Menopause brings many changes to a woman’s body, and one of the most frustrating is weight gain—or increased difficulty losing weight. If you’ve been struggling with stubborn kilograms despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you’re not alone. Dr. Mindy Pelz has uncovered key insights into why weight loss becomes so challenging during menopause and, more importantly, how to overcome these hurdles.
Low Estrogen Causes Insulin Resistance
One of the biggest reasons for menopausal weight gain is hormonal shifts—specifically, the drop in estrogen. Estrogen plays a significant role in insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. When estrogen levels decline, insulin resistance increases, meaning your body is more likely to store fat rather than burn it for energy. This can lead to weight gain, especially around the midsection.
The key takeaway? Managing blood sugar becomes crucial during menopause. Avoiding processed sugars, eating more healthy fats, and incorporating fasting can help stabilize insulin levels and support weight loss.
Toxic Metals and Menopause
There is a surprising connection between toxic metals and menopause. As estrogen declines, the body’s ability to detoxify heavy metals like mercury and lead decreases. These toxic metals can interfere with metabolism, increase inflammation, and contribute to weight gain.
Detoxification practices, such as fasting, sauna therapy, and consuming foods rich in antioxidants, can help the body eliminate these harmful substances and support a healthier metabolism.
Tips to Lose Menopausal Weight
While weight loss during menopause may be challenging, it’s not impossible. Here are a few strategies:
- Prioritize protein – Helps maintain muscle mass and boosts metabolism.
- Practice intermittent fasting – Supports insulin sensitivity and fat burning.
- Incorporate strength training – Preserves muscle and helps combat the natural decline in metabolism.
- Reduce stress – Chronic stress increases cortisol, which contributes to fat storage.
- Improve sleep quality – Poor sleep disrupts hormone balance and can lead to weight gain.
Fasting Variation for Post-Menopausal Women
Fasting can be an effective tool for post-menopausal women, but it’s essential to do it correctly. By working with Mel McMahon, she’ll recommend variations such as:
- Intermittent fasting (13-16 hours) – Supports metabolic flexibility and fat burning.
- Longer fasts (24-48 hours) – Helps with cellular repair and detoxification.
- Cycle fasting – Alternating fasting days with higher-nutrient days to support hormonal balance.
The Menopause Reset Book
Dr. Mindy Pelz’s book, The Menopause Reset, is a must-read for any woman going through menopause. She breaks down the science behind hormonal shifts and offers practical strategies to navigate this phase with ease. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to balancing hormones and improving your health, this book is a great resource. For your free copy, and assistance putting it all into practice, contact Mel McMahon.
Microbiome and Estrogen
Did you know your gut health plays a vital role in estrogen regulation? The gut microbiome helps metabolize and recycle estrogen, so an imbalanced gut can lead to even lower estrogen levels. Supporting gut health through probiotic-rich foods, fibre, and fasting can help maintain hormone balance and promote a healthy weight.
Can Menopausal Women Regulate Estrogen and Progesterone?
While menopause naturally leads to a decline in estrogen and progesterone, certain lifestyle strategies can help support hormonal balance. The most important are:
- Eating cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower) to support estrogen metabolism.
- Varying your fasting to your hormonal cycle to promote hormonal balance.
- Managing stress, as high cortisol levels can further deplete hormones.
Why Should You Test Your Hormone Levels?
Testing your hormone levels gives you a clearer picture of what’s happening in your body. It helps identify imbalances so you can take targeted action. Working with Mel McMahon, and having tests such as a DUTCH test, will check your estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol levels, which will guide your approach to diet, exercise, and fasting. Don’t worry, Mel McMahon will make it easy for you in a personalised informational booklet, you’ll receive at your first consultation.
Need Support? Work with Mel McMahon for Health and Fasting Coaching!
Navigating menopause and weight loss on your own can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a certified “Fast Like A Girl” coach, with qualifications in Lifestyle Medicine, Mel McMahon offers personalized health coaching to help you develop a sustainable plan for managing your weight, balancing hormones, and feeling your best during menopause.
If you’re ready to take control of your health, reach out to Mel McMahon today and start your journey toward feeling empowered and energized!
Have you struggled with weight loss during menopause? Share your experience in the comments!
