I have managed to keep my weight/fat levels at a healthy range. Enter - menopause.

B.M. (before menopause) I was able to exercise/diet away a 5-10 pound increase. Now - nothing works. I swear, I'm eating the same way & exercising the same amount. I cut calories (sensibly, not protein but extraneous carbs) and upped my aerobics. Nothing.

I've read that excessive exercise & strict dieting can inhibit fat loss. Apparently cortisol is a culprit as well as leptin regulation. I really don't think I fall into that category but I do work out almost every day and have for over 20 years. I take a day or two as easy days - walking the dog only or light weight lifting - each week. I'm not over-trained. I don't eat junk food at all.

Has anybody else had this problem? Any solutions?