Herbal and Natural Solutions for Menopausal Weight Gain

Are you experiencing menopausal weight gain? You're not alone. Many women find that they gain weight during menopause, which can be frustrating. While there are pharmaceutical hormonal options available, some women prefer to seek a more natural approach. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best herbal and natural solutions for menopausal weight gain.

Balancing portions (we tend to need fewer calories as we get older), including at least 30 grams of fiber daily, drinking plenty of pure water, and avoiding soda, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners and flavorings are great initial strategies.

The sex hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are what most women focus on throughout their reproductive lives. They are certainly important for their influence on a woman’s reproductive health, but they don’t tell the whole story. A woman’s body makes and uses many other hormones. Thyroid, DHEA, melatonin, vitamin D, and cortisol, for example, can profoundly affect women's overall health (energy, mood, fertility, sleep, and libido). When hormone production is prime and proportions are balanced, we typically have plenty of energy, we feel good, weight management isn’t as much of an issue, and libido and enjoyment of sex are where we’d like them to be.

Hormone imbalance is pretty common. When our hormones are out of balance, it can lead to mild to severe symptoms and health challenges such as weight gain (or loss), diabetes, infertility, sleep disorders, loss of focus, weak muscles and bones, depression, and/or anxiety, and more.

There are many factors that can lead to hormone imbalance such as stress, poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, toxins, and more. If you’re struggling with menopausal weight gain, it’s important to get to the root cause of the problem. Herbal remedies and bioidentical hormone therapy can be great solutions for menopausal weight gain. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your options and find a solution that works for you.

Some of the best herbs for menopausal weight gain include black cohosh, dong quai, and ginseng. Black cohosh is a popular herb for menopause because it can help to regulate hormones and manage hot flashes. Dong quai is a hormone-regulating herb that is often used in Chinese medicine. Ginseng is a well-known (adaptogenic) herb that can help to boost energy levels and tackle stress.

If you are interested in trying bioidentical hormone therapy, there are a few things you should know. First, bioidentical hormones are made from plants and are identical to the hormones our bodies produce. Second, bioidentical hormone therapy is not approved by the FDA, but many doctors, myself included, believe it is not just safe and effective, but a safer and healthier choice. Third, bioidentical hormone therapy can be expensive because it typically is NOT covered by insurance, so be sure to talk to your doctor (and your insurance plan) about your options.

Clean, organic foods are also a great way to reduce menopausal weight gain. Many women find that they gain weight during menopause because of hormonal changes. Organic foods can help to balance hormones and reduce weight gain, mostly due to the absence of exogenous hormones and pesticides. With that being said, that does not mean organic ice cream, organic cookies, and other sweets are going to help you manage your weight.

Commitment to a healthy lifestyle that includes mind-body practices like meditation, yoga, journaling, spiritual practice plus eating a fiber-rich diet, and exercising at least 30 minutes five days a week, are all important measures to include in your daily life. When we commit to these things, everything else falls into place. We have more energy and feel better about ourselves, so we make healthier choices in other areas of our lives. Plus, when we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to take care of others. It’s a win-win for everyone!

What other solutions have you tried for menopausal weight gain? Share your tips in the comments below!