How To Effectively Use Menopause And Slow Metabolism

With advancing age, all of use come to the end of our reproductive period. This event, otherwise known as menopause, occurs much earlier in women than men. Not only is it a physical change, but is also associated with psychological and emotional changes as well. The rate at which these changes occur varies from one individual to another based on their biological makeup. Slowing down of metabolism has been reported as one of the changes that occur during menopause. We will explore the relationship between menopause and slow metabolism and whether or not there are any adjustments that can be done.

It has been shown through studies that one third of women in the ages of 50 to 59 have excess body weight. Apart from the usual causes of weight gain such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, these women are at risk because of postmenopausal changes in hormonal levels. The levels of estrogen and other hormones reduce greatly as one starts undergoing menopause.

The hormone estrogen is a key player in the reproductive cycle of women. Also important is its role in weight control. Animal experiments have shown that when the hormone is reduced or its source eliminated, physical activity is greatly reduced. Most of the food that is eaten is diverted from energy production to storage and this leads to weight gain.

Apart from making the animals more active, the hormone appears to be directly involved in controlled the metabolic rate. Its levels in circulation appear to be directly proportional to the metabolic rate. In postmenopausal women the levels of the hormone are reduced and this effect is likely to apply to them as well. Additionally, women in whom estrogen has been administered as part of hormone replacement therapy, have seen a marked increase in the level of metabolism.

Estrogen hormone affects body fat distribution. In young people, body fat is mainly distributed around the thighs and buttocks which is often a desirable effect. In the menopausal group, however, this fat is mainly distributed around the abdominal region. The fat is also known as visceral fat and is said to be a great risk factor for both hypertension and heart disease.

Age is the other major contributor to weight gain in both men and women. Fewer adults take part in physical activities which are useful in weight loss and prevention of weight gain. It has been shown in some studies that up to 60% of adults are affected. The number rises with advancing age.

Another age related factor is the loss of muscle mass in the aging population. Ordinarily, the food that we consume is converted to activity energy that is required for muscular movement. A reduction in the mass of these muscles also causes a proportion reduction in the energy that is required. All the surplus is converted to fat and stored within the body causing weight gain.

Excessive weight gain is a common problem in women around the period of menopause. Apart from a change in hormone levels, the problem is also due to advancing age. If you are affected, some of the options that you may consider include hormone therapy, dietary modification and engaging in physical exercise. Talk to your doctor for more individualized treatment.

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