As you approach menopause, it’s not unusual to gain weight, especially around your mid-section. You have likely not changed your eating habits or level of activity, but the weight continues to accumulate, even if you’re still experiencing regular periods. Most women begin to notice this added weight while they’re in their thirties or forties, and are frustrated by the fact that the weight is not quite as easy to lose as it was a few years prior.

The weight you’re now noticing is perfectly normal and is the result of declining hormone levels as you approach menopause (perimenopause). As your estrogen levels decline, your body will naturally look for other places from where to get the estrogen it needs. Unfortunately for us women, fat cells can produce estrogen, therefore, your body works extra hard to convert your consumed calories into fat.

Not only are your estrogen levels declining, but your body’s testosterone levels are declining too. Testosterone is a necessary hormone to convert your calories to lean muscle mass; as your levels of testosterone

decline, the result will mean a loss of muscle. If you no longer have the necessary muscle mass to burn calories, the food you’re consuming will result in fat accumulation.

Fortunately, if you have the determination to lose the extra weight you’re now carrying around, you will do so successfully. The only obstacle between you and a successful weight loss would be a lack of determination and discipline on your part; I sincerely doubt this is the case due to the fact that you found this article because you’re obviously looking for solutions.

Now that you understand the havoc your hormones are capable of wreaking, you now have a clearer picture of what it is you need to do to lose the weight you’ve gained due to declining hormone levels. You see, simply cutting calories is no longer enough to reduce or eliminate the weight you’ve gained around your mid-section. Muscle plays a crucial role in weight loss, so it’s imperative to build muscle in order to have your body burn calories around the clock.

I’m not suggesting anything extreme, but getting into a regular exercise program, which includes cardiovascular workouts, as well as weight training at least three days a week will result in a much leaner body.

Congratulations on taking the first step toward having a body that is healthy, beautiful, lean and toned.

Susan Megge is the founder of http://www.40isbeautiful.com, a website designed to assist mature women as they approach and experience menopause. Susan, a health and fitness expert, started experiencing symptoms of menopause several years ago and researched various avenues to deal with these symptoms naturally. This led to her discovery of the significant role that exercise plays in making menopause a very manageable, and even wonderful time in a woman's life. Susan Megge is the author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40," a book dedicated to helping women to be inspired, confident and beautiful as they approach menopause.