Take a moment to consider the way your mother, or even grandmother, dealt with the physiological changes of the peri- and menopausal years. Chances are, it was barely mentioned. Fast forward 30 to 50 years, and we are at a time when more medical professionals and high-profile female journalists are bringing attention to this time in every woman’s life.
With the average Australian woman expected to live until the age of 85, it is certainly time to talk a lot more openly about the effect the menopausal years have on women’s health in general, and the key lifestyle changes to make during these years to help ensure a long, happy and healthier in midlife and beyond. What happens in your 40s and 50s Declining oestrogen levels throughout the peri-menopausal years (10 or so years before menopause, which is marked by the final menstrual period) are largely to blame for the myriad of symptoms frequently experienced by women. These may include sleep disturbance, brain fog, hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, eye dryness and weight gain.
Oestrogen plays a dominant role in regulating body weight, and helps to protect the body from central fat deposition. Once levels of oestrogen start to naturally decline, women become more vulnerable to central weight gain. The loss of muscle mass during this time also makes weight gain more likely.
In addition, many of the physiological changes occurring throughout the menopausal years are “pro-inflammatory”, which means hormones like insul.
