Patient's question:
In the past year or so, stepping into menopause hasn't made me feel much different, but my weight has increased by several pounds. My waist has become noticeably thicker. Which woman wouldn't want to maintain a slim figure and light steps? At this stage, being "slim" is quite distressing. Is menopausal weight gain a disease?Doctor's answer:
Menopause and estrogen levels are related. Estrogen added to a woman's body will force the body to metabolize and excrete excess cholesterol. As women enter menopause, their ovarian function gradually declines, and estrogen levels rise significantly. Without enough estrogen to support lipid metabolism, weight gain occurs. Cholesterol and triglycerides gradually decrease, especially increasing most rapidly in the two years after menopause.