Eating Disorders and the Menopause Transition
The menopause transition can be a particularly vulnerable time for women in relation to body image and eating behaviours. Hormonal changes—especially fluctuations in oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisol—can influence appetite, metabolism, mood, and body composition. Many women notice changes such as weight redistribution, bloating, or decreased muscle tone, which can trigger body dissatisfaction or renewed focus on dieting and control. This is something that I can personally recognise and have struggled with.
For those with a history of disordered eating, menopause can reactivate old patterns or intensify existing struggles, particularly when combined with life stressors, relationship changes, or identity shifts that often occur during this stage of life. Even women with no prior eating disorder history may find themselves drawn into restrictive eating, over-exercising, or emotional eating in an effort to manage these changes.
Societal messages that idealise youth and thinness can make this transition even harder, contributing to feelings of loss, shame, or frustration about the body’s natural evolution. It’s important to remember that these changes are normal and not a reflection of personal failure.
Moving Toward Recovery and Balance
Healing from disordered eating—at any stage of life—means finding sustainable, compassionate ways to care for both body and mind. Effective therapy and emotional support help individuals develop greater self-awareness, manage stress, and rebuild a positive, trusting relationship with food and body image.
True and lasting well-being comes from balanced nutrition, emotional resilience, and self-acceptance, rather than deprivation or rigid control. During menopause, these principles are especially important. Hormonal changes can influence mood, metabolism, appetite, and energy, making it essential to nourish the body with adequate food, rest, gentle movement, and self-compassion.
Restricting meals or skipping food in an attempt to “balance calories in versus calories out” often disrupts blood glucose levels, increases stress hormones, and leads to fatigue and frustration. Over time, this cycle of undereating and over exercising can leave the body in a state of chronic stress and low energy, undermining both physical and emotional health.
Instead of focusing on restriction, menopause recovery is supported by shifting attention toward nourishment, rest, and joyful movement. Engaging in stress-relieving activities, improving sleep quality, and embracing self-kindness can significantly enhance feelings of well-being. When we feel nourished, energised, and emotionally balanced, we are far less likely to turn to emotional eating or fall back into negative thought patterns around food and body image.
The most important message is this: recovery is possible. Whether you’re navigating menopause, perimenopause, or another major life transition, it’s never too late to heal your relationship with food and find peace within your body. By choosing nourishment over restriction and compassion over control, you can create a foundation for long-term health and self-acceptance.
