MENOPAUSE: IS WEIGHT GAIN A GIVEN?

Course overview

Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual activity, with estrogen levels dropping significantly at the beginning of menopause, causing a variety of adverse effects and associated risks. Menopause is marked by hot flashes, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, mood swings and/or loss of bone density. About 15% of women will have severe symptoms. It is important to understand the role of estrogens and progestins; symptoms and adverse effects of decreasing hormone levels; the risk of weight gain and metabolic syndrome; and changes in fat distribution.