“Many women think weight gain is part of menopause,
but it’s more likely due to ageing
and associated lifestyle changes”.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 the (Scottish) NHS Inform note:

Weight Gain

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

In Looking After Yourself the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health elaborate on:

“Many women think weight gain is part of menopause, but it’s more likely due to ageing and associated lifestyle changes.

Women tend to gain weight as they age, whether they are experiencing menopause or not. On average, women between the ages of 45 and 55 years gain about half a kilo per year.

Ageing causes a decrease in muscle mass, which slows down your metabolism. So, if your diet stays the same, you are likely to gain weight.

Weight gain and increased abdominal (belly) fat is common among women at midlife”.⁴

Endometriosis

Is there an association between endometriosis and menopause?

In Endometriosis Toolkit: A Patient Empowerment Guide the (United States) Society for Women’s Health Research note in Endometriosis and Menopause:

Fibroids

What are fibroids?

DotS the definition of fibroids may vary. In Uterine Fibroids the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov’s definition is:

“Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus (womb). Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Not all women with fibroids have symptoms. Women who do have symptoms often find fibroids hard to live with. Some have pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on your symptoms”.⁶

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

What is the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)?

In Symptoms: The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause the Menopause Society elaborate on:

“The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is defined as a collection of signs and symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency that can involve changes to the lips of the vagina (labia), vaginal opening and vagina, clitoris, bladder, and the short tube through which urine is eliminated from the body (urethra). The syndrome includes genital symptoms of dryness, irritation, and burning; sexual symptoms such as pain with vaginal penetration; and urinary symptoms. These symptoms can range from mildly annoying to debilitating”.⁷

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with some body changes?

If you would like help with some body changes, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

Health Topics A-Z

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Sources

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