How do you stop hormonal weight gain during menopause?

Menopause can trigger changes in hormone levels that make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. As estrogen levels decline, it can cause fat storage to shift towards the abdomen. Lower estrogen can also slow metabolism and decrease muscle mass. Along with aging, these changes contribute to midlife weight gain if preventative steps are not taken.
Fortunately, there are effective strategies to counteract hormone-related weight gain during this transition. Key steps include:

Balance Blood Sugar Levels

Fluctuating blood sugar causes fat storage and hunger signals. Eat small, frequent meals with protein, fiber and healthy fats to stabilize levels.

Choose complex carbs like whole grains that digest slowly over refined carbs.

Supplements that support healthy blood sugar like berberine, cinnamon and alpha lipoic acid can also help.

Support Metabolism and Muscle Mass

Engage in strength training and cardio to preserve and build metabolically active muscle mass. As little as 2 sessions per week can make a difference.

Ensure adequate protein intake - aim for 0.5-1 gram per pound of body weight daily. Whey protein supplements can help meet needs.

Take metabolism-enhancing supplements like green tea extract, chromium, probiotics and DHEA.

Address Estrogen Imbalances

Estrogen plays an intricate regulatory role related to body fat distribution and appetite.
- Bioidentical progesterone cream can oppose estrogen's unwanted effects.
- Herbs like maca and black cohosh also gently balance female hormones.

Have hormone testing done to identify any deficiencies or excesses contributing to weight gain. Custom compounded BHRT may help normalize levels.

Reduce Inflammation and Cortisol

High cortisol and inflammation disrupt hormonal pathways, promoting visceral fat accumulation.

Choose anti-inflammatory foods and spices like fatty fish, ginger, turmeric, leafy greens, berries and tart cherry.

Adaptogenic herbs ashwagandha and rhodiola counteract excess cortisol activity.

Relaxation practices like yoga, deep breathing and meditation can decrease inflammatory stress pathways.

At Balance Hormone Clinic, we specialize in precision testing and personalized plans for healthy hormonal balance. Our compassionate practitioners collaborate with patients to address the unique nutritional, lifestyle and hormonal factors influencing your weight goals.

With an integrative approach that combines state-of-the-art lab testing with proven naturopathic therapies, Balance Hormone Clinic guides women through midlife transitions for optimal wellbeing.

We offer cutting edge solutions including: