Exercise and sport

“My trousers suddenly didn’t fit anymore – even though I wasn’t eating more or exercising less.” This is a common sentiment shared by many women in midlife who face unexpected weight gain. Even more frustrating: familiar strategies like eating less or moving more seem to have less effect than they used to. Over 50% of women gain weight during menopause. Long-term studies show that this amounts to an average of 1.5 kg per year – leading to up to 10 kg by the end of the menopausal transition. But it's not just the weight itself – it's also about how fat is distributed: shifting from hips and thighs toward the abdominal area. This development isn't only a cosmetic issue – it has real health implications. At the same time, our perception of body image, weight, and beauty is heavily influenced by external ideals. Advertising, social media, and societal expectations set standards that rarely reflect real life. What’s important: there is no such thing as a single ideal figure. What matters is how you feel – and what your body needs to stay healthy.

Many women notice changes in their digestion at the onset of menopause: a persistent feeling of fullness, bloating, or irregular bowel movements. These symptoms often appear during perimenopause – the transition phase to menopause – or worsen during this time. This can be especially frustrating when lifestyle and eating habits haven't changed. Although digestive problems aren't the first things associated with menopause, hormonal fluctuations can significantly influence the function of your digestive system. Bloating, constipation, or a sluggish bowel aren't just coincidental; they can be the result of fundamental changes in your hormone balance – and how your body responds to them.

The hormonal changes during this time bring about physical and emotional shifts. Understanding what’s happening in your body can help you manage this phase better and see it as an opportunity for positive changes.