What is the Origin of Perimenopause Metabolic Dysfunction?

The term combines "perimenopause," the period around menopause, with "metabolic dysfunction," indicating an impairment in the body's fundamental processes of energy and nutrient utilization. This association highlights the profound metabolic impact of fluctuating and declining ovarian hormone levels.

What is the Mechanism of Perimenopause Metabolic Dysfunction?

The primary mechanism is the profound fluctuation and eventual decline in ovarian estrogen production. Estrogen is a critical regulator of adipocyte function and insulin signaling, and its withdrawal leads to a redistribution of fat from peripheral to visceral depots. This visceral adiposity is metabolically active, releasing inflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids that directly impair insulin signaling in muscle and liver, thus driving the observed insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

Perimenopause Metabolic Dysfunction ∞ Area

Perimenopause Metabolic Dysfunction

Meaning

Perimenopause Metabolic Dysfunction describes the constellation of adverse metabolic changes that frequently emerge during the transition period leading up to menopause. This state is often characterized by increasing central adiposity, declining insulin sensitivity, and a less favorable lipid profile, even without significant weight gain. These shifts are clinically significant as they substantially increase a woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.