For patients struggling to manage their weight, a hormonal imbalance may be to blame.
Below, we’ll explore 5 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 bio-identical 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(bio-identical hormone replacement therapy) 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 – It’s not just for men. Women need it too!
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. BHRT(bio-identical hormone replacement therapy) has been shown to help dramatically improve testosterone levels.
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.
The only way to know what’s going on with your hormones is with a simple blood test. Call Lifetime Health and Wellness in South Elgin and schedule your blood test today to see if bio identical hormone optimization is right for you. We accept all insurance and have an extremely reasonable cash price.