Lower levels of estradiol, a specific type of estrogen, are linked to weight gain in women. This is particularly noticeable during menopause when estradiol levels naturally decline.
How Estrogen Impacts Weight
Estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and body weight. As estrogen levels decrease, metabolism can slow down, leading to weight gain. This weight gain often manifests as fat accumulation around the hips and thighs earlier in life and shifts to the abdomen during menopause.
Other Contributing Factors
It's important to note that while decreased estrogen levels can contribute to weight gain, they are not the sole cause. Other factors such as diet and lifestyle also significantly influence body weight. Changes in body composition, such as a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fat stores, are often associated with decreasing estrogen levels.
Menopause and Weight Gain
Menopause marks a significant hormonal shift, and the resulting decrease in estrogen is frequently associated with weight gain. This is further compounded by other changes associated with aging that impact metabolism and energy expenditure. The location of weight gain may also shift during menopause, with women more likely to experience abdominal weight gain rather than the hip and thigh weight gain seen earlier in life.
References: The information provided above synthesizes information from the following sources:
- Endocrinology Consultants: This source notes that lower levels of estradiol may cause weight gain.
- University of Chicago Medicine: This source discusses menopause weight gain and its multifactorial nature.
- Better Health Channel: This resource highlights the role of reduced estrogen in fat redistribution during menopause.
- Cleveland Clinic: This source mentions weight gain in post-menopausal women due to hormonal changes.
- Mayo Clinic: This reference mentions that hormonal changes alone do not solely cause weight gain during menopause.
- Original provided text: "For women, a specific estrogen hormone called estradiol decreases at menopause helps regulate metabolism and body weight. The lower the levels of estradiol may cause weight gain. Throughout a woman's life, they may notice weight gain around their hips and thighs."
