Early Menopause and Weight Gain

In early menopause, many women will experience some weight gain. Some weight gain will occur when; as we age our metabolism slows down with the result of some weight gain. There are two basic causes of weight gain in early menopause and both are very treatable.

Symptoms of Early Menopause

Some of the symptoms of early menopause include the proverbial hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. These are among the most common reasons a woman will seek treatment. Other symptoms include food cravings including sweets and salty foods. Some women will experience cravings for carbohydrates. Weight gain can also occur.

Causes of Early Menopause Weight Gain

Food cravings whether they are for salt and salty foods, fatty foods, and carbohydrates can result in over-eating. This is a classic cause of weight gain - eating more calories than your body burns. Essentially, a reduced activity level and overeating equals weight gain.
Weight gain can also be attributed to hormonal changes as you enter into early menopause.

Hormonal changes may also contribute to the body's retention of water. Water retention may be attributable to health conditions in the kidneys and adrenal glands. It could also result from circulatory system including the heart. A medical examination is necessary to rule out any health conditions that might be at the root of water retention.

In early menopause weight gain is relatively harmless. As we age body systems tend to slow down. The kidneys may become "tired" leading to weakened kidneys. Symptoms such as urine leakage (incontinence) may result. Hormone Replacement Therapy-HRT may also contribute to water retention and serious health conditions could result. In this case doctors will likely recommend that HRT be stopped.

Sodium- salt and salty foods cause the body to retain water. Sodium draws water from cells to reduce 'thirst. This will likely cause some weight gain. This is also a treatable condition.

Treatments

Pharmaceutical treatments including diuretics (water pills) are often used. They can be prescribed or over the counter. The problem with diuretics is that their use can seriously reduce potassium levels. This can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis.

Herbal treatments include single herbs such as dandelion that can reduce swelling in the legs and can be used long term with no ill effects. Don Quai may with extended use relieve bloating and the growth of bacteria. Vitamins including B vitamins and minerals such as zinc and magnesium are also used to treat menopausal symptoms including weight gain.

Herbal supplements are an increasingly popular choice for women due to the fact that they are safer and have far fewer side effects if any. The best herbal supplements will have been rigorously tested including examining the metabolic route of the ingredients at the molecular level and the examination of the ingredients' interactions. Only standardized herbal extracts are used and they are made to meet pharmaceutical grade standards. This helps to guarantee consistent quality and dosing in each capsule. Nothing should be added to your health regimen without checking with your doctor. Some herbs can affect the performance of prescription drugs that you may be taking for other health conditions.

Eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and learning meditation and relaxation techniques can help to prevent or reduce weight gain. Yoga is a popular choice for many women. If you are not used to exercising start slow maybe 5 minutes a day and build up to a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise.

Conclusion

Weight gain can of concern at any time including early menopause. This can be the result of hormone changes, over-eating, or water retention. A physical examination by your doctor can help to determine the cause including any possible health conditions that might be contributing to early menopause weight gain. A healthy diet and exercise will help to reduce weight that has already been gained and prevent future gains.