“Weight gain and increased belly fat are common in midlife,
but they’re more likely due to age
and lifestyle than menopause itself”.¹

Umbrella

What may the Menopause Body Changes Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

Perimenopause

During perimenopause what changes may women experience?

In Symptoms the Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) explain:

“As women go through the menopause transition, they commonly experience signs and symptoms related to menopause. Hot flashes are often the most recognized and reported bothersome symptom. Other common symptoms and changes include vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Most menopause symptoms will improve after menopause, even without treatment or intervention. Many factors affect how much distress these symptoms cause, and women must decide for themselves whether the symptoms are bothersome enough to seek treatment”.²

Postmenopause

Postmenopause, what changes may women experience?

In Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): After the Menopause – Postmenopause Health the (Scottish) NHS Inform note:

Weight Gain

Is there an association between weight gain and menopause or aging?

In Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause: Benefits of A Healthy Weight At Menopause the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health elaborate on:

“Weight gain and increased belly fat are common in midlife, but they’re more likely due to age and lifestyle than menopause itself.

Women tend to gain weight as they age, whether they’re experiencing menopause or not. On average, women between the ages of 45 and 55 gain about half a kilogram per year”.⁴

Endometriosis After Menopause

Postmenopause does endometriosis magically disappear?

In Endometriosis and Menopausal Health: An EMAS Clinical Guide: 1. Introduction, published November 2025, the authors quote the statistic:

The authors of Endometriosis and Menopausal Health: An EMAS Clinical Guide: 1. Introduction also elaborate on: