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Is Weight Gain Common During Menopause?
Question:
I can't seem to lose weight, and I am suffering from the big "M" -- menopause. I am active. I walk daily 2-3 miles. I eat sensibly (lots of salad greens and veggies) and not past 7 p.m. I do eat ice cream and desserts, but not every day. My weight seems to center around my middle. Why can't I lose weight? I have been trying for six months.
Answer:
Unfortunately, weight gain during the menopausal transition is very common. In fact, one study found that women gain an average of 12-15 pounds during this phase of life. In addition, there is a shift in body configuration from pear-shaped to apple-shaped. There is also a 5% decrease in metabolic rate per decade. To add to all of this, bloating is a very common menopausal symptom.
What can you do? Make sure that you rule out the possibility of hypothyroidism, which occurs more frequently amongst women as they age. Also, increase your exercise, and add weight training to your regimen. You might want to read Fight Fat After Forty by Pamela Peeke, MD.
Joan Starker, PhD, MSW, a clinical social worker since 1970, has spent much of her career helping individuals cope with normal life transitions such as midlife and menopause. A member of the North American Menopause Society, she is on the advisory board of the Oregon Menopause Network.
Menopause Guide
VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRPTION ONLY.
INDICATION
Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).
Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).
Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.
The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.
You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.
Ob-Gyn Laura Corio talks about the importance of exercise during menopause.
