Experiencing Intense Menopause: Reasons Behind More Severe Symptoms in Some Women
Menopause, an intricate part of a woman's life, can become a rollercoaster ride when coupled with obesity. This unwanted excess body fat not only causes numerous health concerns but also exacerbates menopause symptoms.
In the sinister realm of health issues, obesity boosts the risk of certain cancers, even as overall cancer rates diminish. The force of obesity can't be underestimated; obesity-related cancers are on the rise, and it's a matter of grave concern[1].
The emotional and physical turmoil doesn't end there. Chronic inflammation due to obesity can weaken the immune system's response, making recovery from surgeries more challenging[2].
When it comes to menopause, things only get more complicated. Obese women often find this stage of life daunting compared to leaner counterparts. In fact, at the 2023 Menopause Society Annual Meeting, a pilot study suggested that being obese might worsen a woman's menopause symptoms and limit the relief she gets from hormone therapy (HT)[3].
Could women with obesity be underdosed with hormone therapy? That's what Dr. Anita Pershad from Eastern Virginia Medical School hypothesizes. She believes that doctors might not be putting women with obesity on adequate doses of hormone therapy due to concerns about cardiovascular risk factors. But Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, argues that this assumption might be incorrect[3].
Obesity's impact on drugs isn't a brand new concept. Earlier this year, we learned that obesity can modify the effects of drugs used to treat common conditions. In some cases, it can render the drugs ineffective and, in other cases, downright dangerous for people with obesity[4].
But don't despair! There are ways to manage menopause symptoms without relying solely on hormone therapy. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in meat, dairy, processed foods, caffeine, and salt can help control symptoms like hot flashes. Intriguingly, a 2022 study revealed that a low-fat, vegan diet that included half a cup of soybeans daily was almost as effective as hormone therapy (88% vs 90%) at controlling hot flashes[5].
Embarking on a rigorous weight loss diet during menopause could be overwhelming. In that case, weight loss surgery might be the better choice. A study from a couple of years ago found that the metabolic benefits from weight loss surgery may outweigh natural weight loss - including a 40 percent reduction in the risk of death and heart complications in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity[6].
As tempting as the Ozempic bandwagon might seem, remember to do your homework before jumping in. Be aware of the risks, including the potential for rebound weight gain and the recently-emerging Ozempic plateau[7].
To find balance in our bodies and aid weight loss, it's essential to shift our bodies from acid to alkaline. This simple shift can boost energy, promote weight loss, improve digestion, ward off illnesses, and cultivate overall wellness[8].
References:1. Menopausal Women With Obesity Endure Worse Symptoms, Less HT Relief - Medpage Today2. Obese women have worse menopause symptoms and get less relief from hormone therapy - Eureka Alert3. Obesity is a killer in nonsmoking women - Science Daily4. Study shows certain foods reduce hot flashes associated with menopause by 88% - Eureka Alert5. Menopausal Women With Obesity Endure Worse Symptoms, Less HT Relief - Medpage Today6. Obese women with diabetes have higher mortality and cardiovascular risk with metabolic surgery compared to those with metabolic surgery alone - Eureka Alert7. Be aware of the risks when taking Ozempic for weight loss - Forbes8. Editor's note: Click here to discover The Alkaline Secret to Ultimate Vitality and revive your life today!
- Obesity, coupled with menopause, can lead to worsened symptoms and limited relief from hormone therapy, as suggested by a study presented at the 2023 Menopause Society Annual Meeting.
- In the health-and-wellness arena, chronic inflammation due to obesity can weaken the immune system's response, making recovery from surgeries more challenging and potentially exacerbating menopause symptoms.
- Adopting a wellness lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and potentially weight loss surgery may help manage menopause symptoms in obese women, offering relief without relying solely on hormone therapy, as indicated by various studies.
