Reviewed by Dr. Chad Gilliam, M.M.S, PA-C
Reading time: five minutes
Menopause is a natural transition in a women’s reproductive life, marking the end of their menstrual cycle. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. During this stage, the ovaries stop producing eggs, and estrogen levels decline, leading to various physical symptoms.
Menopause can be a pivotal time for women when it comes to disordered eating. As researchers* have noted, “What puberty is for eating disorders in adolescence and young age is menopausal transition for midlife women.“
In this blog, we will discuss the connection between menopause and eating disorders, a side effect that is often overlooked but can significantly impact women’s mental and physical health during this transition. We will also explore how hormone therapy and other interventions can help alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being.
Key Takeaway
Navigating the challenges of menopause requires a comprehensive understanding of how hormonal changes affect both physical and emotional health. By recognizing the potential for disordered eating patterns and the key role that hormones play in appetite and metabolism, women can actively seek interventions.
Menopause and Body Image Concerns
Hormonal changes during menopause play a profound role in shaping how women perceive their bodies.
As estrogen levels decline, many women experience physical and psychological stressors that lead to body dissatisfaction. This transition can spark emotional challenges, which may exacerbate disordered eating behaviors.
Body dissatisfaction often contributes to unhealthy eating patterns, resulting in disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
The Role of Hormonal Changes
Understanding how these hormonal shifts influence appetite, metabolism, and fat distribution can help you to have a better understanding of the changes you are experiencing and how to manage them.
Hormonal Changes During Menopause and Their Effects on Weight
| Hormone | Role in the Body | Effect of Decline During Menopause |
| Estrogen | Regulates menstrual cycle, fat distribution, and metabolism | Decreased levels can lead to increased fat accumulation, particularly in the abdominal area, and can affect mood and appetite regulation. |
| Progesterone | Supports uterine lining and has a role in mood regulation | Lower levels may contribute to mood swings and cravings, influencing overeating or emotional eating. |
| Testosterone | Plays a role in muscle mass and fat distribution | Reduction can lead to decreased lean muscle mass, slowing metabolism and potentially increasing body fat percentage. |
| Ghrelin | Known as the hunger hormone; stimulates appetite | Increased ghrelin levels can lead to heightened hunger and cravings, resulting in potential weight gain. |
| Leptin | Signals satiety and regulates energy balance | Lower levels may lead to reduced feeling of fullness, promoting overeating and weight gain. |
| Cortisol | Known as the stress hormone; affects weight gain and metabolism | Elevated levels due to stress can encourage fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. |
Understanding these hormonal changes will help you as you navigate menopause. These changing hormones impact physical health and also play a big role in emotional well-being and disordered eating patterns. Recognizing these influences can empower women to seek appropriate interventions and support during this life transition.
Risk Factors for Eating Disorders During Menopause
Several factors can increase the likelihood of disordered eating among middle-aged women:
- History of disordered eating: Previous struggles with anorexia or bulimia may resurface.
- Body image dissatisfaction: Constant comparisons can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.
- Stress and life transitions: Major life changes, such as retirement or children leaving home, can heighten the emotional burden.
- Lack of social support: Lack of encouragement from family and friends can lead to feelings of isolation.
Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder
Understanding the symptoms is vital for early intervention. Common symptoms include:
- Restrictive eating patterns
- Binge-eating episodes
- Purging behaviors (e.g., vomiting, laxative abuse)
- Excessive exercise
- Preoccupation with weight and appearance
It is important to recognize that disordered eating encompasses a broad spectrum of behaviors, and does not exclusively lead to weight loss. In fact, while some individuals may restrict their food intake or engage in extremes to lose weight, others may fall into patterns of overeating or emotional eating as a way to cope with the stressors associated with menopause.
This form of disordered eating often involves using food as a means of soothing emotional distress, rather than as a source of nourishment. Therefore, both weight loss and weight gain can occur as a result of such behaviors, highlighting the complexity of eating disorders during this transitional life stage.
BHRT and Weight Loss Injections for Menopausal Women
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) has emerged as a promising solution for alleviating menopausal symptoms, including menopausal weight gain. By regulating hormones and improving mood, BHRT can significantly reduce the risk of disordered eating. BIOTE Hormone pellets. BHRTVIDEOS.COM
Medical weightloss is also an effective way to safely lose weight during this time. Under the guidance of a professional, you will receive support in nutrition, diet, medication and lifestyle. Our clinic offers semaglutide and tirzepatide
Our hormone and weight loss specialists, Chad Gilliam, M.M.S. PA-C, Dr. Dawn Mancuso, MD, and Dr. Gary Adams, MD, are dedicated to empowering women through menopause by providing personalized treatment plans that address both physical and emotional needs. Combined they have over 75 years of experience.
Your Menopause and Weightloss Specialists
We understand the unique challenges that women face during menopause. Our team of specialists can provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
If you are searching for a menopause specialist or a weightloss specialist near me, we can help. To book an appointment at our clinic in Madison, AL, call (256) 722-0555 or complete the online booking form.
*Reference:
Mangweth-Matzek, B., Kummer, K.K., Hoek, H.W. (2024). *Epidemiology and Treatment of Eating Disorders Among Older People*. Retrieved from [NCBI](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10053888).
