Hormones are the chemical messengers that send signals to your body to perform many vital functions. When you have a hormone imbalance, you may have either too little or too much of a hormone, which can lead to problems and interfere with healthy weight loss. We identify common signs of hormone imbalance and explain what you can do if you notice any of these signs.
Hormones, which make up your endocrine system, are chemicals that circulate through your blood to carry messages to your organs, muscles, skin, and other parts. Hormones are critical to healthy physiological and mental functioning, instructing your body on what to do and when to do it.
Your body contains over 50 different hormones, with some of the most well-known being insulin, cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, and melatonin. These and many other hormones coordinate several processes, including
Hormones emit powerful signals. If any of them are even slightly out of balance, you’ll notice significant changes in your body, some of which require treatment.
Some hormone imbalances can be expected, depending on where you are in your lifespan. For instance, most people experience decreases and increases in hormones during such major life phases as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. For example, some adolescents and teenagers experience increased acne because the flush of hormones during puberty can stimulate oil production in the glands of the face. Acne in adults can also flare up during pregnancy and menopause or when a person undergoes testosterone therapy.
Medical conditions or procedures can also lead to hormone fluctuations or decreases, such as a drop in estrogen after the removal of the ovaries. Your hormone levels might also change when you experience chronic stress or take certain medications or steroids. More serious causes of hormonal changes include autoimmune conditions, tumors or growths, or damage to an endocrine gland, which produces and releases hormones into your bloodstream.
A hormonal imbalance requires treatment if it impacts your health or quality of life. For instance, untreated hormone changes or deficiencies can contribute to:
Many hormones are tied to your metabolism, the process that enables your body to convert food to energy. When your hormones are out of balance, your metabolism can stall, meaning that you can’t use energy efficiently. When a hormone imbalance affects your metabolism, you could experience any of the following:
The ability to lose weight is impeded when you suffer from hormone-related metabolism difficulties. Hormone imbalances can also contribute to weight gain and obesity. This can be the case if you
When hormones get in the way of your weight loss or management, you’ll likely feel frustrated because improving your diet and getting more exercise won’t be enough. Seeking treatment from a Happy Hormone Cottage provider who specializes in functional medicine can unlock the source of your problem and recommend an effective therapy.
First, a blood test will be necessary to check your hormone levels. Your doctor may also order an insulin or glucose tolerance test to get a comprehensive picture of your hormone-related condition. They’ll also conduct a physical exam, review your medical history, and discuss your symptoms and health goals thoroughly.
If low hormone levels are at the root of your weight loss challenges, you’ll typically receive hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor will discuss which delivery method to use, depending on which hormone is deficient.
If hormones aren’t the problem and you still want medical assistance to lose weight, we’d be happy to discuss peptide therapies, such as a GLP-1 medication. Regardless of your hormone levels, a successful weight loss journey isn’t complete without the appropriate lifestyle changes, nutritional guidance, medical monitoring, and other strategies to keep you on track.
If you suspect your hormone imbalance is contributing to weight gain, contact Happy Hormone Cottage today to ask about our comprehensive weight loss program. A thorough exam and review of your medical history can help determine whether a hormone adjustment can help. Regardless of your underlying health issues, we offer a balanced approach to dropping pounds that’s safe and yields long-term results.
