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Why Belly Fat After 40 Is So Hard to Lose

  • debmilsom
  • Apr 27
  • 2 min read

Understanding Androgen Excess in Perimenopause



If you’re noticing changes in your body during your 40s and 50s — like stubborn belly fat, unexpected breakouts, or mood swings — you’re not alone. These symptoms are incredibly common during perimenopause, and one sneaky culprit is something called androgen excess.

Let’s break down what’s happening (and more importantly, what you can do about it).


What Are Androgens?

Androgens are hormones that are often called "male hormones," but women produce them too !You might have heard of testosterone or DHEA — these are types of androgens that women need in small amounts for things like:

  • Healthy libido

  • Mood balance

  • Muscle strength

  • Skin health

In the right balance, androgens help us feel vibrant and strong. But when that balance shifts during perimenopause, things can get tricky.


Why Do Androgens Become a Problem in Perimenopause?


During perimenopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels start to drop as the ovaries slow down. Androgens don’t drop as quickly and may elevate slightly during perimenopause.This means that even if your androgens aren’t technically "high," they become relatively dominant compared to your lower oestrogen and progesterone.

Some women may also naturally produce a little more testosterone from their ovaries or adrenal glands — especially if there’s underlying stress or blood sugar issues.


How Androgen Excess Leads to Belly Fat after age 40


Here's where it all connects:

  1. Androgens encourage fat storage around your abdomen.Instead of storing fat in hips and thighs (the classic "pear shape"), your body starts building visceral fat — the deeper fat that wraps around your organs.

  2. Visceral fat creates inflammation.This type of fat isn’t harmless. It releases inflammatory chemicals that disrupt your body’s ability to respond properly to insulin.

  3. Insulin resistance kicks in.Your body needs more and more insulin to manage blood sugar, leading to higher circulating insulin levels.

  4. Higher insulin levels stimulate even more androgen production.And around and around it goes — a vicious cycle that’s hard to break without the right support.

The result?

  • More belly fat

  • Increased cravings

  • Fatigue

  • Higher risk of diabetes and heart disease


Signs You Might Have Androgen Excess

  • Stubborn weight gain (especially around your middle)

  • Chin or jawline acne

  • Increased facial hair

  • Thinning hair on your scalp

  • Mood swings or irritability

  • Low (or occasionally high) libido


How to lose belly fat after 40 naturally


The good news?

There’s a lot you can do naturally to balance hormones and stop this cycle:


1.) Balance blood sugar:

  • Focus on protein and fibre-rich meals

  • Limit refined carbs and sugars

  • Avoid skipping meals that leave you "hangry"

2.) Manage stress:

  • Prioritize sleep

  • Build in daily relaxation practices (even 10 minutes helps!)

  • Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or holy basil can support adrenal balance

3.) Support healthy metabolism:

  • Strength training builds muscle and improves insulin sensitivity

  • Gentle movement (like walking or yoga) helps regulate cortisol

  • .


You’re Not Broken — You’re just Changing

Your body is incredibly wise. The changes you’re feeling are part of a natural transition



but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle.Understanding what’s happening puts the power back in your hands.


With the right support, you can feel strong, balanced, and vibrant in this new chapter of your life.




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