Body Image Issues During Menopause

Menopause can be a challenging time, mentally and physically. The dip in estrogen and other hormones can cause a rise in the stress hormone cortisol leading to rapid weight gain and changes in body composition. Body image issues that were never a problem in the past may become hard to ignore.

Knowing what to expect can help prepare you to learn ways to cope with body image issues before they overwhelm you, possibly impacting your mental health.

Body image issues during menopause.

Menopause brings on so many changes. These mental and physical changes can lead to body image issues. Considering that menopause can last from a few years to more than a decade, learning how to adapt to these changes can bolster your mental health.

Not every menopausal symptom may apply to you. Some women only experience a drop in energy levels and a few hot flashes, while others have a wide array of symptoms. If you are experiencing a health change that seems unusual for your body, speak to your healthcare provider to confirm that it is a normal part of menopause. Likewise, if any of these changes has you feeling depressed, anxious, or embarrassed, reach out to a counselor today.

Change in body composition.

During menopause (and the period before menopause, known as peri-menopause), you may find your body composition changing. If you always gain weight in your hips and thighs, you might notice that new weight gain seems to settle around your abdomen, increasing your waist size.

This increase in waist measurement combined with weight gain can lead to a higher BMI (Body Mass Index). Because a higher BMI has been shown to increase risk for heart attacks and stroke, this may alarm you.

As menopause continues, your muscle mass begins to decrease. This is a great time to begin strength training with weights or body-weight resistance. Weight-bearing exercises increase, strengthen, and tone muscle, as well as strengthen bones and ligaments.

The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn overall. However, if exercise triggers you or you suffer from an eating disorder or body dysmorphia, speak to a counselor before embarking on an exercise program.

Thinning hair.

Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones that dramatically drop during menopause. Among other things, this steady decline can lead to thinning hair and less volume. In some cases, another hormone, androgen, increases and may reduce the size of hair follicles. You may also notice your nails becoming thinner and more brittle.

For some women, these changes can induce worry about appearance and how others perceive them. They may find they struggle with body comparison, often to younger women or even their own previous body shape. Expensive procedures and products might be sought to fight hair loss and thinning.

If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, talk to your doctor or discuss this with a counselor.

Less skin elasticity.

Not only can the effects of menopause be seen on hair and nails, but also a person’s skin may become dryer and lose its firmness. Collagen production gradually declines during menopause. Usually, a larger change occurs in the first five years followed by a more gradual decrease.

Consulting with a nutritionist about the best nutritional supplements, like powered collagen, to boost levels and maintain elasticity, can be a helpful strategy. Investing in creams and serums to increase firmness in the face, neck, and full body may also be a consideration.

However, if fine lines and sagging lead to self-consciousness and esteem issues, it could be time to reach out for help. If you no longer feel beautiful or second guess your attractiveness, seek the trusted support of a counselor to work through these feelings.

Lower self-esteem.

All of these physical changes can lead to lower self-esteem. You may no longer feel confident in your appearance, especially if your appearance is a particularly significant piece of your identity. As menopause continues and you experience more changes in the mirror, it may be time to seek professional help, especially if you struggle with any of the following symptoms:

• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Feelings of low self-worth.
• Rapid weight gain or loss.
• Impulsive behaviors.
• Disordered eating behaviors like starvation, purging, or binging.
• Sleep issues.
• Intrusive thoughts.
• Withdrawal or avoidance of social interactions.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Self-harm.

If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or ideations, contact help immediately.

Mental health conditions.

Body image issues may have you caught in a cycle that can lead you deeper into mental health conditions. Eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety, social anxiety disorders, and depression can stem from these issues. In many cases, it takes the guidance of a mental health professional to help you through this season.

Do you need help with body image issues?

Body image issues can wear on your mind as well as your physical body. Counseling is an excellent way to introduce strategies to make the transition through menopause smoother. Contact our office today at Agoura Christian Counseling in California to discuss how counseling can help lessen the impact of body image issues and treat specific conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia.