Menopause and Metabolism

A mouse study is used to illustrate a possible FSH-related mechanism, not to claim that humans and mice are identical. A mouse study showed that FSH-injected mice became obese despite having the same diet and exercise as non-treated controls. Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is common, especially around the abdomen, and often reflects hormonal change rather than behavioral failure. FSH rises during the menopausal transition and is described as slowing metabolic rate and changing fat deposition. Hormonal changes can alter metabolism and weight regulation independent of willpower, food intake, or exercise level. Increasing FSH levels are associated with a slower metabolic rate and a tendency to deposit fat around the abdomen, commonly experienced as middle-age spread. Increasing FSH levels may slow metabolic rate and alter fat storage patterns. Rising FSH may explain why the same diet and exercise routine can become less effective during the menopausal transition. A mouse study modeling menopause showed that elevated FSH alone caused obesity in mice receiving the same food and exercise as non-treated controls. Thyroid dysfunction must be ruled out in menopausal evaluat…