Many women experience menopause as a time of great change and self-reflection. The passing of the female hormone, oestrogen, marks the end of a phase in a woman’s life. It is a natural phenomenon, and many women look forward to this time in their lives. Others, however, experience it as a time of turmoil and change. For those affected by hypothyroidism, menopause can mean an increase in weight as the result of an oestrogen-deficiency-induced appetite increase. This, in turn, can lead to increased complications from obesity, such as heart disease and diabetes.
The Connection Between Hypothyroidism and Menopause
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that inhibits the thyroid gland from producing sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the throat that controls the body’s energy level. It is responsible for converting the food we eat into energy that the body can use.
Thyroid hormones play a significant role in the metabolism of the human body. Women are more likely to be affected by this disorder as the result of the female hormone, oestrogen, stimulating the thyroid gland. In addition, people with hypothyroidism usually have low energy levels, and this can lead to them feeling sluggish and tired. They are also prone to depression and anxiety, which are oestrogen-related conditions as well.
Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation caused by the depletion of oestrogen in the body. During this time, the body’s oestrogen level drops significantly, thereby decreasing the amount of ovarian follicles in the ovaries. This, in turn, can lead to a number of changes, including a marked increase in appetite and an eventual weight gain. It is therefore not surprising that there is a link between these two conditions. People with hypothyroidism are more likely to experience menopause, and, conversely, menopausal women are more likely to be affected by hypothyroidism. In fact, it has been estimated that about 20% of all people with hypothyroidism also have menopausal symptoms.
How to Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism And Menopause
The connection between hypothyroidism and menopause makes it more difficult for sufferers to lose weight. In most cases, the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone to maintain normal muscle function, so people with this condition are usually advised to avoid strenuous activity. They may also have low energy levels, making it more difficult for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The increase in appetite that people with hypothyroidism experience can also make it more difficult for them to shed weight. In most cases, people with hypothyroidism require a lower calorie diet than the general population in order to maintain a healthy weight.
It is essential to note, however, that just because people with hypothyroidism are more susceptible to gaining weight, it does not mean that they will necessarily gain a large amount of weight. Like most other chronic disorders, the exact amount of weight a person with hypothyroidism will gain will be dependent on a variety of factors, including the severity of the disorder as well as the woman’s overall health and lifestyle. It is also possible for people with hypothyroidism to lose weight, even though they may not be able to maintain a healthy weight. The key is for them to realize that this is a possible consequence of the disorder and make an effort to control their weight as much as possible.
Effective Ways to Treat Hypothyroidism And Menopause
While it is difficult for people with hypothyroidism and menopause to lose weight, there are several ways that both conditions can be treated effectively. In most cases, people with these disorders require some combination of the following treatments:
- regular exercise
- a healthy diet
- medication
1. Exercise
A healthy diet and regular exercise are probably the most obvious and fundamental ways to treat people with hypothyroidism and menopause. In most cases, a healthy diet will result in weight loss as the person’s energy levels increase and their appetite decreases. Regular exercise promotes overall well-being and has many other health benefits. It also helps to increase the body’s natural serotonin level, which has a direct bearing on appetite. Serotonin is a hormone that alleviates depression and anxiety. In most cases, regular exercise can result in significant weight loss without the need for any additional dieting or medication.
2. A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is an important part of any weight loss program as it prevents the body from storing fats in the form of adipose tissue. A healthy diet promotes regular energy levels and prevents the body from being sluggish, which in turn allows for greater physical activity. It also helps maintain a healthy mood, as eating a nutritious diet can result in increased levels of serotonin in the brain. A nutritious diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains will also provide the body with necessary nutrients, which help maintain a normal growth rate. For most people with hypothyroidism and menopause, a healthy diet results in significant weight loss, sometimes even leading to obesity prevention.
3. Medication
In most cases, medication is necessary to treat both hypothyroidism and menopause. The two most commonly used medications are corticosteroids and anticonvulsants, such as fenoxinil and topiramate. Corticosteroids are natural anti-inflammatory hormones that help to regulate the body’s response to stress and exercise. They can help to prevent muscle wastage and promote fat loss. Anticonvulsants, such as fenoxinil and topiramate, are commonly used to treat epilepsy and prevent migraine headaches. They can also help to control extreme weight fluctuations by regulating the appetite. In most cases, medication is necessary to treat hypothyroidism and menopause, although in some instances, the combination of a healthy diet and exercise can suffice.
A Quick Note About Weight Gain During Pregnancy
People with hypothyroidism are usually advised to avoid gaining weight during pregnancy. The reason behind this is that maternal thyroxine requirements increase during pregnancy, and, in most cases, this requires higher caloric intake. Therefore, women with this condition who decide to become pregnant must ensure that their weight is within a normal range and maintain a healthy diet throughout pregnancy. Should they fail to do this, they may experience weight gain as the result of the increased hormone requirement. The solution is to take advantage of the increased energy levels during pregnancy and begin a weight loss program once the child is born. This will make it easier for the mother to maintain her figure post-delivery.
Weight gain during pregnancy is usually a result of increased appetite. This is due to the fact that the placenta manufactures hormones that stimulate hunger. One such hormone is leptin, which encourages the body to store fats. During pregnancy, the maternal serum leptin level is approximately three times the normal level. Furthermore, women with diabetes or hypothyroidism have a higher appetite than the average woman, which makes them more likely to gain weight during pregnancy. In most cases, the baby is born with a weight that is within the average range, although a larger than normal amount of fat is usually stored in the newborn as a result of the increased appetite. Women with hypothyroidism who become pregnant and decide to carry the baby to term must take great care in ensuring that their weight is maintained within a healthy range. Should they decide to diet during pregnancy, they must ensure that they do so with the advice of their physician in order to prevent any complications to the mother or the baby from a poor diet.
In most cases, people with hypothyroidism and menopause require medication to treat their conditions. In some instances, a healthy diet and regular exercise can suffice as a treatment, although it is usually preferable to treat these disorders with medication. Regardless of whether medication is necessary or helpful, however, people with hypothyroidism and menopause must adhere to a healthy diet and exercise routine in order to lose weight and prevent the disease from worsening. In most cases, medication can help to control extreme weight fluctuations by promoting weight loss and preventing the development of obesity. In some instances, it can help to control the appetite and help to prevent binge eating. In addition, some anticonvulsants can help to regulate the body’s metabolism and treat diabetes.