Managing Stress Eating During the Holidays in Menopause

The holidays bring more than festive lights; they can also increase stress eating, especially for women in midlife. Menopause stress eating happens because hormonal shifts make it harder to regulate cortisol and cravings. You might notice it in familiar ways: you’re exhausted, your patience is thin, your to-do list is growing longer, and suddenly you’re reaching for a snack—not because you’re truly hungry, but because you need a quick break. Maybe it’s a forkful of pumpkin pie, a few bourbon balls, a handfull of cheese straws, or a piece of peppermint bark while scrolling your phone. Or maybe it’s the mental buzz about food—the food noise—thinking about the table full of cookies in the breakroom at the office, imagining a tower of scrumptious sufganiyot (jelly donuts) for dessert, or planning which treat to try first at a holiday party. But even small pauses and awareness can help you respond differently before reaching for holiday treats.

Why Menopause Exacerbates Stress Eating Patterns

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