Perimenopause and Menopause: How Hormonal Transition Reshapes Women's Body Composition

Perimenopause, the menopausal transition lasting 5-10 years typically beginning between ages 40-45, involves complex hormonal fluctuations that significantly impact women's body composition and adiposity. Unlike the outdated concept of linear hormonal decline, this phase is characterized by irregular estrogen and progesterone patterns that promote fat redistribution and increase metabolic challenges. Understanding these hormonal changes helps explain why many women experience unexplained weight gain and altered fat distribution during this transition. According to endocrinologist Marielly Sierra Mercado, MD, recognizing perimenopause as a distinct biological phase is crucial for developing targeted health strategies. This comprehensive overview examines how hormonal remodeling affects women's health and metabolic function during this critical life stage.