M., Taub, R
Beyond hormonal changes, several interconnected factors may contribute to perimenopausal weight gain: Metabolic slowdown : Basal metabolic rate naturally decreases with age, meaning the body burns fewer calories at rest Muscle mass loss : Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) accelerates during perimenopause, further reducing metabolic rate Sleep disruption : Night sweats and insomnia, common perimenopausal symptoms, interfere with hormones regulating appetite and glucose metabolism Mood changes : Anxiety, depression, and stress during this transition may lead to emotional eating patterns Reduced physical activity : Fatigue, joint pain, and other symptoms may decrease exercise tolerance Research suggests women may gain weight gradually during perimenopause, though individual experiences vary considerably
Faster resolution of inflammatory episodes
Slominski A, Zbytek B, Szczesniewski A, Semak I, Kaminski J, Sweatman T, Wortsman J (2005) CRH stimulation of corticosteroids production in melanocytes is mediated by ACTH