Many women who were thin all their lives – and thought those who were overweight lacked discipline – receive a rude awakening when menopause hits. Suddenly, they are packing on pounds even though they have not changed their dietary or exercise habits.
What is the cause of this weight gain? Menopause changes metabolism, and almost overnight, related effects occur.
If you are dealing with weight gain and other menopausal metabolic side effects, do not despair. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help restore metabolism and make you feel like yourself once more. If you want to know more about how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help, speak with a knowledgeable gynecologist today.
So why does menopause cause so many women to dramatically gain weight? Menopause causes metabolism to slow, but the loss of estrogen in the brain actually causes women to become hungrier. Menopausal weight gain is especially noticeable in the abdomen.
Older women lose muscle mass, which in turns affects their resting metabolism, the energy needed allowing the body to perform its basic functions – everything necessary to keep a person alive. A woman needs more physical activity to shed pounds than before menopause.
Some women develop metabolic syndrome as they enter menopause, primarily due to lack of estrogen. Metabolic menopausal syndrome includes:
Women with metabolic syndrome are at higher risk of heart disease and stroke. These diseases are the major cause of death for postmenopausal females. Weight gain increases the risk of breast cancer.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy benefits lipids, reversing the cholesterol and triglyceride elevation found in those with metabolic menopausal syndrome or women whose lipids have risen but not to the point considered part of the syndrome.
It also helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The natural estrogens help control weight, especially around the abdomen.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy treats other common menopausal issues, such as:
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy occurs in conjunction with a custom-tailored diet and exercise plan designed to help patients lose weight and keep it off. The goal is always optimum health.
If you would like to know more about how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help with menopausal symptoms and metabolic issues, call Dr. Edward Jacobson today and arrange a consultation.