Does menopause have anything to do with an inability to lose weight around the stomach area?

Yes, hormones are changing abruptly and you will see many other changes. You might ask your doctor about something to control the increase of cortisol which you may experience when you are stressed out about the hormonal changes.

The Cortisol fat is also common to lower Belly, the bra line on your Back & across your Butt!

Hormone replacement Therapy will help get the cortisol pushed back & allow you to lose the weight. You may want to research Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy BHRT. Pellet Therapy is probably the most expensive but it works so much better than the creams & patches.

Most Dr's don't do it but BHRT will help with the weight, Libido, vaginal dryness, mood swings & loss of libido.