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Losing weight during menopause
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Everyone knows that during menopause many women begin to gain weight - this is explained by hormonal imbalance and metabolic disorders. Therefore, such a problem is perceived as something self-evident. But there are also completely opposite situations - weight loss is observed during menopause, and it happens very sharply. And the reasons for such changes may not be harmless at all.
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Causes menopausal weight loss
The first obvious cause is a thyroid disorder. In addition, there are other factors that should be considered.
Weight loss can be a consequence of an incorrect diet. In addition, various parasites living in the body can also affect this - for example, such as worms. Helminthic invasion can cause sudden weight loss.
During menopause, weight loss is often associated with the development of diabetes.
In addition, as a result of hormonal changes, women often experience disorders of the nervous system function due to the effects of stress and mental strain.
Also, sudden weight loss during menopause may indicate the development of oncological pathology.
Symptoms menopausal weight loss
Depending on the causes, the symptoms of the disease development also vary.
If weight loss is associated with worms, a person feels discomfort in the anus and stomach. In addition, he experiences loss of appetite, weakness, and rapid fatigue.
In diabetes mellitus, at the initial stage, a woman feels dryness in the mouth, as well as thirst attacks. Later, dizziness, the smell and taste of acetone in the mouth, and in addition to this, severe irritability occur.
If the patient has problems with the thyroid gland, she will experience weight loss with a good appetite, which is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- subfebrile fever – the patient’s temperature remains within the range of 37-37.5 o C for a long time;
- interruptions in the work of the heart;
- tremors develop in the fingers (hand tremors);
- increased sweating;
- sleep problems;
- general nervousness and the presence of polar mood swings.
It is also possible that discomfort may occur in the gastrointestinal tract – flatulence, sharp pain in the stomach, and prolonged constipation.
Diagnostics menopausal weight loss
In order to determine the cause of sudden weight loss during menopause, a diagnostic examination is required. The specific area of the body and the methods of its implementation are determined depending on the pathological symptoms that bother the patient.
First of all, if a problem arises, you should consult a gynecologist, then consultations with an endocrinologist, psychologist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, etc. are possible - depending on the cause of the alarming symptoms.
If symptoms indicate the presence of parasites in the body, a stool test should be taken. If diabetes is suspected, the patient should have her blood glucose level checked.
If you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract or thyroid gland, you should have an ultrasound of the internal organs.
Who to contact?
Treatment menopausal weight loss
Initially, it is necessary to establish a diet - make it fractional (6-8 meals per day), and also balanced. Food should contain a high level of vitamins with proteins, and in addition, have sufficient energy value for the body. It is necessary to limit the consumption of products containing coarse vegetable fiber, and also remove alcoholic drinks with hot spices from the diet, as well as pickled, salted and fried dishes.
Treatment may be supplemented by taking medications that improve the processes of absorption and digestion of food products by the body.
If there is a specific reason for weight loss, medications are prescribed to eliminate the provoking factor - the disease that caused this symptom.
Prevention
As a preventive measure after entering the climacteric period, a woman needs to undergo regular examinations for the development of various diseases. This will help to identify the problem at an early stage, which will facilitate and speed up the process of its elimination.
Forecast
Weight loss during menopause can be a very dangerous symptom that should not be ignored, since without treatment this problem can have an unfavorable prognosis - up to and including death (in case of oncology or diabetes). In case of timely consultation with a doctor and early initiation of therapy, the problem can be eliminated without serious consequences for health.