NicoleJoy9

Good to hear your you've decided to stay active and be healthy. I would guess you workout every other day, for 3 times a week. For beginners this is good, thought it would be great if you work out for 4-5 times a week to see some gains in strength and muscle. For diet, depend on where you are in your body goals and what you want to achieve. More muscles, means caloric surplus, you need to eat more, with emphasis on more protein, just eat the right amount of carbs for the energy you need for the day, while meaning sure you get daily portion of veggies/greens.

I read something about estrogen, which somewhat has an effect on metabolism. Lower levels could lead to weight gain or inability to lose weight effectively. The weight gain can be notice easily on belly, hips and thighs. Somehow, low levels forces the body to use blood sugar, less which further increases fat storage in legs, hips, belly.