As women age, many experience body changes that can be frustrating and challenging. One of the most common concerns among perimenopausal-post menopausal women is weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area, possibly due to an imbalance in our sensitive thyroid hormones.
Did you know that the thyroid gland in the neck plays a vital role in regulating our metabolism and energy levels? And when it is not functioning correctly, it can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
This blog will explore the causes and effects of thyroid menopausal weight gain and how women can manage this condition and live healthy, happy lives.
First and foremost, it is crucial to understand why menopausal women are particularly vulnerable to thyroid weight gain. As women transition to menopause, their bodies undergo several changes, including decreased estrogen levels. This drop in estrogen can affect the thyroid gland, causing it to produce less of the hormones that regulate metabolism. The two most common metabolic hormones involved by the destabilisation of oestrogen or progesterone are thyroid hormones and insulin.
Additionally, this time of life is often busy with work and child commitments, leading women to experience increased stress levels, which can affect the thyroid and lead to weight gain.
The effects of thyroid menopausal weight gain can be significant. Women who experience this condition may find losing and maintaining a healthy weight more challenging. They may also experience fatigue, sluggishness, fluid retention, bloating symptoms and a general feeling of unwell. These symptoms are the body’s way of communicating that something isn’t quite right.
Each symptom is a warning sign that the body needs more attention or support. In some cases, untreated thyroid menopausal weight gain can lead to more severe health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Fortunately, there are steps women can take to manage thyroid menopausal weight gain and improve their overall health and well-being.
One of the most effective strategies is regular exercise, which, doesn’t mean you should over exercise, as this can cause inflammation. When done correctly, it can help boost metabolism. Women can also make dietary changes.
My ‘Harness Your Hormones” Metabolic Balance Program is a personalised nutrition program tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. It’s designed to optimise the balance of hormones in the body
by increasing your intake of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while reducing your intake of sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats. Eating the right foods can balance our hormones and promote weight loss, improved energy levels, and better overall health. This program considers factors such as age, sex, height, weight, food preference and blood test results to determine the optimal balance of nutrients needed to support healthy hormone levels. By eating the right foods for you in the right amounts, the body can better regulate insulin, cortisol, and other hormones that impact metabolism.
Staying hydrated by drinking the right amount of water throughout the day is also essential.
In addition to these lifestyle changes, women may benefit from medical or natural health interventions. These treatments including full hormonal panel blood testing, herbal and nutritional support can help regulate hormone levels and improve metabolism, leading to weight loss and improved health outcomes.
Thyroid menopausal weight gain can be challenging for women but not impossible. By making lifestyle changes, seeking professional health treatment, and staying committed to a healthy lifestyle, women can take control of their health and live the happy, fulfilling lives they deserve.
Please contact me if you want to know more about my ‘Harness Your Hormones’ Metabolic Balance program, to help you start your wellness journey today.
