Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Weight Loss
Managing and maintaining a healthy weight can be very challenging. While lifestyle, diet and exercise are extremely important factors, maintaining healthy hormone levels is crucial. If your hormones are off, you may experience dramatic weight gain.
How Hormonal Imbalance Can Cause Weight Gain
Hormones are part of a complex system that regulates body function. Fluctuations of the female sex hormones caused by perimenopause and menopause, can impact your appetite, metabolism and fat storage.
Estrogen:
Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries, adrenal gland and fat cells. This hormone facilitates the production of Leptin; a protein that regulates metabolism and appetite. A significant decrease in estrogen production sends the body into panic mode. The woman’s body searches for other sources of estrogen, which happens to be fat cells. This causes the body to store and convert more calories to fat.
Progesterone:
Progesterone is a female sex hormone produced in large amounts during and after ovulation. Progesterone is a natural diuretic that rids the body of excess salt and water. Therefore, the decrease in progesterone levels during perimenopause and menopause causes the body to retain water.
Testosterone:
The crucial male sex hormone, testosterone, is produced in smaller amounts in women. Testosterone is the hormone primarily responsible for building and maintaining muscle mass, which burns more calories and increases metabolism. A significant decrease in muscle mass means a much slower metabolism, which in turn causes weight gain.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Weight Loss
Women who are treated for hormone imbalance are at an advantage when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. Even with a proper diet and exercise regimen, stabilizing hormone levels is necessary. Learn more about Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).
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