by Caroline Breeze

Created on: September 15, 2009   Last Updated: September 16, 2009

The known primary and possibly only link that menopause has to cellulite is: Hormones. How this plays out exactly is still under study. Hormonal changes in a woman's body can greatly affect the formation of cellulite and the amount that develops on her body and genetics determine where this cellulite forms or accumulates on the body. The other link is the fact that pre-existing cellulite may become more visible due to the thinning of the skin that becomes less elastic.

It is very rare to find cellulite on pre-pubescent girls except maybe in cases where she is suffering from severe problems linked with obesity.

It is at puberty that hormonal changes occur and where most young girls visibly become shapelier as fat deposits in specific areas of the body such as the breasts, buttocks, thighs, abdomen, arms, and hips. In the natural process, of this weight gain and increased body size, there are cases where some girls notice the formation of cellulite.

What happens during menopause however is a second hormonal change similar to the first one which occurred during puberty but somewhat in a reverse manner where fertility levels are being phased out by the body rather than being initiated. During these two phases of a woman's life, hormonal levels have been known to vary and fluctuate sometimes in unpredictable manners which indeed in some cases can cause cellulite to form in some women's bodies.

Cellulite is therefore not an occurrence that is linked exclusively to menopause but its formation can be determined by several other factors such as genetics, aging, and dietary habits.

In the aging process, the human metabolism slows down and the lymphatic system works less well to evacuate excess fluids and other matter from the body and the result is that they accumulate in certain areas of the body and cause an increase in body mass or call it weight gain if you wish.

Dietary habits come into play and primarily considering the above where it is possible for a person to put on weight in spite of the fact that they have not increased their regular intake of food over time and are still eating the same portions, types and varieties of food as they have done for years. The slowing metabolism causes fat tissue to form although the person is not eating more than they usually do.

It is determined by genetics because some women don't seem to put on any or much weight as they age and rarely have a problem with cellulite or at least any serious one. Others begin noticing the appearance of cellulite long before they reach middle age. Note that cellulite also occurs in thin people even if it may not seem noticeable.


If cellulite is really a problem for you, then consider consulting your dietitian to determine a diet that can help reduce the intake of food with needless calories, and an exercise program that can help stimulate your metabolism. An esthetician can probably suggest certain types of massages that can stimulate blood flow and in the body to give a little boost to your metabolism.

Surgical means are also available but to be researched very carefully because every surgical procedure presents a risk no matter how minor.

In every case, exercise is a must for those who do not have health conditions that prevent exercising.

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