Have you been thinking about having weight loss surgery?
Get in touch
enquiries@thedietologist.co.uk
01213300828
Hormones, Menopause and Weight Gain!
enquiries@thedietologist.co.uk
Can Oestrogen levels affect weight gain?
Many women struggle with their weight around the menopause. They may notice that they are gaining weight, or that it is more difficult to lose weight. Some forms of oestrogen are linked with how the body controls weight gain. As such, any changes in their levels could then lead to changes in body weight.
So, what is the relationship between a woman’s oestrogen levels and her weight?
Menopause causes a drop in oestrogen levels.
Oestrogen levels can be low in women for many reasons.
The most common reason for low oestrogen is the Menopause! This is when a woman’s reproductive hormones decline, and menstruation stops. Many women notice that they gain weight during this time in their life. One reason why people might gain weight around menopause is changing hormone levels.
One form of oestrogen called estradiol decreases at menopause. This hormone helps to regulate metabolism and body weight. Lower levels of estradiol may lead to weight gain. Throughout their life, women may notice weight gain around their hips and thighs. However, after menopause, women tend to gain weight around their mid-section and abdomen. This type of fat gain tends to build up in the abdomen and around the organs, where it is known as visceral fat. Visceral fat can be harmful. It has been linked with several other medical conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Some cancers
As well as changing oestrogen levels, older women may tend to be less active and have less muscle mass, which means that they burn fewer calories during the day. These factors can all increase a woman’s risk for weight gain during the transition to menopause. Age-related factors may play a more significant role in weight gain than changes to oestrogen levels.
Other reasons for oestrogen imbalance:
Menopause is not the only reason why a woman might have low oestrogen levels. Other potential causes of oestrogen imbalance include:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes cysts on the ovaries and may affect hormone levels. PCOS is a condition where a woman has multiple small cysts on the ovaries, as well as several hormonal imbalances. They may have high testosterone levels and an imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone levels. Women with this condition tend to have an issue with weight gain, insulin resistance and heart disease.
Lactation
Oestrogen levels remain low after a woman has given birth and while she is breast-feeding. This hormonal change helps to encourage milk production and prevent ovulation and any further conception right away.
Ovary removal
A woman who has had both of her ovaries surgically removed will go through sudden menopause. She will no longer release eggs or produce oestrogen and progesterone.
Anorexia
Anorexia is a serious eating disorder where someone does not take in enough calories. This deficit puts their body in a state of starvation and will reduce the amount of oestrogen their body produces.
Vigorous exercise
Vigorous or extreme exercise has been shown to decrease oestrogen production due to low body fat levels.
What is Oestrogen?
Oestrogen is one of the two primary female sex hormones and is involved in the onset of puberty and the menstrual cycle. It has many other essential functions, as well, including:
- helping to control blood cholesterol levels
- promoting bone health
- protecting the brain and mood
The ovaries, which are two small glands in the lower pelvis, are mainly responsible for the production of oestrogen. The adrenal glands and fatty tissue also make oestrogen in small amounts.
There are three main types of oestrogen:
- Estrone which the body produces after menopause.
- Estradiol which women of childbearing age produce.
- Estriol which the body produces during pregnancy.
Symptoms of low oestrogen include:
- irregular or missed periods
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- insomnia
- vaginal dryness
- low libido
- moodiness or irritability
- headaches
- dry skin
Women experiencing any of these symptoms should speak to their GP about them. The GP can run a simple blood test to measure oestrogen levels and determine if an oestrogen imbalance is to blame. Women should keep track of their menstrual periods, including when they begin and end, and any other symptoms or problems that they are experiencing. Having this information readily available can help a doctor diagnose potential hormonal imbalances.
How to manage weight gain?
Maintaining a healthy weight, even if it is related to an oestrogen imbalance, begins with eating well and staying active.
A healthy diet to manage weight means:
- avoiding processed foods
- eating lots of fruits and vegetables each day
- staying hydrated by drinking lots of water
- avoiding full sugar fizzy drinks, juice, and alcohol
- including whole grains and lean proteins along with healthy plant-based fats such as avocados, olive oil or rapeseed oil.
Being active is very important for managing oestrogen-related weight gain. In addition to regular cardio exercise, such as jogging, swimming, or walking. Add in strength training to help build muscle and promote healthy bones. Weight gain is a common complaint among women who reach menopause. Making healthier food choices and lifestyle changes are the best way to manage weight gain.
If you are struggling with your weight due to a women’s health issue such as the menopause or PCOS, please do get in touch. I offer a FREE discovery call
to find out more about you!
#Menopause #hormonesandweightgain #weightgain #weightloss #weightlosstransformation #weightlosssurgery #dietitian
