid retention. The fat can increase the estrogen in your body. The breast tissue tends to build up the extra estrogen and fat, and that increases the risk of breast cancer. If you have gained more than ten pounds and you are currently undergoing estrogen therapy, it might be wise to discuss your concerns with your doctor. You may just need to back off of the estrogen therapy to reduce your weight gain.