Does menopause cause weight gain?

Does menopause cause weight gain?

Ask a clinician who knows your history what could be behind your weight change, and bring a few weeks of notes on weight, sleep, schedule and medicines. The public health pages below give general background on weight.

What to look at before assuming a cause

If your weight is shifting, note when it started and what else changed at the same time: sleep, schedule, activity, meals, medicines, stress. Write down busy stretches and travel as well, since one trip can shift several of these in the same week. For general background on weight and health, see MedlinePlus on obesity and the NIDDK's weight management information.

Keeping a record for your next visit

Keep a simple record for a few weeks: weight if you track it, sleep, and any changes to your medicines or therapy plan, including missed doses. Take it to your next visit and ask what could be contributing and what is worth changing first. Do not start or stop a medicine on your own because of a weight change.

Weight changes belong with a clinician

Tracking a weight change alongside your therapy plan gives your clinician something concrete, and questions about weight and menopause belong with a licensed clinician.