Is it normal to not feel like eating during menopause

Not wanting to eat during menopause is a common phenomenon, which may be related to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, weakened gastrointestinal function, emotional changes, slowed metabolism, and changes in nutritional requirements. In most cases, it can be alleviated through dietary adjustments. If accompanied by a sudden drop in weight or persistent loss of appetite, medical attention should be sought to investigate pathological factors such as digestive system diseases or depression. The decrease in estrogen levels in menopausal women can directly affect the appetite regulation center of the hypothalamus, leading to disrupted satiety signals. Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system may lead to reduced gastrointestinal motility, decreased secretion of digestive fluids, and postprandial bloating or early satiety. Some people experience conditioned anorexia due to discomfort symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, which disrupt their normal eating rhythm. After a decrease of about 15% in metabolic rate, the body's demand for energy naturally decreases without excessive anxiety or a decrease in food intake. In terms of dietary structure, it can add high quality protein that is easy to digest, such as fish and tofu, which can be paired with mild staple foods such as millet and pumpkin Congee. When appetite loss and weight loss of more than 5% persist for more than two weeks, pathological factors should be considered. Atrophic gastritis or reflux esophagitis can cause eating pain and resistance to eating, and require gastroscopy examination for diagnosis. Hypothyroidism can significantly reduce basal metabolic rate, manifested as weight gain despite not wanting to eat. Patients with depression often experience delayed taste and loss of pleasure in eating, which may be accompanied by insomnia or low mood. Some medications for treating menopausal syndrome, such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, have side effects including mild appetite suppression.

It is recommended to choose a small and frequent meal pattern, which can be divided into five to six meals per day, with a focus on ensuring high-quality protein and vitamin B intake. The cooking method should avoid deep frying, frying, and grilling, and instead use steaming, boiling, and stewing to preserve the nutritional value of the food. Drinking a small amount of hawthorn and tangerine peel tea before meals can help stimulate stomach acid secretion, and taking a moderate walk after meals can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis. Regularly monitor weight changes, and if there is a decrease of more than three kilograms or difficulty swallowing within a month, seek medical attention promptly at a gastroenterology or endocrinology department. Maintaining moderate exercise such as walking or brisk walking can help improve overall metabolic status.