Can perimenopause cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain can be connected to perimenopause. During this transition, fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone affect many body systems. Weight gain is a recognized experience during perimenopause, though the severity varies from person to person.

Estrogen influences receptors throughout the body, including the brain, cardiovascular system, bones, skin, and digestive tract. As estrogen levels become unpredictable during perimenopause, symptoms like weight gain can appear or worsen.

What you can do: Track when weight gain occurs and how severe it feels. Patterns often emerge when you connect symptoms to your cycle, sleep quality, stress levels, and diet. If weight gain is interfering with your daily life, talk to your healthcare provider about targeted strategies. Many women find relief through a combination of lifestyle changes, and in some cases, hormone therapy.

PeriPlan helps you log weight gain alongside your other daily symptoms so you can spot patterns and adjust your routine.