A report discusses how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause are often the surprising cause of weight gain and joint pain in women in their forties.
A recent article highlights the common issue faced by women in their forties regarding unexplained weight gain and joint pain, attributing these symptoms largely to hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Many women report that despite maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, they experience a consistent increase in weight, alongside elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, complicating their health situation.
Experts, such as endocrinologist RamunÄ— ValterytÄ— from the Menopause Clinic, explain that the shifts in hormone levels, particularly the decrease in progesterone and estrogen, play a significant role in this phenomenon. Estrogen, a crucial hormone involved in various bodily processes, regulates appetite and satiety, influences mood and cognitive functions, and is instrumental in bone regeneration. The decline in estrogen during perimenopause and menopause can thus lead to increased fat storage and other metabolic changes, which are not merely a result of lifestyle choices.
The information serves as a crucial reminder for women undergoing these life changes to understand that these symptoms are not just a result of aging or personal failure but are rooted in biological changes. This insight may alleviate feelings of frustration and helplessness, encouraging women to seek support and solutions that address the hormonal factors driving their experiences.
