Do you have symptoms of not liking to eat during menopause

Menopausal women may experience symptoms of decreased appetite. The changes in appetite during menopause are mainly related to hormone fluctuations, weakened gastrointestinal function, emotional factors, decreased metabolic rate, and changes in nutritional requirements.

1. Hormonal fluctuations

Decreased estrogen levels can affect the appetite regulation center of the hypothalamus, leading to disrupted satiety signals. Some women may experience a significant decrease in appetite, which may be accompanied by changes in taste sensitivity and a sense of aversion to greasy or heavy flavored foods.

2. Weakened gastrointestinal function

Menopausal digestive enzyme secretion decreases, gastrointestinal peristalsis slows down, and postprandial bloating is prone to occur. This physiological change can reduce the desire to eat, especially the tolerance to high protein and high-fat foods, indirectly leading to a decrease in food intake.

3. Emotional factors

Anxiety, depression, and other emotional fluctuations are common during menopause, and these psychological states can affect digestive system function through neurotransmitters. When feeling down, some women may experience transient anorexia, but a few may exhibit alternating episodes of overeating and binge eating.

4. Decreased metabolic rate

The basal metabolic rate naturally decreases with age, and the body's demand for energy decreases. This physiological change will cause the body to automatically regulate appetite, manifested as a non pathological decrease in food intake, which is a normal adaptation mechanism.

5. Changes in Nutritional Requirements

Menopause increases the demand for nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, but traditional dietary patterns may not be able to match the new needs. When the body lacks specific nutrients, it may reduce the intake of unsuitable nutrients by suppressing appetite.

It is recommended that menopausal women adopt a diet pattern of eating small meals and multiple meals, prioritizing high-quality protein and whole grains that are easy to digest. Adding foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts and deep-sea fish can help improve mood and appetite. Regular exercise can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, while soothing exercises such as yoga can also regulate autonomic nervous system function. If persistent loss of appetite is accompanied by significant weight loss, pathological factors such as thyroid dysfunction should be investigated.