Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I've started gaining weight suddenly since entering menopause. For those who manage this with herbal medicine, what kind of changes do they typically experience?
Menopausal weight gain is primarily caused by a decline in metabolism due to hormonal shifts rather than overeating. Instead of forced fasting, TKM focuses on managing weight by alleviating heat sensations and reducing edema. Since constitutions vary, results differ: some experience a reduction in swelling first, while others find weight control improves as their sleep quality enhances.
Weight management during menopause is particularly challenging because it cannot be solved by simply reducing caloric intake. Many patients experience sudden heat surges in the upper body, leading to insomnia, which in turn impairs appetite control due to stress.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this is viewed as a blockage in the flow of Qi. Specifically, the accumulation of Eohyeol (瘀血, blood stasis) or Dameum (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention) slows down metabolism, creating an environment where weight gain occurs easily. If this is coupled with Bi-heo (脾虛, Spleen deficiency/impaired digestive function), a vicious cycle emerges where the body feels exhausted and swollen despite a lack of energy.
Therefore, rather than focusing solely on restrictive dieting, the priority is to 'unblock' the stagnant areas of the body. By lowering heat and promoting the circulation of Qi and Blood, the body's natural efficiency in utilizing energy improves. Based on clinical experience, the goal is not aggressive weight loss, but rather restoring the body to a 'comfortable state.' While the patterns of improvement vary per individual, accurately identifying where the blockage lies allows for a healthier approach to weight management while easing the hardships of menopause.