Key Points
- Weight gain and bloating are symptoms of perimenopause.
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to fend off the worst of perimenopausal weight gain.
- Keep your doctor informed of your symptoms.
Perimenopause Symptoms – W
Weight gain, sudden bouts of bloating
The changing hormones brought on by perimenopause are a cause of weight gain, especially in the middle of your body. As we age and our metabolism slows down, it adds to the difficulty of weight gain during menopause.
Another symptom of perimenopause is sudden bloat. This comes suddenly and presents as bouts of fluid retention and abdominal distension. Any time you have persistent, unexplained bloating or stomach pain for more than three days, contact your physician.
Tips for Dealing with Weight Gain and Bloating During Perimenopause
If you're experiencing weight gain or bloating as a result of perimenopause, there are things you can do to help. Check out these tips:
Maintain a healthy diet. Keeping yourself on a healthy diet will help ensure that you don't gain any additional weight, beyond what you've gained as a result of perimenopause. It may also help you keep perimenopausal weight gain under control. Avoid eating too much fiber, as this can lead to an abundance of gas in your system. This can lead to worsened bloating.
Exercise. By exercising regularly, you'll help keep your perimenopausal weight gain in check. You don't need to run a marathon, but try to walk or run daily. If you need guidance for how to form an exercise plan, speak with your doctor or with a fitness trainer. If you can, try to find a fitness trainer who has experience working with women in their late 30s and 40s.
Talk to your doctor. If your weight gain is getting out of control or if your bloating is having a noticeable, detrimental effect on your quality of life, speak to your doctor. They may be able to recommend treatment, or at the very least a symptom management plan. Even if they can't, it's good to keep them informed. They'll want to check to ensure your weight gain or bloating is perimenopausal, and not due to some other condition.
Be aware of the difference between bloating and stomach pain. Bloating is generally defined as a sense of fullness in the abdominal region, while stomach pain is defined as a sharp, shooting, or persistent pain in your stomach or abdomen. If you experience stomach pain, especially if it's severe, call your doctor or head to the hospital. Severe stomach pain is generally not a symptom of perimenopause, so something else may be going on.
Talk to a mental health professional. Gaining a lot of weight can often have an effect on our self-esteem. If you're struggling to make peace with the fact that you've gained weight, consider speaking to a mental health professional. They can help you find peace with your changing body, and can ensure you avoid spiraling down into an eating disorder.
Perimenopause Symptoms A to Z
Perimenopause Information
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.