Surgical menopause, also known as induced menopause, occurs when the ovaries are surgically removed before natural menopause. This causes an abrupt drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can lead to menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep problems.
Weight gain is also a common symptom after surgical menopause. There are several reasons for this:
- Decreased estrogen slows down metabolism and causes more fat storage around the abdomen. Loss of estrogen changes body fat distribution.
- Loss of ovarian function means reduced testosterone. Testosterone helps increase lean muscle mass, which burns more calories. Lower testosterone makes it harder to maintain muscle.
- Insulin resistance may increase on low estrogen, making weight gain around the middle more likely.
- Stress and sleep deprivation from surgical menopause symptoms can increase cortisol, which can also drive abdominal weight gain.
Some studies suggest that women gain an average of 5-15 pounds in the first year after surgical menopause. The wide range is due to differences in diet, activity level, genetics, etc.
Tips to manage weight after surgical menopause:
- Track calories to avoid overeating - a small daily surplus ads up over time
- Choose complex carbs - they release energy more slowly
- Increase protein intake - helps maintain lean muscle mass
- Strength train 2-3 times per week - builds/preserves calorie-burning muscle
- Get enough sleep - reduces cortisol and insulin resistance
- Ask your doctor about hormone therapy - estrogen and testosterone supplements help stabilize hormone levels, which can assist with weight management
Optimal Hormone Wellness Center specializes in hormone therapy programs for women going through
surgical and
natural menopause. Our personalized programs can help you:
- Reduce menopause symptoms like hot flashes
- Regain energy and improve sleep
- Boost metabolism and make weight management easier
- Restore libido and sexual function
- Improve mood, focus and memory
- Prevent bone loss and heart disease risk
We offer both
bioidentical hormone options as well as
FDA-approved therapies. Schedule a consultation today to learn which treatment plan is right for you!
In summary,
weight gain is very common after surgical menopause due to abrupt hormone changes. Making dietary changes, exercising, getting enough sleep, and working with your doctor to manage hormones can help promote weight loss or prevent excess gain. Reach out to our knowledgeable
Optimal Hormone Wellness Center team to discuss how we can help you through this transition!
