Menopause and Big Waistline. Stress or Hormones?

By Dr. Neli Stoyanova

Menopause and big waistline. Is it only about hormones? Sure, it is but NOT ONLY. Remember the big waistline and stress connection? Let us see its role during menopause.

Constant stress at work, crazy traffic, endless chores at home, taking care of elderly parents or a daughter getting ready for prom night. Sounds familiar?

Every time I hear people talking about hormone decline during menopause like it was the end of the world, I am thinking about all the other stress factors in boomer women’s lives. Baby boomer women are facing a lot of challenges. Ever heard of the "sandwich" generation - it’s us.

I am one of those baby boomers that refuse to take hormone replacement therapy and try to fight stress by all natural, reasonable and affordable means that are available. There are many studies that show that the stress hormone cortisol in women is much higher when exposed to chronic stress than in men. I can hear you saying "I knew it".

That's right- women experience much higher level of stress and you know what this means. If you don't control the stress, it becomes a sort of distress for the body, fat will be deposited around the waistline and you start avoiding all the mirrors.

What is the usual excuse for menopause and big waistline (big belly)? "It is my hormones" No, my friend- it is your stress and the way you deal with it.

Exposure to high levels of stress hormones can lead to a big waistline (abdominal obesity) which is a major risk factor of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

I personally believe (as a physician and a baby boomer going through menopause) that this period of life is a natural one and does not need to be treated as a disease.

Yes, menopause can make you gain weight (especially around the waist) but this is mainly linked to the amount of stress you are going through in your live. What needs to be addressed is how to deal with the additional stress related to menopause.

I am convinced that reducing stress and staying fit, and physically active is the key to sailing smoothly through menopause. There are many ways to keep this period of hormonal transition as tolerable as possible.

Copyright Dr. Neli Stoyanova

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