Women Experiencing Severe Menopause Symptoms: Understanding the Factors Influencing Intense Struggles

Women Experiencing Severe Menopause Symptoms: Understanding the Factors Influencing Intense Struggles

Loosening the Belt on Menopause

defined as carrying extra pounds, particularly body fat, can lead to a slew of complications...., especially when it comes to menopause. And it's not just the number on the scale causing trouble, but the extra fat itself.

On the more serious side, obesity increases the risk for certain cancers - and while cancer rates in general have been decreasing, obesity-related cancers are on the rise.

Obesity can also cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to a poor immune system response and slow recovery after surgery.

When it comes to menopause specifically, obesity can make an already tricky phase even tougher. A five-year study involving 119 patients found that being obese (defined as a BMI greater than or equal to 30) can worsen menopause symptoms and even limit the amount of relief from hormone therapy (HT)[1].

Compared to women without obesity, those with a BMI of 30 or greater were significantly more likely to report menopause-related symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats (74% vs 45%), vaginal dryness (60% vs 21%), and urinary tract infections (60% vs 21%)[1].

Additionally, women with obesity were more likely to experience mood disturbances and decreased libido[1].

Dr. Anita Pershad of Eastern Virginia Medical School, who led the study, reports that women with obesity were less likely to feel symptom relief after using menopausal hormone therapy compared with women without obesity[1]. However, Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, speculates that doctors may not be prescribing adequate doses of hormone therapy for women with obesity due to concerns about cardiovascular risk factors[1].

In some cases, being obese can alter the effects of drugs used to treat common conditions[2]. In the past, we've seen how obesity can affect diabetes medications, rendering some ineffective or even dangerous[2]. This could be significant, as more than 40% of women over the age of 40 are classified as obese according to the CDC[2].

There are things women can do to help reduce their menopausal symptoms, however, that have nothing to do with hormone therapy. A diet heavy in fruits and vegetables and low in meat, dairy, processed foods, caffeine, and salty foods can help control symptoms like hot flashes. And get this... A 2022 study found that a low-fat, vegan diet that included half a cup of soybeans daily was virtually as effective as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at controlling hot flashes[3][4].

Embarking on a strict weight loss diet during menopause could be tough, so weight loss surgery may be the better option for some[4]. A study found that the metabolic benefits from weight loss surgery may outweigh natural weight loss, including a 40 percent reduction in the risk of death and heart complications in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity[4].

Of course, many are jumping on the Ozempic bandwagon, but just do your research first. The Ozempic plateau and potential rebound weight gain are important to be aware of[5].

Editor's note: Boost your energy, lose weight, and improve your overall health by focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins[6].

References:

1. Menopausal Women With Obesity Endure Worse Symptoms, Less HT Relief - Medpage Today
2. Obese women have worse menopause symptoms nd get less relief from hormone therapy - Eureka Alert
3. Obesity is a killer in nonsmoking women - Science Daily
4. Study shows certain foods reduce hot flashes associated with menopause by 88% - Eureka Alert
5. Ozempic Side Effects and Risks - Mayo Clinic
6. Want to Lose Weight? Avoid These Common Mistakes - Harvard Health Publishing

Enrichment Data:

Obesity can significantly impact both the symptoms and treatment of menopause in women. Here's a breakdown of how obesity affects menopause:

Impact on Symptoms

1. Increased Severity of Symptoms: Obesity is associated with more severe menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, fatigue, and joint pain[1]. The increased body fat can exacerbate vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes.
2. Sleep Disturbances: Obesity can contribute to sleep disturbances, which are already common during menopause due to hot flashes and other symptoms[3].
3. Psychological Well-being: Obesity can negatively affect psychological well-being, potentially leading to increased anxiety and depression, which are common during menopause[3].

Impact on Treatment and Management

1. Weight Loss Benefits: Losing weight can help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is crucial for symptom management[1][3].
2. Hormone Therapy Considerations: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) does not cause weight gain and can help reduce abdominal fat, which is beneficial for women with obesity[1].
3. Lifestyle Interventions: Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are essential for managing weight and improving overall health during menopause[1][2].

• Science suggests that obesity contributes to chronic inflammation, which may affect the immune system's response and recovery process, particularly during health-and-wellness issues such as menopause.
• Women experiencing menopause with obesity (BMI of 30 or greater) are more likely to report severe menopause-related symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, mood disturbances, and decreased libido.
• Besides hormone therapy, adopting a healthy Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help control menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, as supported by recent studies on health-and-wellness and womens-health.

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