What is menopause?
menopause is a hormonal change in women. during this stage, the female body gradually produces less estrogen and progesterone. it usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
one of the most common and concerning symptoms for women is weight gain, which typically ranges from 5 to 10 kilos. other symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, sudden hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal changes such as dryness, bone loss (osteoporosis), and many others.
Physical and hormonal changes
One of the key changes during menopause is the loss of ovarian follicular function, which results in lower serotonin levels. mood swings are also common and are often triggered by hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Gradual loss of bone density is another consequence, often leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures. there may also be hair loss, weaker nails, and drier skin. hormonal changes can also cause shifts in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, increasing levels and raising the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Weight gain and health risks
weight gain is very common among women in their 50s. body mass index (bmi) can exceed 30, marking the onset of obesity, which may lead to more serious health issues such as fatty liver, diabetes, chronic joint pain, hypothyroidism, and heart disease. About 75% of women gain between 5 and 10 kilos during menopause roughly two clothing sizes. this risk can be managed with medical treatment, a proper diet, and physical activity to maintain muscle mass and healthy fat levels. The hormonal deficit of estrogen and progesterone directly impacts fat accumulation and muscle loss. studies show that 3 out of 4 women experience an increase in waist size. visceral fat in this area is closely linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers (like breast or uterine), as well as type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, and high blood pressure.
According to rubén bravo, spokesperson for the european medical institute of obesity (imeo), “menopause causes an endocrine imbalance that promotes loss of muscle mass, an increase in the number and size of fat cells, a slower metabolic rate, and reduced basal metabolism—meaning the body becomes less efficient at using stored fat as energy.”
Treatments for menopausal weight gain
there are several treatments available to help reduce sudden weight gain during menopause. for patients with a bmi between 30 and 34, the gastric balloon is a recommended option. this is a simple, endoscopic procedure that can help patients lose 15 to 30 kg in 6 to 12 months. it doesn’t require surgery or hospital stay, making recovery fast and easy. for patients with a bmi of 35 or higher, an endosleeve or bariatric surgery is more suitable. The endosleeve is a good option because it doesn’t require surgery. it reduces the stomach by more than 30% through an endoscopic procedure, leaving no incisions or scars. results are long-lasting and highly effective.
Bariatric surgery is recommended for severe obesity. it helps reduce stomach size to promote significant weight loss and combat menopausal weight gain. in any case, each body is different. before starting any treatment, a detailed diagnosis should be made to determine the best solution for each patient. weight gain due to menopause is a common issue. at clínica egos, we provide expert advice and support to help you achieve your goals. contact us for more information or questions.
Tired eyes: causes and prevention
in general, tired-looking eyes can result from various factors such as lack of sleep, excessive screen time, lifestyle, and diet. these factors affect the skin, especially around the eyes, where it is much thinner.
Excess skin and fat bags
over time, the eyelid skin loses elasticity and may accumulate excess skin, muscle, and fat, leading to droopy eyelids. at clínica egos, we offer blepharoplasty surgery to rejuvenate the face and reduce the appearance of tired eyes. this is done through precise micro-incisions on specific points of the eyelids to remove the excess skin.
