Diana Hackett
Are There Any Alternatives For Overcoming Menopausal Weight Gain?
Diana Hackett
Do those jeans feel a little tighter than they used to? Are you having trouble squeezing into that little black dress? Hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, and mood swings, all of which are often experienced during menopause, are more than enough for any woman to face. In addition to these distressing symptoms, many women going through menopause also have to deal with weight gain.The vast majority of women will gain some weight during menopause, usually about 12 to 15 pounds. These increases in weight are also often accompanied by changes in body shape and fat distribution. As Dr. Melissa Conrad Stöppler, a U.S. board-certified anatomic pathologist and M.D. explains, “Many women report some degree of weight gain along with menopause. The distribution of body fat may change, with body fat being deposited more in the waist and abdominal area than in the hips and thighs.” A woman’s body will typically become rounder, losing the pear or hour-glass shape seen in younger women.
Because we live in a culture obsessed with thinness, menopausal weight gain can cause women to feel less attractive and lower their self-esteem. More worrisome, however, is the fact that being overweight puts women at increased risk for many serious diseases and conditions, including breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoarthritis. For these reasons, taking steps to address menopausal weight gain is vital.
The characteristic body changes that occur during menopause are primarily caused by hormonal changes. Estrogen decreases are linked with increased body fat, while progesterone decreases are connected to water retention and bloating, which can make women look and feel heavier. Replenishing the body’s supply of these hormones is the best way to address menopausal weight gain. Synthetic hormones are one option. Because of their clearly-documented risks, however, herbal remedies are gaining ground.
If the main menopause symptom you want to address is weight gain, look for remedies that will help restore depleted hormone levels. Natural progesterone supplements and creams formulated with wild yam can increase your body’s supply of this hormone, which can help with bloating and water weight. Phytoestrogens, compounds that are similar to natural estrogen, may also help address weight gain by boosting levels of the hormone in the body. Look for supplements formulated with soy, black cohosh, dong quai, or red clover. Finally, there are herbal remedies that can stimulate the metabolic rate to help facilitate weight loss. Look for products containing gugglesterones, bioperine, and green tea.
If you are experiencing menopausal weight gain, hormone decreases have been linked to increased appetite, which can translate into increased food intake if you’re not careful. If you’re experiencing menopausal weight gain, don’t despair over those few extra pounds. Take full advantage of the natural remedies that can assist you in your efforts to keep the body you love. Finding the right menopausal weight reducing product can be a confusing prospect considering all the different formulations available. A quality menopausal weight reduction product will contain clinically proven ingredients that will not only address the weight control issues but will also be beneficial in reducing other menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, decreased libido while providing comprehensive hormonal balance.
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| Image | Product | Potential to Reduce Hot Flashes & Night Sweats | Potential tp Provide Libido Support | Potential to Promote Hormonal Balance | Potential to Improve Weight Control | Qaulity of Ingredients | More Info | |
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Menoquil |
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Menersa |
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Amberen |
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Macafem |
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Estrothin |
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Estrolean |
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Estrotone |
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Remifemin |
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Promensil |
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Estroven |
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Tips on Making the Transition to Menopause Easily
- Stay fit and healthy by exercising. Not only is it heart healthy; it will maintain your metabolism. Exercise has been linked to reducing signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Weight bearing exercise is extremely important to maintaining healthy bones and is key to preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis.
- Make sure you eat a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are known to improve memory and brain function. Essential fatty acids are found in a variety of fish species. Salmon, halibut, mackerel, sardines, tuna, and herring are a great source of essential fatty acids. You may want to add soy to your diet as it can be helpful in reducing hot flashes and night sweats.
- Increase your intake of fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids. Nuts are a great source of protein and flax seeds have been shown to not only reduce cholesterol but can help balance estrogen levels.
- Restrict caffeine and alcoholic beverages. You should quit smoking as well.
**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our estimation of efficacy.