As you approach menopause, it is not unusual to gain weight, especially around your mid-section. Probably have not changed your eating habits or activity level, but the weight continues to accumulate, even if you are still experiencing regular periods. Most women begin to notice this added weight while they are in their 30s or '40s, and are frustrated by the fact that weight is not quite so easy to miss because it was a few years earlier.
The weight you're now noticing is perfectly normal and is the result of declining hormone levels as you approach menopause (perimenopause). As your estrogen levels decline, your body will naturally look for other places where to get the estrogen they need. Unfortunately for us women, fat cells can produce estrogen, therefore, your body works extra hard to convert your consumed calories into fat.
Not only your estrogen levels are declining, but the levels of testosterone in your body are also declining. Testosterone is a hormone needed to convert your calories to lean muscle mass, then your testosterone levels decline, the result will mean a loss of muscle. If you no longer need muscle mass to burn calories you are consuming food that will lead to fat accumulation.
Fortunately, if you have the determination to lose the extra weight you're carrying around now, you will do so successfully. The only obstacle between you and a successful weight loss would be a lack of determination and discipline on your part, I doubt sincerely that this is the case due to the fact that you found this article because you are obviously looking for solutions.
Now that you understand the havoc your hormones are capable of wreaking, you now have a clearer picture of what you need to do to lose weight you've gained because of the hormone levels declined. You see, simply cutting calories is no longer enough to reduce or eliminate the weight you've gained about your mid-section. The muscle plays a crucial role in weight loss, so it is essential to build muscle to get your calories from the body burn around the clock.
I'm not suggesting anything extreme, but I'm getting into a regular exercise program that includes cardiovascular workouts, as well as weight training at least three days a week will result in a much leaner body.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward having a body that is healthy, beautiful, lean and toned.