Perimenopause and weight gain often go hand in hand.  Many women experience weight gain around the hips and waist even if they watch what they eat and exercise.  Many women who have been able to control their weight for years find weight gain during perimenopause disturbing.

Weight gain for perimenopausal women in the abdomen area is the largest complaint.  Some women experience weight gain of up to 20 lbs.  Even if you do gain some weight, this doesn't mean you have to live with it forever.  Hormonal fluctuations are likely the culprit to any extra weight.  The body attempts to retain estrogen during perimenopause which results in fat cells being produced.

During perimenopause, estrogen levels will fluctuate.  As the estrogen production of your ovaries falls, your body turns to fat cells for estrogen.  This makes body fat more valuable to your body making it difficult to get rid of it.  The most important thing to remember if you gain weight during this time of our life, eat right, get lots of sleep and make sure to exercise.  This will make you look and feel better.  If you experience significant weight gain, be sure to consult your doctor.