Weight Gain

Female Hormone Imbalance and Weight Gain

Female hormone imbalance is a major contributing factor of weight gain in women. Women often claim they “can’t lose fat no matter how well I eat and how much exercise I do.” Many frustrated women quit trying. Hormones are the center of the human metabolism (the fat burning system in the body). Hormone deficiency or imbalance will lower your metabolism, resulting in weight gain. Studies reveal that, on average, women gain approximately 12 to 15 pounds between the ages of 35 and 55.

Effects of Weight Gain

Feeling good about the way you look is important, and increased body fat often results in unhappiness with your figure. More importantly, increased body fat can result in many serious health problems. Studies have shown that women who gain more than 20 pounds after menopause increase their chances of developing breast cancer by approximately 20 percent. Other health conditions linked to excess body fat include:

Hormonal Causes of Weight Gain

Aging alone does not cause weight gain. Instead, it’s the hormonal changes associated with aging that can cause weight gain. Studies show that a reduction in estrogen and progesterone can increase appetite in women, which results in eating more. Female hormone imbalance can also cause decreased energy and loss of motivation, which can decrease the amount of exercise you get. This combination of a slower metabolism increased caloric intake and decreased exercise is the main cause of weight gain in women.

Estrogen: As women near menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen. The body reacts to this loss of estrogen by attempting to find other sources. Because fat cells produce estrogen, the body converts calories into fat to compensate for the low estrogen levels.

Progesterone: Low progesterone levels cause the body to retain fluid, which results in water weight and bloating. Although this does not result in permanent weight gain, clothes may feel tighter and the body may appear heavier and swollen.

Testosterone: Testosterone helps women maintain lean muscle mass. Not surprisingly, muscle burns more calories than fat cells, which increases your metabolism. As testosterone levels decline during menopause, there is a decline in lean muscle mass, resulting in less calories (and fat cells) being burned. Testosterone is also responsible for the even distribution of fat in the body. Decreased testosterone levels results in an uneven fat distribution, especially in the mid-section.

Underactive Thyroid: Thyroid hormones regulate calorie consumption. Although this cause of weight gain is not directly linked with menopause, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause the metabolism to slow, which will cause weight gain.

Your Solution: Weight Loss with Natural Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

Studies reveal that women who use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) lose weight, maintain lean muscle mass, have better appetite control and have more even redistribution of body fat. At Genemedics Health Institute, we combine our personalized BHRT programs with a comprehensive healthy nutrition plan, nutritional supplementation program and exercise program. Every patient is treated uniquely—all of our programs are based on individual lab tests, as well as your medical history and exam. Women who follow their customized Genemedics Health Institute protocol report total relief from the symptoms of menopause, including the excessive weight gain that plagues so many women.