The Link Between Hormonal Imbalances and Stubborn Weight

Are you frustrated by an unexplained weight gain? If you’re doing what experts advise about maintaining a healthy weight, yet no matter what you do, you can’t lose the extra pounds, you could have a hormonal imbalance. 

Our board-certified family nurse practitioners with Her Down There specialize in women’s health. Our diagnostics get to the root cause of your weight gain and provide treatment that helps you maintain a healthy weight. Following are three examples of how hormonal imbalances cause weight gain. 

Loss of estrogen/menopause 

If you’re beginning or have been through menopause, you’ll likely notice changes in your body’s shape. Your waistline tends to thicken, and you begin to lose your youthful hourglass shape. 

Although you may be dismayed, this is part of the natural aging process. You have a sharp decrease in estrogen and progesterone during menopause, which results in metabolic changes. Your muscle mass decreases, causing your metabolism to slow down. 

If you don’t change your eating habits, you’ll tend to gain weight, and fat will replace muscle mass. We work with you on ways to lower your calorie level and still enjoy the foods you like. We also counsel you on an exercise program designed to help you maintain muscle and lower your risk for osteoporosis. 

Thyroid disorder 

If you have an unexplained weight gain that’s happened rather quickly, you could have a thyroid disorder called hypothyroidism. Most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder. Your body sees the thyroid gland as a threat and stops your thyroid from producing enough thyroid stimulating hormone. If you have hypothyroidism, you may feel fatigued much of the time and lose interest in activities you normally enjoy. 

We test your thyroid to see if it’s producing enough thyroid stimulating hormone. If it’s not, we prescribe oral medication that you’ll take daily for the long term. 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 

If you have irregular periods or periods that are longer than normal, you might have undiagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It’s a hormonal disorder that causes insulin resistance, which triggers weight gain. Because you have insulin resistance, your pancreas overcompensates. It starts producing extra insulin, which stimulates hunger and slows your body’s ability to break down stored fat. Your body then stores excess fat, and you gain weight. 

Physical testing and blood tests may reveal PCOS. Birth control pills help restore the hormonal imbalance. This treatment also reduces your risk of endometrial cancer, which is increased in people with PCOS. If you want to get pregnant but are having trouble, we prescribe medications that help you ovulate.  

If you suspect you have a hormonal imbalance, call Call Her Down There or book an appointment online today. We have offices in Houston and Arlington, Texas. Our Arlington office offers telemedicine appointments.