Muscle Atrophy

Women in menopause frequently experience muscle atrophy that is mistaken for fat gain. Cortisol breaks down muscle protein concentrated in the thighs and buttocks, redistributing it as fat around the midsection. Lost muscle mass beneath the skin creates an appearance resembling cellulite. Repeated dieting without exercise produces no visible change when the underlying problem is muscle loss rather than excess fat. Reversing muscle atrophy requires consistent, targeted exercise over an extended period of potentially two years.