Menopause symptoms aren’t only about mood swings and hot flashes. Whether you’re in perimenopause or full menopause, you can expect to gain some weight. Studies reveal that many women will put on an additional pound each year over the course of menopause.

Most experts believe that the the changing hormone levels that accompany menopause lead to noticeable weight gain. But this is not the only factor that causes a woman to gain weight as she gets older. Lifestyle plays a significant role in the changes that your body experiences. A less active lifestyle and eating too much for your reduced calorie needs are often the culprits. Moreover, the makeup of your body changes as it accumulates more fat and starts to lose muscle, a result of a slower metabolism. Heredity is also a factor in menopausal weight gain.

Drastic weight gain can result in a number of health problems which can worsen the symptoms of menopause. It’s also been shown that women who gain 20 pounds or more following menopause have a 20 percent higher likelihood of developing breast cancer. But women who lose weight throughout this time have a higher chance of avoiding the disease. By dropping 20 pounds, you can reduce your risk for breast cancer by 23 percent.

If you want to avoid putting on weight and maintain your good health throughout this phase of your life, it is recommended that a balanced diet in conjunction with daily exercise should be a priority. Daily exercise can increase your metabolism, thus enabling you to burn more fat. As well, muscle mass can be built up through strength training, which further boosts your metabolism and also builds up your bones.

It’s no secret that a healthy diet is important. However, if you want to maintain your weight as you age, your body will need 200 fewer calories per day, starting in your 40s. Prior to entering perimenopause, it’s important to adopt a nutritious eating plan if you want to avoid gaining weight during full menopause.

We really ought to be accepting of the changes that are bound to occur with our bodies. If you’re hoping to hang on to the body you have now for the rest of your life, don’t hold your breath. We might despise the thought that our bodies won’t be eternally tight and toned, regardless of our efforts. But the best approach is to work at controlling those facets of your health that can be improved.

If you’d prefer to avoid taking prescribed drugs during menopause, there are a number of options for natural menopause help that can get you through this phase of your life. Find out more at Menopause Symptom Relief.