What makes us comfort eat in menopause?

In menopause our oestrogen levels drop, and in turn lower serotonin, our feel-good neurotransmitter.

This leaves some women searching for a replacement in the form of dopamine, our reward and motivation neurotransmitter.

And how do we do that?

We might eat and drink more at a time when it's easier than ever to put on weight.

Here's more...

• Oestrogen modulates neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, which regulates mood, emotions and sleep. Oestrogen influences the production, release and activity of serotonin in the brain

• As oestrogen drops in menopause, serotonin synthesis and activity can also drop, leading to irritability, anxiety, even depression. Women also become more sensitive to stress and less resilient

• Dopamine is another neurotransmitter involved in the brain's reward and pleasure pathways. When our mood is low, we may seek out activities or substances that stimulate dopamine release to temporarily alleviate these negative feelings

• This might include overeating, alcohol or substance abuse, or seeking out novel and exciting experiences

Rather than remain caught up in this unsustainable cycle, the healthier and happier solution lies in improving our serotonin levels.

How do we do that?

Via improving our gut health, eating tryptophan foods and complex carbs, and getting sunlight. More on that in this post.