How Progesterone Can Cause Weight Gain During Menopause
For many women, weight gain is a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause. Dramatic changes in hormone levels mean our bodies might react differently to the same diets and routines we’ve kept for years.
In some cases, weight gain during menopause can be linked to estrogen dominance. Wait aren’t we producing less estrogen? It might seem backward to think of estrogen dominance after menopause, but progesterone production that drops off faster than estrogen levels can again throw off that ratio.
Many factors impact our hormones and our weight during perimenopause and menopause, so it’s essential to work with a provider to identify the best course for your goals. If your progesterone levels are out of whack, your doctor may recommend a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy such as progesterone cream. If used correctly, supplementing your body with bio-identical progesterone can help combat the effects of estrogen dominance, including weight gain.
What Causes Low Progesterone
Because the ovaries create progesterone after releasing an egg, a woman who is not ovulating will likely experience progesterone deficiency symptoms. Missing cycles can result from hormonal birth control, hypothalamic amenorrhea, PCOS, over-exertion, or post-birth control syndrome.
Progesterone levels can also decrease in response to menopause, stress, hypothyroidism, PCOS, overproduction of prolactin. Even with adequate progesterone, elevated estrogen levels can still throw off that balanced ratio, leading to symptoms of too much estrogen, not enough progesterone.
Low progesterone symptoms can also include:;
- Insomnia or sleep disturbance
- Mid-cycle spotting
How To Balance Ghrelin Levels
If you have a sneaking suspicion your ghrelin levels are in need of some TLC, here are a couple of ways to balance them:
- Eat adequate amounts of protein. Protein helps you feel full and should be consumed with every meal. Studies show how eating protein promotes healthy ghrelin levels.
- Avoid sugar as much as possible. As you can see by now, consuming too much sugar disrupts hormonal balance, making weight loss seem an impossible feat. Be sure to read labels. If an item contains high-fructose corn syrup, dont buy it. A 2013 study published in Nutritional Diabetes shows how high-fructose corn syrup is one of the primary culprits of imbalance when it comes to hormones and weight gain.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Low Estrogen
First off, it is worth saying that low estrogen symptoms can be also a result of smoking, hereditary predisposition, and excessive exercising. So, whenever a woman wants to prevent the fast onset of menopause, she should avoid such activities, and inform a dedicated expert about signature genetic details. In such a case, he will be able to appoint hormone replacement therapy or recommend health supplements that will stabilize the levels as much as possible. Besides, such treatment can alleviate the symptoms of low estrogen, and let the woman live a comfortable life.
What If You Have A History Of Other Conditions Like Endometriosis Or Pcos
Because progesterone levels are so closely related to your menstrual function, women with abnormal menstrual cycles or menstrual issues may be prescribed a supplement to treat the issue.; Low progesterone has been linked to PCOS and the hormone is often prescribed as a treatment option for both endometriosis and PCOS especially in those looking to get pregnant.
Read Also: What Are The Side Effects Of Estrogen
Estrogen Causing Weight Gain
Just because youve got an estrogen problem doesnt mean youre any less of a man.
However, it might indicate reduced testosterone;levels. As such, its always prudent to get your hormone levels checked regularly.
In women, estrogen is made in the reproductive organs. Since men lack this equipment, they must produce estrogen by other means. This is done through a chemical process called aromatase, in which the testosterone hormone is converted into estrogen.
Sometimes, this can get off balance. This leads to either too much or too little activity from this conversion process.
When this process creates converts too much testosterone, it creates a testosterone deficiency, which is then coupled with elevated estrogen levels.
Alternatively, if this process isnt active enough, it creates an estrogen deficiency. Sometimes, however, levels of both hormones are depleted. If this is the case, measures should be taken to correct these hormonal imbalances.
Low Estrogen Levels And Weight Gain: Is There A Connection
Sex hormones, such as estrogen, influence the amount of fat in the body. Estrogen regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. If your estrogen levels are low, it can result in weight gain.
Research suggests that this may be why women approaching menopause are likely to become overweight. Being overweight can increase your risk for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
If your estrogen levels are low and its affecting your weight, speak with your doctor. They can assess your symptoms and advise you on next steps. Its always a good idea to try to eat a balanced diet and exercise as often as possible. Talk with your doctor about developing a diet and exercise plan thats right for you.
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The Connection Between Your Liver Your Hormones And Your Health
The liver is your bodys purification system, cleansing your blood and body of harmful exposure to toxins, chemicals, processed foods, and by-products of our busy lifestyle including alcohol, tobacco, cleaning chemicals, and beauty products.
But overtime, your liver can become overloaded, making it difficult for your liver to keep functioning properly. This poor liver function can result in the accumulation of xenoestrogens and toxins leading to the overwhelming problem of estrogen dominance and additional health impacts.
As I explained in Your Liver: What It Does and Why Its So Important To Your Health, along with cleansing your blood, your liver has four other critical roles:
How Is Low Estrogen Diagnosed
Diagnosis and treatment of low estrogen can help prevent many health issues.
If youre experiencing symptoms of low estrogen, talk with your doctor. They can assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis if needed. Early diagnosis may help prevent further complications.
During your appointment, your doctor will discuss your family health history and assess your symptoms. Theyll also perform a physical exam. Blood tests will likely be needed to measure your hormone levels.
Your follicle stimulating hormone levels may also be tested to determine whether your estrogen is low if youre experiencing:
- hot flashes
- insomnia
- frequently missed periods
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The Risks Of Weight Gain After Menopause
Many of the risks of weight gain are well known: high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, to name a few. Extra fat at your waistline raises these risks more. Unfortunately, a bigger waistline is more likely after menopause. If you now have a waist measurement of more than 35 inches, it’s time to take steps to reverse this trend.
How Is A Hormonal Imbalance Diagnosed
First, make an appointment with a health care provider for a physical exam. The health care provider will ask about your symptoms. Then, depending on your symptoms, they will suggest which hormone imbalance tests to do. These could be evaluations like:
- Blood test: Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroxine, TTH, insulin, and cortisol levels can be detected in the blood.
- Pelvic exam: A health care provider will search for any lumps or cysts.
- Ultrasound: Images of your uterus, ovaries, thyroid, and pituitary gland can be obtained.
- Biopsy
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Hormone Imbalance And Increased Appetite
For many of us, it’s absolutely no surprise that hormones affect our appetite. ;
Progesterone and estrogen also have opposite effects on hunger; however, excess progesterone can drive weight gain. Higher estrogen levels reduce appetite while also reducing the amount of ghrelin that our brains receive. Progesterone, on the other hand, stimulates our appetite.;
If you feel like quitting hormonal birth control or hitting menopause had a noticeable effect on your cravings, this could be a clue to look closer at your hormones.
Reduce Exposure To Hormone Disruptors
Toxins are one of the most common reasons why hormonal weight gain occurs.
You see, toxins cause inflammation, which basically throws your body into a state of confusion.
The most common source of toxins is the food we eat.
Food toxins that contribute to hormonal weight include:
- Processed and genetically modified fats
- Processed sugar
- Dyes
- Processed meats
So, if you want to lose weight fast and reverse hormone-related weight gain, reduce your consumption of these foods and ingredients.
This single step will make a tremendous difference in your bodys ability to shed excess pounds.
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Does Progesterone Cause Belly Fat
Although progesterone doesnt cause belly fat, one of the side effects of progesterone can be weight gain.; As we age, hormonal disruptions like progesterone levels dropping faster than estrogen levels can impact belly fat too.; Visceral fat, body fat found in the abdominal cavity, can be associated with insulin resistance, which can be closely tied to progesterone levels.
As you can see, progesterone plays an important role in many functions in your body.; Understanding its role and how it interacts with other hormones can help you understand the role between progesterone and weight fluctuations.
Medically Reviewed by Katerina Shkodzik, M.D., OB-GYN
Dr. Katerina Shkodzik is a certified OB-GYN with a special focus on reproductive endocrinology and infertility issues. She has been practising since 2015.
Dr. Shkodzik completed her residency program in the Department of OB/GYN at the Belarusian State Medical University and fellowship program in the Department of Gynecological Surgery at the Medical University of Bialystok, Poland.
Dr. Shkodzik is extensively involved in digital health projects providing her medical expertise and integrating of cutting edge technologies in medical science and clinical practice since 2018.
Dr. Shkodzik has participated in several studies focused on PCOS, endometriosis, menstrual cycle characteristics and their abnormalities based on big data of digital health in collaboration with leading universities.
Oestrogen And Fat Distribution At Menopause
A change in hormone levels, mainly oestrogen, may influence body fat distribution.;
Many women in perimenopause and early post menopause years gain fat mass as their oestrogen levels drop. Women of childbearing age tend to store fat in the lower body , while men and postmenopausal women store fat around the abdomen .;
Animal studies have shown that a lack of oestrogen leads to unwanted abdominal fat, although the exact mechanisms are not yet understood.;
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Signs And Symptoms Of Estrogen Dominance
I want you to know these 8 signs and symptoms of estrogen dominance. Now, its important you do not ignore these signs because they can indicate serious health concerns and issues. Always talk to your doctor about any unexplained signs and symptoms.
The Hormone Health Network lists these 8 signs and symptoms of estrogen dominance:
All too often we dont notice these signs and symptoms, accepting them as simply part of getting older. I know because I did this! I assumed the stubborn belly fat, tiredness, and mood swings were normal for a woman in her 40s.
Thankfully I learned about estrogen dominance and how to rebalance my estrogen levels so I could get back to feeling like my energetic and sexy self. Remember, you should not suffer in silence if you dont feel right, speak up and talk to your doctor.
What Causes Low Levels Of Estrogen
Low estrogen levels can result from many factors, including:
- Being underweight
- Approaching menopause for women in their late 40s/40s
- Family history of hormonal problems
- Hormonal imbalance
A post shared by Uzzi Reiss, MD, FAARFM, ABAARM on Mar 25, 2020 at 7:06am PDT
Estrogen guides who we are, how we feel, and how we act. It regulates our bodys development, our mental well-being, our emotional fortitude, our cognitive discipline, our sexual drive essential components of our livelihood. As we age, women naturally lose estrogen and men lose testosterone.
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The Latest Thinking On How Things Like Testosterone And Estrogen Imbalances May Or May Not Add Pounds
by Janis Jibrin, AARP, August 6, 2020| 0
En español | If you’re like most Americans age 50-plus, your waistline is six centimeters wider than it was in your 20s or 30s, and the numbers on your scale reflect this, too. We can all tick off the reasons: genetic predisposition, supersized portions, too much sitting and not enough moving. But there’s another theory circulating through the weight-loss world: hormonal imbalance. And balancing those hormones is the promise behind books like The Hormone Fix, diet programs such as BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers and countless dietary supplements like Female Balance or DIM, a compound marketed to men as a testosterone protector.”
To suss out whether your hormones are colluding with your fat cells, first a little Hormones 101. Made by our bodies, these chemical messengers have wide-ranging effects: controlling growth, developing sex organs, directing blood sugar levels and, yes, influencing body weight, body fat and muscle mass.
Levels of certain hormones change with age and they can occasionally cause weight gain, says Kenneth Burman, M.D., director of endocrinology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and professor of medicine at Georgetown University, both in Washington, D.C. But, he says, For the vast majority of people who are overweight or have obesity, hormones are not main the cause.
Pros & Cons Of Weight Loss During Menopause
Maintaining or reaching a healthy weight is advisable at any stage in life, however, there are important factors to consider when losing weight during menopause. Extreme weight loss, such as that often seen during yoyo dieting, can lead to a loss in bone mineral density . It is therefore very important to get healthy in the right way and to take the necessary steps to aid bone health with nutrition and supplements. You can read all about how weight impacts menopause symptoms and bone health here.
Are you struggling with menopause or worried about perimenopause symptoms? Get in touch today to book an appointment with one of our doctors and find out how bio-identical hormones can make a difference for you. Dont forget to too, for all of the latest news, advice and information.
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What Measures Can Be Take To Reduce The Imbalance Of These Hormones & Help Reduce Weight Gain
Hormone replacement therapy can be used to replace estrone with estradiol, increase testosterone and progesterone, and increase levels of DHEA and thyroid hormones. By rebalancing the levels of these hormones with hormone replacement therapy, it can help to decrease fat deposits, while also having a positive effect on other menopausal symptoms.;
If you have a family history of diabetes or have been diagnosed with diabetes, then dietary changes can also help. These can include reducing simple carbohydrates, increasing lean protein, and increasing complex carbohydrates into your diet. When trying to lose weight and blast belly fat, a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise are important parts of any weight loss plan. However, imbalanced hormones may have a huge impact on your ability to lose weight, especially belly fat.;
Apollo Medical Associates offers a variety of hormone replacement therapies and medical weight loss services to help you with your weight loss journey. We can measure your hormone levels, measure your body fat, and work out an individually tailored plan to help you lose hormonally influenced belly fat. For a consultation telephone us on to make an appointment or contact the BHRT experts for more information.
Can Oestrogen Levels Affect Weight Gain
So, what is the relationship between a womans oestrogen levels and her weight?
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Some cancers
Other reasons for oestrogen imbalance:LactationOvary removalAnorexiaVigorous exerciseWhat is Oestrogen?
- helping to control blood cholesterol levels
- promoting bone health
- protecting the brain and mood
There are three main types of oestrogen:
- Estrone which the body produces after menopause.
- Estradiol which women of childbearing age produce.
- Estriol which the body produces during pregnancy.
Symptoms of low oestrogen include:
- irregular or missed periods
- headaches
- dry skin
How to manage weight gain?A healthy diet to manage weight means:
- avoiding processed foods
- eating lots of fruits and vegetables each day
- staying hydrated by drinking lots of water
- avoiding full sugar fizzy drinks, juice, and alcohol
- including whole grains and lean proteins along with healthy plant-based fats such as avocados, olive oil or rapeseed oil.
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Combine Cruciferous Veggies With A Dim Supplement For Estrogen Dominance
Since estrogen dominance can be a major contributor to weight gain, eating more cruciferous veggies can really help control excess estrogen.
Cruciferous veggies contain a compound called I3C.
When you eat those veggies, your body converts the I3C into DIM .
And DIM is an antioxidant that helps the body restore balance to estrogen and progesterone levels .
When combined with a healthy diet, DIM supplements support in eliminating weight gain caused by hormones.
So, its a good idea to not only consume cruciferous veggies regularly, but to use a DIM supplement to boost the estrogen-regulating effects.
Genius Estrogen Balance from Amazon is an excellent DIM supplement to go with.