Menopause isn’t a sudden event; it’s a gradual transition that starts with perimenopause, often beginning in your late 30s to early 40s. This journey is marked by four distinct phases, each with unique hormonal shifts and symptoms:
Lower Progesterone
High and Widely Fluctuating Oestrogen
Lower Oestrogen
Possible Insulin Resistance
Phase 1: Lower Progesterone
The drop in progesterone can bring about breast pain, anxiety, heart palpitations, night sweats, frequent migraines or headaches, and heavy periods.
Phase 2: High and Widely Fluctuating oestrogen
With lower progesterone, oestrogen levels can spike up to three times higher, causing irritability, breast pain, and heavy periods. High oestrogen can also trigger mast cells to release histamine, leading to headaches, anxiety, insomnia, brain fog, hives, and nasal congestion. Interestingly, histamine can stimulate the ovaries to produce more oestrogen, creating a vicious cycle.
Phase 3: Lower oestrogen
When both progesterone and oestrogen are low, it can affect insulin sensitivity, potentially leading to prediabetes or insulin resistance, a major contributor to abdominal weight gain.
The Perimenopausal Transition
The transition through perimenopause typically spans about seven years and includes the following stages:
Very Early Perimenopause: Regular cycles persist.
Early Perimenopause: Irregular periods begin.
Late Perimenopause: First cycle of more than 60 days.
Menopause: One year after your last period.
If menopause occurs before the age of 45 or is induced surgically or medically, you bypass these phases and enter a low oestrogen state directly.
Tackling Weight Gain During Menopause
The hormonal changes during menopause, particularly lower oestrogen levels, can shift your body towards insulin resistance and abdominal weight gain. However, there are strategies to manage weight effectively:
Focus on Gut Health: A diverse gut microbiome is essential, as low oestrogen can alter its diversity.
Reduce Fat and Sugar: Limit intake to improve overall health.
Cut Carbs: Lower carbohydrate intake to manage insulin sensitivity.
Increase Quality Protein: Opt for lean protein sources to support muscle mass.
Incorporate Healthy Fats: Essential fats support hormone production and overall well-being.
Avoid fad diets and drastic calorie cuts, as these can worsen hormonal imbalances. Instead, focus on nourishing your body to not only aid weight loss but also alleviate menopausal symptoms.
By understanding and addressing the hormonal shifts during menopause, you can take control of your health and manage weight gain effectively. Embrace this new chapter with informed choices and a balanced approach to wellness.
If you need further support, book a free 30-minute consultation by clicking the link https://l.bttr.to/7qRnV
Comments