Below you will find a starting list of menopause Q & A. These are just some of the many menopause questions I receive together with my answers. Remember, this is not specific to you but generalised information.
1.Which specific hormones are most commonly linked to weight gain in women?
Generally speaking all of our hormones in combination help us to maintain our weight and muscle tone. When out of balance it can drive weight gain.
As an example low testosterone can play a role in weight gain. Most people only think about testosterone in relation to male health. But its very important for females. Low vitamin D (yes, this is a hormone) that helps us manage cells and organ function can also contribute to unexplained weight gain. Research shows that low levels are associated with weight gain and obesity. We can experience weight gain from high estrogen, high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as low testosterone. In addition the hormones Cortisol, Insulin and Leptin when in excess can drive unexplained weight gain. These are just a few hormones that can influence our weight.
2.How does the balance of oestrogen and progesterone influence weight management?
Estrogen dominance can be from high estrogen or low progesterone. The metabolic changes produced by low estrogen and low progesterone produce low muscle mass and this in turn means that we experience a reduction in our metabolic rate which produces fat accumulation even when we eat less and move more.
3.Are there particular life stages (e.g., menopause, pregnancy) where hormonal weight gain is more prevalent?
During peri-menopause progesterone is (generally speaking) the first hormone to begin to decline. This then creates estrogen dominance for a while, producing weight gain and a host of uncomfortable symptoms.
Once we hit menopause we often see all hormones begin to decline. Low estrogen, low progesterone and low testosterone produces low muscle mass slowing our metabolic rate which produces weight gain. The good news is that by increasing our exercise and supporting healthy hormone balance we can increase our muscle mass which in turn can help maintain a healthy weight.
We also see weight gain in males with low testosterone &/or high estrogen (yes men can develop high estrogen). Weight gain can be produced at any time of life due to low or imbalanced hormones in both sexes.
During pregnancy things can become a little more complicated. It’s natural and healthy to experience weight gain during pregnancy. The female body retains fat to support fetal development and lactation. However when that goes beyond healthy for no other reason, it can be due to an imbalance in the hormone Leptin.
4.How can insulin resistance contribute to weight gain, and what hormonal factors influence this condition?
In the presence of insulin resistance, the excess production of insulin increases weight. GLP-1 and GIP are hormones released from the small intestine and stimulate beta cells to increase insulin. If our gut health isn’t well balanced, this has potential to alter the communication signalling and the wrong message can increase fat storage and weight gain.
These hormones are also influenced by bile acid which is produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. Thus it’s helpful if these organs are functioning at an optimal level if we want to manage our weight. There are a cascade of hormone actions that influence weight. There can be imbalances along this cascade of functioning or less than optimal function of the whole system that can contribute to weight gain.
5.How does chronic stress impact weight gain?
Stress can negatively impact our digestion and hormones and has the potential to drive weight gain. Cortisol is a hormone that we produce by our adrenal glands during times of stress. When we are in a high stress response (real or imagined) the cortisol switches our body into sympathetic nervous system dominance. This is called the fight or flight response. The body is clever as this its way of helping us be ready to fight or run. It does this by taking the energy from our metabolism and redistributing this energy to our eyes, arms and legs. The redistribution of energy in turn slows our metabolism.
A short term low level stressor does not have negative health consequences and can be good for our health. Low grade chronic stress can compromise our digestion and drive weight gain due to the metabolism being stuck in slow mode. This can drive blood sugar and insulin levels too high. In turn this can increase our hunger and cause us to crave foods that are high in fat and sugar as well.
6.What are the most effective natural supplements for balancing hormones and aiding in weight loss?
Working with your individual hormone test results together with assessing your stage of life, stress levels, digestion and adrenal function produces best results.
For example if in perimenopause and your progesterone is too low consider Vitamin B6 and Agnes Castus to lift progesterone. If your Vitamin D is less than optimal consider supplementing, sun exposure and dietary sources.
If you have low testosterone the herbs Fenugreek, Tribulus and weight bearing exercise can produce positive effects. If post menopause or overall low hormones adding Wild Yam, black cohosh and dong quai can be helpful.
If we want to manage GLP-1 and GIP and have high insulin consider Barberry, Coptis chinensis. Fatty acids are also helpful in regulating hormones, consider EPA/fish oil, Evening Primrose Oil and flaxseed oil.
Healthy fats support good bile flow and a feeling of satiety. If your nervous system is stuck in fight or flight look at introducing Passion flower.
If you are craving sugar Cinnamon and Gymnema can help.
7.What might cause weight gain in women who are taking bioidentical hormones?
By taking a pre formulated product IT does not treat you as an individual. One size may fit some, but not all. Highly individualised treatment that includes bio-identical hormones can bring positive results. However if there is a mismatch between your stage of life, stress levels, diet and individual hormone levels it can produce the opposite to what you are seeking.
8.How can women adjust their diet or lifestyle if they notice weight gain while on bioidentical hormones?
Your naturopath can help guide you to develop a diet that works for you and not against you in your stage of life. Exercise is a must for weight management, positive mental health, detoxification & hormone management. Begin by slowly reducing highly processed foods and sugar from your diet. Increase healthy fats, vegetables & protein. Consider your individual situation and hormone levels. e.g. if your TSH is high then minimize raw cabbage & broccoli. If your testosterone is low minimise soy products, beer and licorice intake both in tea and diet.
CAUTION:
If you are pregnant, breast feeding, taking medications or have a metabolic or other medical diagnosis do not take supplements without speaking to your medical Dr & naturopath.
The above suggestions may not be suitable for you or your individual health needs – e.g. if you have high estrogen or on hrt many of the suggestions are not appropriate for you. Seek professional advice before taking supplements in order to have a personalised treatment that produces optimal results and is safe.
