Patients discuss their concerns about perimenopausal weight gain with Birmingham gynecologists

Every year, people flock to the gym to burn calories and lose weight. They couple exercise with nutritious diets. After hard work and discipline, they may embrace the bodies they always wanted. However, illnesses, disease, and hormonal changes can cause weight gain when it is least expected or wanted. Women may experience weight gain as their bodies change before the last menstrual period during a stage of life called menopause. It can be difficult to avoid and cause frustration. There is no need to endure the changes alone. Caring gynecologists Dr. Tomeka Roberts will provide gentle care throughout every stage of menopause. Many patients turn to the Birmingham doctors to discuss their concerns about perimenopausal weight gain.

Understanding perimenopause

When a woman experiences 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, she has reached menopause. As she transitions into menopause, she will experience perimenopause. It can begin when a woman is in her 40s but some experience it in their 30s or earlier. Perimenopause begins before menopause and can last four years or in some cases, a decade. In the last one to two years of perimenopause, the body produces less estrogen. This can cause a decrease in the resting metabolic rate and lead to weight gain. Women may experience any of the following symptoms during perimenopause:

• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood swings
• An urgency to urinate more frequently or urine leakage when sneezing or coughing
• Breast tenderness
• Hot flashes
• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
• Lower sex drive

While these symptoms are normal, there are other signs that you should seek treatment immediately. These include periods that are heavier, last longer, or are closer together than normal, blood clots, and spotting after sex or in between periods.

Finding relief from perimenopausal symptoms

Dr. Roberts can place you onto a path of relief from various perimenopausal symptoms including weight gain. It starts with devising a customized treatment plan to address all of your needs. They may prescribe medication or provide other treatments. Your plan may include recommendations for exercise, more sleep, and increasing calcium in your diet.

Regardless of the stage of your life, our team of gynecologists can provide the care you need. Call 205-518-9800 today to schedule a consultation with one of them.