Weight gain Perimenopause?

I'm 44 (close to 45) and the past year, despite maintaining my regular excercise routine I've gained about 5-7 lbs.  It has been gradual over maybe 18 months.  I'm perplexed. Never had to struggle with my weight and have always been slender.  Have more 'fluffy' fat around my tummy but the weight gain is all over.  Is this normal?  What do I have to do to lose it - starve myself??  I am thinking of adding a few extra workouts per week to my schedule and try cutting back some calories. I've never had to deal with this before and just wondering if this is a normal part of coming closer to menopause. Help!

[aces0730]

Hi,
I'm 45 and I'm having the same problem as you are, I don't know if I'm peri menopause or menopausal. I have all the symptoms of PMS with extreme crying, teeth and gum pain, bloat, sore breasts.  

I have been working out like crazy and finding it harder to drop the 8 pounds I put on.  I would guess tha we have to add extra workouts and watch our carb intake.

I live near Boston btw