Menopause brings changes to the body that can affect body shape. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and after menopause, fat storage patterns tend to shift. Many women notice an increase in belly fat and a more apple-shaped silhouette, even if they maintain the same weight. Other common body changes during and after menopause include:
Weight Gain and Fat Distribution
- Loss of estrogen during menopause triggers fat storage in the abdomen, hips, and thighs instead of the hips and thighs. This leads to a thicker waistline and an apple body shape in some women.
- On average, women gain about 5 pounds during menopause. Some gain more and others stay the same weight. Genetics, diet, exercise, and lifestyle impact weight changes.
Muscle Loss
- Lower estrogen correlates with a gradual loss of muscle mass. Less muscle and more fat lead to a heavier appearance.
- Lack of physical activity can accelerate muscle loss. Keeping active helps maintain and build muscle.
Bone Loss
- Osteoporosis becomes more common after menopause as declining estrogen speeds up bone loss. Over time, this can cause a slightly collapsed posture and loss of height.
- Stooped posture can give the appearance of added stomach pooch. Good posture emphasizes the spine's natural curves.
Sagging Skin
- Collagen and elastin fibers lose strength over time. With less supporting skin tissues, areas like the abdomen can appear loose or saggy.
- Building muscle gives shape and lifts sagging areas.
Cellulite
- Higher estrogen levels during childhood, puberty and pregnancy give women more fat storage capacity. After menopause, fat cells remain, but often with less fullness. Partly empty fat cells grouped together form cellulite.
The hormone changes of
menopause reduce collagen production, muscle mass, and bone density, while altering body fat distribution. These changes contribute to common body shape complaints like a thicker waist, looser skin, sagging, and cellulite.
Genetics, lifestyle choices, and health conditions also impact how bodies age and transform over time.
While menopause marks the end of fertility, women today spend over one-third of their lives postmenopausal. Supporting health and self-care during midlife makes a difference in how our bodies look, feel and function into our later decades.
At Renew Hormone Institute, we offer personalized care including hormone therapy, lifestyle coaching and community support programs to help women thrive through menopause and beyond. Our goal is to give every woman the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about her health during midlife and menopause. We welcome you to () to learn more about our *services. Together, we'll create a plan to help you feel healthy, vibrant and confident - at every age!
