Revealing the Realities of Menopause

Menopause, an inevitable phase of a woman's life, often clouded by misconceptions and mysteries. Have you heard the common myths? Does menopause always strike at 50? Does it automatically lead to weight gain? Does it kill your sex drive?

I'm here to debunk these myths and provide you with the latest insights on menopause. This journey can be confusing and stressful, leaving you wondering who to trust and where to find accurate information.

As a dedicated and board-certified OB GYN, I'm on a mission to empower you with the most up-to-date and reliable information about your health, whether you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond. Did you know that over 6,000 women enter menopause every day? You are not alone in this journey.

What is Menopause?

Before we dive into the intriguing questions surrounding menopause, let's define it. Menopause is a phase in a woman's life when her menstrual cycles cease for 12 consecutive months. In other words, it marks the transition from a reproductive state to a non-reproductive one. But, it's not an abrupt change; it's preceded by perimenopause, a period lasting 4-12 years, characterized by irregular cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. The average age for menopause in the United States is around 51-52 years.

Clearing Up the Weight Gain Myth

One of the most persistent myths is that menopause leads to weight gain. Let's clarify this issue. While it's true that the average weight gain during the menopausal transition is approximately 5 pounds, scientific evidence doesn't attribute this solely to menopause or menopause-related treatments, like hormone therapy (HT). Aging and lifestyle play a significant role. As we age, we accumulate body fat, lose muscle mass, and adopt a more sedentary lifestyle, all of which contribute to weight gain.

However, menopause can influence body composition and fat distribution. Research indicates that during this transition, fat tends to accumulate in the abdominal region, particularly as visceral fat. This shift, known as the trunk-mass-to-leg-fat-mass ratio, can lead to health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.

But here's the good news: you can combat these changes!

Tips for a Healthy Menopausal Journey

Prioritize Your Sleep: Sleep deprivation is associated with weight gain, affecting hunger hormones like leptin and ghrelin. Lack of sleep leads to increased hunger and appetite. Research involving 68,000 women found that those who slept less than 7 hours gained more weight.

Embrace Resistance Training: While cardio workouts burn calories, resistance exercises (like weight lifting) are a game-changer for perimenopausal and menopausal women. They help build lean muscle, sculpt your body, and boost your metabolism. Lean muscle burns more calories than fat, increasing your basal metabolic rate.

Stay posted as we explore more menopausal myths, and join us for upcoming blogs, events, and the eagerly awaited membership launch as we navigate the waters of the menopausal transition.

Join me tonight, September 7th on Instagram Live as I discuss the exciting upcoming launch of my new membership program! Get insights, ask questions, and be part of this special event. Make sure to follow me on Instagram so you don't miss out! @amazingover40

Save it on your calendar!

We'll explore how to shift our financial health and get into the right mindset for success. Please note that this event is by invitation only. If you'd like to join the guest list and receive all the event details, please click here to sign up. 

- In health and happiness