Post menopause, it’s incredibly common to notice weight shifting toward the belly. But this isn’t just about age or slowing metabolism—it’s about what your body is trying to tell you. Because belly fat, especially after menopause, is often a signal, not a flaw.
Why Belly Fat Often Increases After Menopause
Hormonal shifts, particularly the decline in oestrogen, trigger a cascade of changes:
- Oestrogen drops, and the body starts to store fat around the midsection rather than the hips or thighs, partly to preserve hormone production via fat cells.
- Cortisol may rise, especially if you’re under stress, leading to fat being stored around vital organs.
- Insulin sensitivity often declines, making it harder to maintain a healthy metabolism.
- Thyroid and mitochondrial function can slow, affecting energy, mood, and fat-burning capacity.
This isn’t a failure—it’s your body adapting to a new hormonal environment.
Your Body Stores Fat with Purpose—And Clues
This is where it gets interesting. Your body doesn’t store fat randomly. Where it holds onto fat can offer insights into which systems might be under strain. This principle, known as Biosignature Modulation (developed by Charles Poliquin), links fat distribution to hormonal patterns:
- Pectoral area / Triceps (upper chest and back of upper arms) → Androgens (testosterone or precursors like androstenedione)
- Subscapular / Supra-iliac (mid-back below shoulder blades / just above your hip bones) → Insulin resistance
- Mid-axillary (side of the ribcage) → Thyroid health
- Umbilical (around the belly button) → Cortisol overload
- Quads / Hamstrings (front and back of the thighs) → Oestrogen detox and toxic build-up
- Knees / Calves (lower legs) → Growth hormone patterns
“The body isn’t just storing fat—it’s storing information. Each area has a story.”
Toxic Load: The Hidden Factor
One of the most overlooked causes of stubborn belly fat is toxin storage. When the liver becomes overwhelmed—by stress hormones, medications, alcohol, processed food, plastics, synthetic fragrances, and oestrogen—it can’t process everything efficiently.
So what does the body do?
It stores those toxins in fatty tissue, especially around the belly and breast tissue, to keep them away from vital organs.
This protective mechanism is especially relevant post menopause, when hormonal changes already place an increased burden on detox pathways.
And it’s an essential part of the Serenity Mojo Values and the way I work too—because you can’t lose what your body still needs to store for your safety.
Curious about your toxic load?
Download the Post Menopause Workbook to explore how it might be affecting you—and what to do about it.
Download the Post Menopause Workbook to explore how it might be affecting you—and what to do about it.
How to Support Belly Fat Loss from the Inside Out
Support Your Detox Pathways
- Include cruciferous veg (broccoli, cabbage, rocket), lemon water, and herbal bitters
- Reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens in plastics, skincare, and household products
- Breathe deeply, move daily, sweat gently—this isn’t about pushing harder, but helping your body clear more easily. Avoid antiperspirants that stop sweating
- Remember: reducing toxic load is central to the Serenity Mojo Method
Balance Blood Sugar and Insulin
- Eat regular, balanced meals (Protein–Fat–Carb, or PFC) to reduce spikes
- Avoid skipping meals—this can raise cortisol and increase abdominal fat storage
- If you do like to fast overnight and feel good, break your fast with a protein-rich meal
- Consider gentle nutritional support for insulin sensitivity (e.g. magnesium, chromium, or berberine)
Rebuild Stress Resilience
- Chronic stress equals chronic cortisol equals persistent belly fat
- Prioritise nervous system care—slow walks, breathwork, journaling, unapologetic rest and for your vagal nerve lots of humming!
- The right adaptogen, matched to your body’s needs, can quietly transform how you cope, adapt, and thrive
Tune into Hormonal Balance
- Belly fat can also signal hidden imbalances: low progesterone, oestrogen dominance, or poor thyroid function
- Testing gives you numbers. Kinesiology helps you connect the dots—showing how those patterns are playing out in your body, emotions, and energy
This Isn’t About Getting “Back” to Anything
This phase of life is an invitation—not a punishment.
Post menopause, your body isn’t working against you. It’s working for you—communicating in symptoms, in shape, in sensation.
When you begin to listen and respond—not restrict or resent—that’s when transformation becomes possible.
You don’t need to fight your body. You need to understand it and figure out what it needs.
✨ Ready to Tune In to What Your Body’s Really Telling You? ✨
There’s a way to feel better—and it starts with clarity.
There’s a way to feel better—and it starts with clarity.
🌻 Track What Matters – Grab your free Wellness Tracker to start uncovering patterns.
🌻 Get a Personalised Review – Book your Serenity Health Review—a deep dive into your health story with tailored recommendations.
🌻 Ready to Go Deeper? – My wellness programmes guide you through hormone, energy, and gut support—without the overwhelm. You can Find Your Balance here.
🌻 Get a Personalised Review – Book your Serenity Health Review—a deep dive into your health story with tailored recommendations.
🌻 Ready to Go Deeper? – My wellness programmes guide you through hormone, energy, and gut support—without the overwhelm. You can Find Your Balance here.
to begin at your own pace.
Like what you’re learning? Let’s keep this going.
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