Tag Archives: Weight Gain

How Hormone Imbalance Affects Your Weight

This entry was posted in Hormonal Issues and tagged Weight Gain on December 30, 2024 by Nikkeya Boyd.

If you have been experiencing sudden weight gain and are wondering what could be causing it, the answer may be your hormones. Hormones can affect weight gain in several ways, resulting in weight fluctuation more often than you may realize. This can be due to the way they impact the body’s ability to lose weight and maintain a healthy muscle mass.

Hormones also affect how you respond to stress levels and hunger pains, affecting your weight. It is no surprise that as hormones fluctuate, your weight can also fluctuate. Arizona Gynecology Consultants can address both with specially designed women’s health services if you are looking for help obtaining better hormonal health and maintaining a healthy weight.

What Is Hormonal Weight Gain?

So, what is hormonal weight gain, and how is it different from other types of weight gain? Hormonal weight gain occurs due to a hormonal imbalance in the body, which can look different for men and women.

For women, one particular estrogen hormone is usually involved in weight issues. This hormone, known as estradiol, assists in maintaining a healthy metabolism and weight. The production of this hormone lessens once menopause takes place, potentially causing weight gain to occur.

Hormonal weight gain is different from other kinds of weight gain since it is directly caused by a hormonal imbalance in the body. Other kinds of weight gain often result from consuming too many calories and not getting enough physical activity to burn off these calories.

Several causes of hormonal changes are necessary to create hormonal weight gain.

Some of these include conditions such as:

A thyroid hormone deficiency
An estrogen imbalance
High cortisol levels
A deficiency in a growth hormone

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Getting older
A body’s resistance to insulin
Metabolic syndrome

Hormones that Can Cause Hormonal Weight Gain

There are multiple hormonal causes of weight gain, as several hormones are tied to weight. Because of this, there are a myriad of ways hormonal imbalances can affect weight.

Insulin

One primary hormone that affects weight gain is insulin. Insulin plays such a large part in weight fluctuation as it chooses how much fat it will store in the body, affecting its energy levels. When insulin resistance develops, high blood glucose levels, lipid abnormalities, and a higher amount of fat stored in the stomach can occur as a result.

Cortisol

Another hormone, cortisol, also greatly affects weight. This hormone is known as the stress hormone, and when an individual becomes highly stressed, their cortisol levels increase. As a result, losing weight can be much more difficult due to the body’s survival instincts kicking in. When this happens, the body starts producing more fat cells, slowing the rate of your metabolism down. When cortisol levels are high, you may find that you have more abdominal weight.

Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid hormones are also tied to weight gain, as the thyroid gland is directly involved with your metabolism and helps keep a healthy metabolic rate, which is essential for having a healthy weight. When a person’s body is unable to convert T4 into active T3, this means that their metabolism is probably not functioning as it should. A slower metabolism can indicate more difficulty in losing weight.

Estrogen

One of the functions of the hormone estrogen is to maintain a healthy amount of fat stored in the body, but it also affects weight gain when there is a hormonal imbalance. When estrogen levels decrease, especially after menopause, muscle mass can lessen, which can often lead to increased amounts of fat being stored.

Progesterone

Likewise, the hormone progesterone can affect weight gain when there is an imbalance. Because it is linked to metabolism, low levels of progesterone can slow the metabolism down. Too much can result in the body retaining water and an increased appetite.

Testosterone

If there is an imbalance in testosterone, muscle mass decreases, which can slow down the metabolism. Energy levels can also lessen with lower testosterone, and as a result, the motivation to exercise can decrease. Weight gain in the stomach is common when testosterone levels are low.

Leptin

Leptin is a hormone that assists in keeping a person feeling full after they have eaten. Healthy levels of leptin give signals to the brain to feel hungry before eating and to cease the feeling of hunger afterward, as well as increasing energy levels from food intake. If leptin decreases, the body senses that more fuel is necessary. This causes an individual to feel hungry and conserve energy, which may involve the metabolism slowing down due to the body wanting to store fat.

NPY

A hormone that affects appetite and metabolism is neuropeptide Y (NPY). This hormone is created within the brain. The nervous system sends signals to the body that it needs food and lowers energy disbursement if an individual were to be fasting or under stress. Hunger and the motivation to eat stem from NPY functioning as it should.

If there is an imbalance of NPY, you will likely experience more intense hunger pangs, especially if you are under constant stress, as more NPY will be created. This often results in a greater appetite and weight gain, particularly in the abdomen. You may also suffer from more mood swings and irregular menstrual cycles.

GLP-1

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is another hormone that impacts hunger and appetite, potentially causing weight issues. This hormone is created by the gastrointestinal tract once food enters into the intestines. GLP-1 causes you to feel full after eating and distributes insulin to assist in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.

It also helps in delaying the emptying of the stomach to ensure lower blood glucose levels. With an imbalance of GLP-1, there is a much greater chance of feeling hungry more frequently, experiencing spikes in blood glucose, and weight gain. When GLP-1 levels are balanced, your body stays full longer.

YY

Peptide YY is a hormone that is responsible for lessening the appetite and making you feel full. It also works in the stomach and intestines to slow down food traveling through the digestive tract. When healthy levels of peptide YY exist, a person should have a healthy appetite, eating only enough to satisfy their hunger pangs. If a person has an imbalance of this hormone, they may be more prone to gaining weight, overeating, and an insatiable appetite.

Why Hormone Imbalances Can Make It Hard to Lose Weight

The body produces many different hormones to help support healthy body functions. When one or more hormones are imbalanced, it can result in a variety of health issues. Some of these health issues demonstrate why hormone imbalances can make it hard to lose weight. Hormones act like messengers, giving important information to the body. This information is passed through the bloodstream, alerting the body’s organs and tissues about the functions that they are to perform.

The hormones are part of the endocrine system, which is an integral part of a person’s health. This system is meant to work in synergy as many hormones must contribute to its effectiveness, but it also works slowly. Because of this, it can be difficult to determine if you have a hormonal imbalance. Hormones impact many bodily functions, such as mood, growth, metabolism, and reproduction. When the hormones become imbalanced, this disrupts the body’s normal functions.

Imbalanced hormones can result in a slower metabolism. The metabolic hormones have a direct impact on the metabolism and its functions. If the metabolism slows, then a person’s appetite may increase, energy levels decrease, and weight gain is experienced.

Many hormones impact the metabolism, how much fat is stored in the body, increased appetite, or feeling satisfied or hungry even after eating. This is why maintaining hormonal balance is so important. When an imbalance occurs, it not only disrupts the body’s functions but also makes it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight.

Eating well and exercising can help manage hormonal balances, as well as your weight. Sometimes, that is not enough, and additional help from the healthcare providers at Arizona Gynecology Consultants may be necessary.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing Hormonal Weight Gain

Many signs can indicate hormone-related weight gain.

This includes:

Suddenly gaining more weight (especially in the stomach area) without any changes to your diet or exercise routine
Tiredness
Changes in mood
Headaches
Goiter of the thyroid
Changes in vision

Trouble sleeping
Digestive problems
Disruptions to your menstrual cycle
Hair loss or hair growth
Skin issues such as acne
Issues experiencing arousal, low libido, and other sexual problems

If you are suffering from one or several of these symptoms, seeking professional evaluation is highly suggested. It can be very difficult to know if you have an imbalance without being evaluated by a healthcare professional, and the right healthcare provider can conduct effective testing to determine the cause of your weight gain as well as the best course of treatment.

Don’t Let Your Hormonal Weight Gain Go Untreated

When hormonal imbalances are not treated properly, additional physical and mental problems can result. One of these issues includes Type 2 diabetes, which becomes more of a risk when you have consistent weight gain struggles.

Hormonal weight gain can also cause infertility issues, as it can cause disruptions in reproductive processes. Mood disorders can also occur, such as depression, anxiety, and frequent changes in mood. Another issue that can develop is hypertension or high blood pressure, as extra weight puts more stress on the heart and the blood vessels.

Diagnosis may involve a physical exam, discussing your medical history to see if there are any underlying conditions, disclosing any medications you are taking, undergoing lab tests to assess hormone levels, a pelvic exam to check for tumors or cysts, or having an ultrasound to check the uterus, ovaries, thyroid or pituitary gland.

Arizona Gynecology Consultants’ Hormonal and Weight Loss Services

At Arizona Gynecology Consultants, we are dedicated to improving women’s healthcare and focusing on our patients’ needs as they address the health of their most personal bodily systems. Every woman is unique and deserves personalized care, and our physicians strive to provide both hormone rebalancing and weight loss help, depending on your needs.

We offer several services to treat all kinds of healthcare issues that women face. This includes hormone testing that can help identify the hormonal imbalances occurring in your body. We then can assist you in finding a treatment that is right for you, including hormone replacement therapy, if necessary.

We can also offer our clients a personalized hormone therapy treatment plan to suit their individual needs. Lifestyle counseling is also available for those looking to improve their health by making effective lifestyle changes. If you are looking to make dietary changes to improve your health, we also provide nutritional support and guidance. With our customized weight management programs, we can help you meet your optimal weight goals and maintain your weight.

Find the Right Treatment for Your Hormone-Related Weight Issues

Since hormones that the body produces play a significant part in how the body functions, it is important to take note when something is amiss and address these hormonal changes as soon as possible. Hormonal imbalances can cause many health issues, slow down your metabolism, prompt your body to store more fat, or increase your appetite, among many other symptoms.

That’s why, if you notice sudden changes in weight without any apparent reason, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare provider. Our healthcare providers will be able to assess the cause of your problem better, determine whether you have any underlying causes, and determine the most effective treatment.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and well-being, our team is here to support you every step of the way. From hormone therapy to personalized weight loss plans, we offer comprehensive women’s healthcare services designed to help you feel your best. Reach out today, and let’s work together toward a healthier, happier you!

Sources:

van der Valk, E. S., Savas, M., & van Rossum, E. F. C. (2018). Stress and obesity: Are there more susceptible individuals? Current Obesity Reports, 7(2), 193-203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-018-0306-y
Obradovic, M., Sudar-Milovanovic, E., Soskic, S., et al. (2021). Leptin and obesity: Role and clinical implication. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12, 585887. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.585887
Nie, X., Xu, Y., Ma, X., et al. (2020). Association between abdominal fat distribution and free triiodothyronine in a euthyroid population. Obesity Facts, 13(3), 358-366. https://doi.org/10.1159/000507709
Kodoth, V., Scaccia, S., & Aggarwal, B. (2022). Adverse changes in body composition during the menopausal transition and relation to cardiovascular risk: A contemporary review. Women’s Health Reports, 3(1), 573-581. https://doi.org/10.1089/whr.2021.0119
Papadakis, G. E., Hans, D., Rodriguez, E. G., et al. (2018). Menopausal hormone therapy is associated with reduced total and visceral adiposity: The OsteoLaus cohort. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 103(5), 1948-1957. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2017-02449
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Insulin resistance & prediabetes. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/
MD Anderson Cancer Center. (n.d.). Drop belly fat, drop cancer risks. Retrieved from https://www.mdanderson.org/
Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Taking aim at belly fat. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Hormonal imbalance. Retrieved from https://www.clevelandclinic.org/
National Health Service (NHS). (n.d.). Cushing’s syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/
The University of Chicago Medicine. (n.d.). Why am I gaining weight so fast during menopause? Retrieved from https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/
Endocrine Wellness. (n.d.). Hormonal weight gain. Retrieved from https://www.endocrinewellness.com/
Balance Hormone Center. (n.d.). The link between hormonal imbalance and weight gain. Retrieved from https://www.balancehormoneoklahoma.com/
Rupa Health. (n.d.). 9 hormone imbalances that can hinder weight loss. Retrieved from https://www.rupahealth.com/

Nikkeya Boyd

Nurse Practitioner

Fulfilling her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner Nikkeya Boyd joined Arizona Gynecology Consultants in 2019. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri in St. Louis and her graduate work at Grand Canyon University graduating in 2018.

You Should Know These 5 Facts About Birth Control

Estimates state that more than 99% of the country’s women aged 15 to 44 who have ever had sexual intercourse have used some form of birth control. It’s well past time for a frank discussion on some of the lesser-known facts about birth control every woman should know.

There Is A Wide Variety Of Birth Control Methods

Birth control these days is about more than just the pill and condoms; in fact, a wider variety of options exists than ever before, with over a dozen methods approved for use in the United States alone. Here’s a look at some of the most popular, non-permanent methods:

Birth Control Pill

The birth control pill has long been the most popular method of hormonal birth control for both teenage girls and women. It’s effective when women use it correctly, and can offer positive hormonal side effects for many, such as lightened menstrual periods and their associated pain.
Male Condom

Condoms are the only method that also provides some protection against sexually transmitted infections. This barrier method of birth control has the added benefit of producing almost no side effects for women not allergic to latex.
IUD

Both medicated and copper IUDs provide a barrier to implantation of an embryo into the uterine lining, while the medicated IUD also prevents sperm from reaching the egg, making it even more effective at preventing pregnancy without much chance of user error.
Injectable

Commonly known as “the shot,” injectable methods of birth control feature a hormonal shot when, if given on the proper schedule, prevents pregnancy for up to three months at a time.
Other Methods

Several other methods of birth control exist, though less than two percent of the population uses them. Options include vaginal rings, implants, patches, emergency contraception, barrier methods such as the female condom and diaphragm, and spermicidal methods like vaginal jelly and foam.

What is the preferred form of birth control in your state? Find out here.

Most Women And Teenage Girls Aren’t Utilizing The Most Effective Methods

Most women between 15 and 44 aren’t using the most effective methods of birth control. In fact, the most popular method used by family planning providers is the IUD, though only about seven percent of all women in the US use it. Health care professionals also suggest it for teenage girls for its long-term efficacy, zero chance of user error, and reversibility. Once women receive education about all the methods available to them, over 75% chose the IUD, a drastic increase from the national average.

Different Methods Have Different Side Effects

Chances are you’ve heard a TV announcer read the side effects list of the advertised birth control method and wondered to yourself if all the side effects are really worth it. While it’s true that most hormonal forms of birth control have potential side effects produced by the different hormones used – and their levels – they have different, and even positive, effects on the user. Combined hormone methods utilize estrogen and progestin, and tend to have a slightly more pronounced signs and symptoms, at least at first. Progestin-only methods skip the estrogen, a trade-off that minimizes hormonal side effects but slightly decreases the efficacy rate.

The Side Effects Truly Are Minimal

You’ve likely heard one friend or another citing the negative effects of her birth control method, including weight gain, irritability, and altered periods. However, for most women – that is, women without additional health concerns – most side effects decrease in severity and eventually disappear over time. The series of adjustments your body needs to make to incorporate the hormones involved will lessen, and weight loss is even possible at this stage.
Find A Method That Works For You

Of course, you shouldn’t stick with a birth control method that’s making you miserable – all the FDA-approved methods available in the US are effective and you have a wealth of options available. Try a hormonal method with lower levels of hormones, or an IUD without hormones. If you’re having trouble taking your birth control regularly, switch to a method with less hands-on time. The important thing is making your birth control work for you, so it can have its desired effect – pregnancy prevention.

Birth Control Isn’t Taboo

As mentioned above, when more women learn about all the types of birth control available to them, they tend to make different choices that better fit their lifestyles. Discussion regarding your reproductive health isn’t – and shouldn’t be – taboo. Learn about the different methods of birth control that may work for you, and after you make your choice, research the side effects, risks, and how to properly use them.

Deciding when and if you want to get pregnant is one of the most significant health decisions you can make, and talking about your options with a women’s healthcare provider like Arizona Gynecology Consultants is a great first step.

Dr. Kelly Roy, MD

Founder and Medical Director of ARIZONA GYNECOLOGY CONSULTANTS

Dr. Kelly Roy is a specialist in surgical gynecology and advanced laparoscopy (and hysteroscopy). She is a long-time resident of Arizona and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering at Arizona State University before finishing her Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Arizona in 1997.

Dr. Roy completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the then “Banner Good Samaritan Hospital” (now Banner University Medical Center), in Phoenix Arizona in 2001.

Well known for her teaching and surgical ability, she is on the faculty at the residency program at both Banner University Medical Center and Saint Joseph’s Hospital in central Phoenix and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix Campus. Dr. Roy has taught advanced surgical techniques to medical students, residents, fellows and colleagues for over 15 years.

Dr. Roy is also a consultant to the medical device industry and has participated in the design and clinical testing of many instruments and surgical devices available on the world-wide market today.

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Change Your Fitness Focus For This Summer And See Better Results

This entry was posted in Fitness and Nutrition and tagged Diet and Exercise, Get Healthy, Healthy Weight, Weight Gain, Weight Loss on March 8, 2019 by Dr. Kelly Roy, MD.

Many women think of the winter as the time to start preparing for swimsuit season in the coming summer, but should looking good in swimwear be the main goal of a new fitness routine? Instead of focusing on looking better in a swimsuit this year, try making a few significant changes that improve your overall health, not just the way you look. In time, making these positive changes will have an undeniably positive effect on your overall health and wellness.

Choosing Wellness Over Aesthetics

Everyone faces tremendous social pressure to look as good as possible. Modern marketing leans toward showcasing models with “aspirational” body types, the type that usually demand hyper-dedicated focus to nutrition and exercise. The average person cannot commit hours each day to looking as good as possible, so focusing health and exercise goals around aesthetics is ultimately self-defeating. However, a few small but important lifestyle changes can have tremendous results that lead to looking and feeling great.

Overcoming Social Pressures For Swimsuit Season

Advertisements constantly bombard the average American from all directions. It can be difficult for some people to recognize unrealistic beauty standards, and overcoming social pressure to look as good as possible can be significantly more challenging for some women than for others. Whenever you decide to make better decisions for yourself, you should aim to improve yourself, not just to earn the admiration of others.

While role models and fitness ambitions can be good motivational tools, they may also lead to self-esteem issues. Avoid trying to model your looks around those of celebrities or fitness models who likely have expensive dietary counselors and personal trainers to help them stay in picture-perfect shape. Instead, look for personal motivations that are meaningful to you, such as being able to keep up with your kids while you chase them around the beach this summer.

Avoiding Unhealthy Fat-Burning Gimmicks And Fad Diets

There have been countless fad diets to come and go throughout the years. There are also thousands of supplements on the market that proclaim to boost your metabolism and burn fat with minimal effort. Be wary of these fads and gimmicks. While some fast fat-burning methods may offer seemingly good results in a short window of time, these methods are rarely healthy and more often than not cause more problems than they solve.

Despite the dangers of some trendy diets, others have gained traction due to their objective health benefits and consistent results. For example, the ketogenic diet (also called the “meat and greens” diet or keto diet) essentially requires avoiding carbohydrates and sugars and eating a diet high in animal proteins and leafy vegetables. The keto diet places the body into ketosis*, or the state of burning fat stores for energy instead of deriving it from ingested carbohydrates. This is just one example of a popular diet that is actually worth investigating, and it is flexible enough to meet various dietary restrictions like food allergies or gluten sensitivity.

Balanced Nutrition Is Crucial For Weight Loss

Exercise is a crucial component of any weight loss plan, but nutrition is even more important. Proper nutrition helps the body function better overall. Many Americans do not get the recommended amounts of essential vitamins and minerals from their daily diet, and no amount of exercise can replace these deficits. Vitamin deficiency can lead to increased susceptibility to muscle overextension or soft tissue injuries.

Cultivate Better Eating Habits

Start your summer fitness plan with a thorough review of your current daily diet. The vast majority of Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables each day, so consider this a good starting point. For one month, try to add one full serving of vegetables to your daily food intake. The next month, add one more. Within a few months you may notice you have adopted an entirely new eating pattern, and you should start seeing positive results sooner than you might expect.

Drinking more water is also essential to a healthy body. Nutritionists recommend 8 glasses of water every day to maintain your health. With exercising, more may be necessary to stay hydrated. Also, drink water more often to keep from unintentional snacking. You might be actually be thirsty and think its hunger. A few sips an hour should do the trick.

Creating better eating habits does not just mean knowing which foods to add to your diet but also which foods you should avoid. Try to limit alcohol consumption as much as possible and refrain from eating too many fatty, fried, or processed foods. Always opt for lean protein whenever possible and choose fresh vegetables over frozen varieties.

Expand Your Exercise Routine

Starting an exercise routine is relatively easy and can even be fun, but sticking to that routine can be a challenge. If you are committed to improving your overall health and fitness this year but find yourself dreading the next trip to the gym, consider an alternative to your usual workout routine. Instead of running on a treadmill, look for a local park or hiking trail for a new challenge. Look for community sports leagues and try out for a team. Arrange nightly bike rides with your kids. These are just a few examples of great ways to stay in shape outside of the gym.

You can also make small changes to your everyday routine. If possible, consider biking to work instead of driving. Take frequent breaks at work to stretch or even do a few desk workouts during your downtime. Whenever possible, opt to take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator. These small changes mean more burned calories, and creating a daily calorie deficit is the key to losing weight.

A Caution On Calorie Deficits

A calorie deficit means you burn more calories than you consume in a given day. While the average daily calorie intake for most adults is around 2000 calories, it is always best to consult with a doctor about a healthy calorie deficit range. Too much of a calorie deficit can have serious negative health issues like a compromised immune system and diminished internal organ functions.

Ultimately, bucking the trend of social pressure to look good in a bikini is difficult for many women to overcome, but developing personalized health goals that focus on wellness over outward appearance is ultimately the better choice for any fitness plan this year.