Why Are You Gaining Weight? Hormones Might Be the Problem

If you’re gaining weight, chances are poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are the reasons. But that’s not always the case. A hormonal imbalance also can cause you to pack on the pounds. 

Obesity continues to be an issue in the United States, bringing with it an increase in chronic health issues such as coronary heart disease and many forms of cancer. 

When hormones are the culprit, losing weight poses additional challenges. 

How Is Hormonal Weight Gain Different? 

When weight gain is the result of hormones, simple shifts in diet and exercise habits aren’t always enough, and a medical diagnosis is needed to identify the source and prescribe correct treatment. 

Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers, controlling such important elements as growth, sexual function, reproduction, metabolism and even your mood. And changes in these hormones can sometimes result in unexpected — and uncontrollable — weight gain. A few examples include: 

●   Estrogen shifts. During menopause, a decrease in estrogen is linked to lower muscle mass and increased fat stores for women, usually around the midsection. Conversely, higher than normal estrogen levels can cause endometriosis, fibroids or menstrual bloating. 

●   Testosterone decreases. For both men and women, a decrease in testosterone means reduction in muscle mass, which lowers the body’s metabolic rate, resulting in increased body fat. 

●   Increased androgens. In women, an increase in hormones called androgens is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which not only interferes with fertility but can cause cysts and weight gain. 

●   Diabetes. Treating diabetes can cause weight gain if your daily prescribed insulin intake is higher than the energy you burn each day. 

●   Thyroid deficiency. Underactive thyroid, also called hypothyroidism, slows the body’s ability to burn calories. 

●   Stress. Prolonged stress causes an increase in the hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems and weight gain. 

●   Medical treatments. Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids (a synthetic form of the hormone cortisol) are often prescribed when dealing with medical issues such as cancer, lupus and some skin conditions. Unfortunately, a side effect of this treatment is often weight gain. 

Can I Lose Hormone Weight? 

The first step is always to work with your doctor to diagnose the underlying cause. This often includes a blood or urine test to check current hormone levels and identify any inconsistencies. 

Should test results reveal your weight gain is related to estrogen or testosterone deficiencies, hormone replacement therapy can be a viable option, but comes with risks and side effects. For example: 

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), while able to correct some physical issues, is also linked to an increase in sleep apnea, acne and raised red blood cell counts, which can raise your risk of blood clots and heart attacks. 

Estrogen replacement (HRT) is not safe for women who have had cancer, liver disease or issues with vaginal bleeding. Treatment risks include blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer and gallbladder disease. 

Thyroid issues like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can stem from autoimmune thyroid disorders, inflammation or be hereditary. Treatment is a lifelong, daily medication regimen designed to replace your missing or imbalanced hormones. If the hormone imbalance is caused by an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's disease or Grave’s disease, your doctor will advise you on the risk of side effects from iodine and supplements, food and medicines to avoid. 

To support any treatment program, changes in your diet and exercise may also be required. And since important hormones that control glucose regulation and appetite control, namely leptin and ghrelin, are released as you sleep, be sure you get plenty of rest. 

Losing hormonal weight is possible, and together with your doctor you can develop a program that works best for you.