Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. Cross-sectional studies suggest that the prevalence of (MetS) increases from pre-menopause to post-menopause in women, independent of age.[1]
In peri-menopause, the transition period between pre-menopause and post-menopause, as testosterone progressively dominates the hormonal balance, low estrogen can promote insulin-resistance in some susceptible women. When women are insulin resistant, their liver, muscle and fat cells do not respond to the normal role of insulin properly which can result in too much insulin in the body. Too much insulin leads to fat storage.
Another culprit that may be promoting weight gain is your microbiome. Estrogen and the microbiome regulate weight gain and lipid deposition independent of each other. Studies in humans show that a drastic reduction in the diversity of gut microbes is enough to cause functional changes related to weight gain.[2]
Getting a saliva hormone test to identify your baseline levels prior to menopause may help you and your healthcare professional maintain a healthy balance during menopause. You can also help to maintain a healthy digestive system and a diverse microbiome with the help of your healthcare professional. Don’t suffer through these transformative years. Prevent disease by being proactive with your health.
References:
- Janssen I. Menopause and the Metabolic Syndrome. Arch Intern Med. 2008 Jul 28; 168(14): 1568–1575. doi: 10.1001/archinte.168.14.1568
- Turnbaugh PJ. A core gut microbiome in obese and lean twins. Nature. 2009 Jan 22;457(7228):480-4. doi: 10.1038/nature07540. Epub 2008 Nov 30.
