Menopause marks a major hormonal shift—but what many women don’t realize is just how significantly it affects body composition. Even if your lifestyle hasn’t changed, you may notice more belly fat, less muscle tone, and stubborn weight that doesn’t respond to your old routine.
This isn’t just frustrating—it’s physiological. And the best way to take back control? A DEXA scan.
By measuring fat, muscle, and bone density with medical-grade accuracy, a DEXA scan helps you understand how your body is changing—and what you can do to stay strong, lean, and healthy through this new chapter.
How Menopause Changes Body Composition
1. Estrogen Decline Leads to Fat Redistribution
- Fat begins to shift from hips and thighs to the abdomen
- Increased visceral fat (the dangerous kind that wraps around organs)
- Higher risk for heart disease, insulin resistance, and inflammation
2. Loss of Lean Muscle Mass
- Muscle mass naturally declines with age, but menopause accelerates it
- This slows down metabolism and makes it easier to gain fat—even without eating more
3. Bone Density Decreases
- Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone mineral density
- Post-menopausal women are at increased risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis
Why a DEXA Scan Is Essential During Menopause
A DEXA scan gives you the full picture of what’s really happening inside your body:
- Body fat percentage
- Visceral fat in grams
- Lean muscle mass (total and by region)
- Bone mineral density
This allows you to:
- Catch muscle loss or visceral fat increases early
- Monitor bone health before a fracture risk emerges
- Tailor your fitness, nutrition, and recovery for your new hormonal reality
How to Respond to Menopausal Body Composition Changes
1. Build and Maintain Muscle
- Strength train 3–4x/week with heavy resistance
- Focus on compound movements: squats, deadlifts, presses
- Prioritize protein intake (at least 1g per pound of goal body weight)
2. Reduce Visceral Fat
- Incorporate Zone 2 cardio (45–60 minutes, 2–3x/week)
- Manage stress (cortisol increases visceral fat)
- Limit alcohol and ultra-processed foods
3. Protect Your Bones
- Use weight-bearing exercise (like strength training or walking)
- Ensure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D
- Monitor bone density annually via DEXA
How Often Should You Get a DEXA Scan During Menopause?
- Baseline scan at the onset of perimenopause or menopause
- Every 1-2 months to track shifts in fat, muscle, and bone
Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today
Menopause changes your body — but with the right data, you can take back control. At KALOS, our fast, accurate DEXA scans in San Francisco help you track and respond to changes in fat, muscle, and bone—so you can stay strong, energized, and healthy for the long run.
Schedule your scan today at KALOS — your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.
