Menopause is not a pleasant experience for most women. You don’t wish the continuous hot flashes, mood swings and palpitations on anyone. Fortunately, to a certain extent, there is something that can be done about it: exercising regularly.
The hormones estrogen and progesterone are in balance in your body for years. Around the age of forty, things start to change and your hormones start looking for a new balance. And we notice! All kinds of ailments pass in review and sometimes linger for years. Still, exercising can provide some relief for those menopausal ailments.
weight
Logical, exercise ensures that we maintain our weight, but during the transition it is a bit more complex. Your metabolism changes and your energy needs go down. This means you need fewer calories in a day and it is therefore important to adjust your diet. If you keep eating the same amount, your body will suddenly convert those extra calories into fat. That is why menopausal women usually gain a few kilos. By exercising you support your muscle building a bit and you have to make fewer adjustments within your diet. Win win!
Still a little bit of weight? That turns out not to be a problem at all, because belly fat has an important function. After the menopause, the body can no longer get estrogen from the ovaries, as they have stopped producing it. The body can then produce estrogen from belly fat, which is important for metabolism.
Hormone Balance
The drop in estrogen also has an impact on your bones, muscles and joints, making women more susceptible to injuries. Of course you want to avoid that. By exercising you keep your body flexible and as a bonus it also regulates the symptoms of known menopausal complaints. For example, the substances serotonin, endorphins and dopamine are released during exercise. These substances help regulate your body temperature and are good for your mental health. Say hello to a nice sports outfit and goodbye to hot flashes and mood swings!
Source: Women’s Health, Nouveau | Image: iStock