Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life that signals the end of menstrual cycles. While many associate menopause with hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, experts now highlight a range of other symptoms that are just as impactful—but far less talked about. In a recent Instagram post, celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija shared her insights on lesser-known effects of menopause and how hormonal shifts can affect a woman’s body, mind, and overall health. Typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause is marked by a significant drop in estrogen levels. As this vital hormone decreases, the body responds in complex ways to maintain balance. According to Makhija, these hormonal changes not only disrupt the menstrual cycle but can also affect fat distribution, digestive function, and even cognitive clarity.

Hormonal Shifts and the Midsection: Why Belly Fat Increases

One of the most frustrating changes for many women during menopause is the accumulation of fat around the abdomen. Makhija explains that the body essentially shifts its pattern of fat storage due to declining estrogen. “During menopause, our body changes its cupboard. Initially, it could be your hips, but now from pears, we have become apples,” she says. This means that instead of storing fat on the hips and thighs, as commonly happens during reproductive years, the body begins to favor the midsection—turning many women’s shapes from “pear” to “apple.”

Why does this happen? It’s the body’s way of adapting to the loss of estradiol, a powerful form of estrogen. With the ovaries producing less of this hormone, fat cells (which contain estrogen receptors) step in. These adipocytes can produce estrone—a weaker form of estrogen—which the body then converts into estradiol. To compensate, the body stores more fat in areas rich in visceral tissue, such as the belly. This change, while biologically strategic, can be emotionally challenging and contributes to increased health risks associated with central obesity.

Bloating, Gastric Issues, and Brain Fog: The Overlooked Symptoms

Beyond weight changes, menopause also affects digestive health. Makhija points out that women often experience bloating, acidity, and general gastric discomfort during this phase. These symptoms can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations that affect gut motility and enzyme function, leading to slower digestion and more frequent gastrointestinal issues.

Equally concerning is the onset of “brain fog,” a term used to describe the mental cloudiness many women report during menopause. According to Makhija, this includes slower thinking, trouble retrieving words, reduced multitasking skills, and a general feeling of being mentally “lost.” These cognitive changes are deeply linked to the reduction in estrogen, which plays a role in supporting brain function, memory, and neurotransmitter activity. Other reported but often ignored symptoms include soreness in breath and a burning sensation in the mouth—subtle signs that indicate the systemic nature of hormonal changes during menopause.

Women Still Outperform Men, Even in Menopause

Despite these physical and mental hurdles, Makhija reassures that menopausal women still maintain a cognitive edge over men. “An average menopausal woman can still perform as well or even better than her male counterpart at the same age, although the man is not going through any form of menopause,” she adds.

This insight not only highlights the resilience of women but also challenges outdated stereotypes about aging and productivity. It reminds society—and women themselves—that menopause is a transition, not a decline. With the right information, support, and lifestyle adjustments, women can continue to thrive well into their later decades. Note: The information in this article is general in nature and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider to address specific symptoms or health concerns.