Protein Needs During Menopause and Beyond

Protein for Menopause

A healthy, well-balanced diet is more important during and after menopause than at any other stage of life. The body’s nutritional needs change during menopause. Shifts in hormones, body composition, and mood mean the diet a person once swore by likely isn’t working anymore.

The Relationship Between Protein and Hormones

Throughout any period of physical change, protein is a key ingredient. Many hormones are made from protein, including sex hormones, thyroid and adrenal hormones, insulin, and glucagon. Each of these hormones plays an important role during menopause and can dramatically affect energy levels, metabolism, and health.

Estrogen and progesterone affect how cells respond to insulin. After menopause, changes in the levels of these hormones can trigger more severe fluctuations in blood glucose levels, potentially increasing a woman’s risk of developing diabetes. Including some protein with each meal stimulates insulin production and helps to balance blood sugar levels, preventing the sudden rise and fall of blood glucose that a carbohydrate-based meal can cause.

When estrogen levels decline, women experience a progressive decrease in muscle mass (sarcopenia), strength, and bone density. As a result, they become more susceptible to falling, fractures, and osteoporosis. Exercise becomes more important than ever, but it is more challenging to maintain weight and muscle tone. In people of all ages, protein helps maintain muscle mass.

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How Much Protein Do We Need During Menopause

To combat sarcopenia and accommodate for other hormonal and physical changes, the body’s protein needs increase during menopause. Healthy older adults should consume 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily—more than the recommended intake of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for younger adults. Based on the higher recommendation, a 150 lb (68 kg) female should aim for a protein intake of 68 to 82 grams per day (some experts have even recommended up to 100 grams).

The Right Protein Options

High-quality proteins are found in meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes, and in smaller quantities, starches, and vegetables. Sprouting grains increase their protein content.

Protein powders are a convenient and healthy way to boost intake of this essential nutrient. While whey protein has been considered the gold standard of protein supplements, pea protein’s arginine content is almost three times higher. The amino acid is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass and might be a better option for women during mid-life.

Read 5 Surprising Ways to Use Protein Powder

FOOD SOURCE AMOUNT PROTEIN
Lean meats, poultry, eggs: Per 3-ounce serving (unless otherwise stated)
Skinless chicken breast

Yellowfin tuna

Lean ground beef

Turkey breast

Lean pork

Sockeye salmon

Rainbow trout

Eggs

 

26 grams

25 grams

25 grams

24 grams

22 grams

22 grams

17 grams

6 grams per large egg

Dairy products:
Greek yogurt

Cottage cheese

Parmesan cheese

Milk (skim, 1%, 2%, whole)

Swiss cheese

Mozzarella cheese (whole milk)

20 grams (1 cup serving)

14 grams (1/2 cup serving)

10 grams (1 ounce)

8 grams (1 cup)

7.6 grams (1 ounce)

6.3 grams (1 ounce)

Legumes and other plant-based foods:
Firm tofu

Lentils (boiled)

Hemp Hearts

Chickpeas (boiled)

Kidney beans (boiled)

Walnuts

Pumpkin seeds

Almonds

Dry roasted chickpeas

Quinoa

Peanut butter

Almond butter

Avocado

Hummus

17 grams

12 grams (1/2 cup)

10 grams (3 tbsp.)

7.5 grams (1/2 cup)

7.5 grams (1/2 cup)

7.5 grams (1/4 cup)

7.25 grams (1/4 cup)

7 grams (1/4 cup)

6 grams (1/3 cup)

4 grams (1/2 cup cooked)

4 grams (1 tbsp.)

3.4 grams (1 tbsp.)

2.7 grams (1 avocado, 136 grams)

2 grams (2 tbsp.)

 

When to Eat Your Protein

Just as important as the overall amount of protein is its distribution throughout the day. The body can use only 25 to 35 grams of protein every four to five hours. When too much protein is consumed, the excess is excreted via the urine. That means, overloading on protein by eating a 6-ounce steak or adding an extra scoop of protein powder to a shake won’t help. Instead, consuming protein throughout the day minimizes protein losses and maximizes its efficiency.

Example Menu to Reach Your Protein Goals

Here is an example of a menu that prioritizes protein:

Meal Amount Protein
Breakfast: Smoothie made with 1 scoop of protein powder 25 grams
Snack: Fresh fruit sprinkled with hemp hearts 10 grams
Lunch: Lentil soup, 1 cup 9 grams
Snack: Almonds, handful 7 grams
Dinner: 3 oz. grilled salmon, ½ cup quinoa, 1 cup green salad 27 grams
TOTAL 78 grams protein

 

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The Bottom Line

Balance quality protein foods with plenty of colorful and cruciferous vegetables, fruit, healthy fats—including omega-3, an essential fatty acid that can help manage menopausal symptoms and reduce inflammation, and prebiotics and probiotic food sources to protect gut health.

 

 

 

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Lisa Tsakos
Lisa has been in her own practice for over 15 years and specializes in weight management. She teaches natural nutrition in both corporate and educational environments and is a shining example of someone who practices what she teaches. Lisa is a nutritionist and educator specializing in weight management. After losing weight several years ago through a more natural diet and by improving her digestion, she committed to sharing her new-found knowledge and returned to school to study nutrition. Over the past decade, her Nu-Vitality Weight Program has helped employees at numerous corporations lose thousands of pounds. In addition, Lisa regularly consults for groups and individuals with unique nutritional needs such as police officers and athletes. Lisa has been featured on the Discovery Channel, numerous radio programs and is a contributor to various publications. Additionally, she teaches nutrition at multiple post-secondary schools, has taught natural food cooking workshops, and authored two books.