Patients Struggling To Manage Their Weight

For patients struggling to manage their weight, a hormonal imbalance may be to blame. Below, we'll explore five hormones that may be the root cause of a patient's weight gain.

1. INSULIN

Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose in the blood. When insulin resistance occurs, it often leads to significant weight gain. Studies have shown hormone replacement therapies may help protect against insulin resistance.

2. CORTISOL

Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, gets released by the adrenal glands when the body is under stress. Elevated cortisol levels can cause cravings for foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt. BHRT has been shown to help manage stress and keep cortisol levels balanced.

3. ESTROGEN

For women, estrogen levels decline with age. Inadequate amounts of estrogen can cause the body to use blood sugars and starches less effectively, increasing fat around the mid-section. Optimizing estrogen levels could help reduce weight gain associated with an estrogen imbalance.

4. TESTOSTERONE

One of the symptoms of low testosterone in men and women is an increase in body fat. Optimizing testosterone levels helps promote weight loss, increase muscle mass, and maintain energy levels—giving some patients that extra boost they need to hit the gym regularly.

5. THYROID

Thyroid optimization is essential to maintaining a well-functioning metabolism. The thyroid creates the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) from iodine. These hormones are used by the body to metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.