Some of you may know that I recently found out I have a hormone imbalance. I have probably had it for a significant amount of time (over a few years) but never really thought to look into it.
As you may know, I always talk about how a hormone imbalance can cause weight gain. I have been experiencing weight gain and difficulty losing weight, and it wasnāt until I did a bit of research that I suspected I might actually have a hormone imbalance.
I know there are probably many of you experiencing the same thing and donāt even realize that you have a hormone imbalance. So I wanted to share what I have learned in the hope that it might help some of you too!
WHAT IS A HORMONE IMBALANCE
The most common one (that I have) and that most young women experience is a progesterone deficiency. Your estrogen levels could also be too high in comparison to your progesterone levels. They need to be balanced.
WHAT ARE ESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE?
These hormones are secreted by the ovaries and contribute to a womanās menstrual cycle and fertility.
Here are some of the effects of estrogen and progesterone.
| Estrogen | Progesterone |
| Increases body fat | Helps use fat for energy |
| Salt and fluid retention | Natural diuretic |
| Depression and headaches | Natural antidepressant |
| Interferes with thyroid hormone | Facilitates thyroid hormone action |
| Impairs blood sugar control | Normalizes blood sugar levels |
| Decreases sex drive | Restores sex drive |
So you can see that if you donāt have enough progesterone to balance out the estrogen, it could cause these issues.
SYMPTOMS OF A HORMONE IMBALANCE
Some of the most common symptoms of a hormone imbalance (low progesterone) include:
- Heavy or irregular periods
- PMS symptoms (migraines/headaches, cramping, moodiness, tender breasts, cravings, etc)
- Weight gain (especially around the stomach)
- Low libido
- Fatigue and low energy
- Anxiety, irritability, and depression
- Poor sleep and insomnia
- Hair loss
- Hot flashes
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Endometriosis
- Infertility (not permanent ā fertility will come back when your hormone balance is restored).
Here are 5 common signs that indicate your hormones might be out of balance and some simple tips on how to naturally reset your hormones.
RELATED POST: 6 UNEXPECTED REASONS YOU CAN’T LOSE WEIGHT
HOW LOW PROGESTERONE / HIGH ESTROGEN CAUSE WEIGHT GAINĀ
Hormones play a big role in weight gain. While it’s normal for women to have minor weight fluctuations, larger and lasting changes might signal a hormonal imbalance.
SUGAR CRAVING
High estrogen can cause an increase in insulin. Increased insulin leads to sugar cravings, and this is why lots of women crave chocolate during PMS (and at other times too!). Progesterone helps to lower insulin levels.
I want to share with you this post about how insulin resistance can cause fat gain, trouble losing weight, and how to reverse it :)
STORED FAT
High levels of estrogen also cause more fatty tissue growth, and your fat cells, in turn, make more estrogen, so itās a vicious cycle. This excess fat is usually around the stomach because estrogen also dictates where the body distributes fat. This cycle can be helped by balancing estrogen with progesterone.
FLUID RETENTION
High levels of estrogen also cause fluid retention. Progesterone is a natural diuretic and can reduce fluid retention and bloating.
DECREASE IN THYROID FUNCTION
Low progesterone can affect your thyroid, and thyroid issues can cause weight gain/difficulty losing weight. When you have low progesterone, your liver produces excess TBG (a protein). TBG binds to the thyroid hormones and blocks them so your body canāt use them properly.
APPETITE & SLEEP
Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain, whereas estrogen has an excitatory effect. This means that women with high estrogen experience sleep difficulties.
A lack of sleep disrupts the hormone that is in control of your appetite (leptin). When you are sleep deprived, this contributes to an increased appetite and you eat more.
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CAUSES OF HORMONAL IMBALANCE
For me, the hormone imbalance has probably been caused by a few things but the main contributor has been the long-term use of the contraceptive pill.
The pill contains synthetic progestin which lowers progesterone levels. Other causes can include stress, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, menopausal changes, and xenohormones (found in plastics, solvents, adhesives, etc).
HOW TO FIX IT
For me, the first thing I did was stop taking the contraceptive pill. Within 2 weeks I already noticed my stomach looking leaner than it had in about a year. And I didnāt really do much different with my diet or exercise.
This is probably due to both losing fat and a decrease in fluid retention.
There are lots of other ways that you can naturally rebalance your hormone levels, but there are just SO many. Iām not going to list them all.
A few things you can do is to take 1 tsp of maca powder each day ā this is supposed to be great at balancing out your hormones. Buying organic meat (with no added hormones) is also a good move. I have also been taking a natural supplement called Fem Rebalance to help my hormones restore themselves naturally.
My best suggestion is to visit a naturopath who specializes in hormones for women and get some testing done.
The testing they do will be different from a GP. The blood tests your GP takes may not accurately represent your hormone levels. It is best tested through a saliva or urine test. Once you have results, your naturopath will be able to recommend treatment.
SOURCES
- Progesterone Deficiency – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24613-low-progesterone
- Xenohormones – https://nwcnaturals.com/blog/what-is-xenoestrogens/
- Thyroid Issues – https://www.webmd.com/women/understanding-thyroid-problems-basics
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28 Responses
My daughter who is 15 is getting irregular periods. Doesn’t get them for up to 4 months at a time. Even though she eats well, she has put on a few extra kilos and looks bloated. Could be PCOS. Went to GP to get a blood test. All normal, blood sugar, testosterone etc. Did a pelvic ultrasound. All normal. Went to a gynaecologist. Assumed she has a mild form of PCOS but can’t do anything further re providing her with medication or internal ultrasound because she told me she is young.
I am thinking of going to a herbalist. On her website states she treats hormonal imbalance, PCOS amongst other things. I know years ago a herbalist successfully treated my anxiety and depression. What do you think.
Hi Helen,
I’m sorry to hear that :( Rachael would recommend seeing a naturopath first as they have proven to be much better at helping with hormonal issues and pcos.
Wishing you best of luck! xx
Lean Legs Club support
Hi Rachael,
Thanks so much for your advice. This absolutely makes sense. I struggled to get pregnant after coming off the contraceptive pill for years then found out about my hormone imbalance. 2 healthy children later (with help from Cabergoline tablets). Struggling to lose tummy weight and much thicker so will take Cabergolin again as described by Doctor. Why didnāt the doctor explain this about the weight? He just keeps mentioning osteoporosis and reason to take the tablets with vitamin D. Thanks :)
Hi lovely, I’m so sorry to hear that. I would highly recommend seeing a naturopath because in my experience, then are a LOOOT better at dealing with hormone imbalances than doctors. Wishing you all the best! xx
Hello, I am 46 years old and was diagnosed with PCOS last year. I am estrogen dominant, high testosterone and low progesterone. My doctor prescribed me nothing and says everything will balance out itself. So I did my own research and started taking Indole 3 carbinol, saw palmetto, spearmint tea, fish oil, ashwagandha, gymnema, Vitamin D3 and a very good multivitamin and feel so much better. My periods have lightened up and are on time each month. But im still having trouble losing weight. Do you think this is a good combo for my symptoms?
Hi Kesha, I’m sorry to hear of your troubles and that the doctor didn’t give you anything to help. It’s great that you are taking some naturally products and multivitamins. I think this would help. But I would really recommend seeing a naturopath as they will be able to give you exactly what you need to help balance out these hormones :) Wishing you all the best! xx
Hi
I am 55 years old and just been tested by dr that i
I have no estrogen, and i am struggling to loose weight what can i use pls
Hi lovely, I would highly recommend seeing a naturopath as they are great for helping with hormones! I don’t know if you eat soy or not, but products like tofu and tempeh might help you boost up your estrogen levels. I’m sure there is a lot more you can do, but I would see a naturopath as they will have a lot better help and guidance xx
Iām sorry but how does the author write an article on hormones and recommend to get off of the contraceptive pill but not know that there is a progesterone only contraceptive pill available?
Hi there, a progesterone only contraceptive pill doesn’t mean that your body will produce progesterone on it’s own. You are still putting the fake hormone in. When you do come off this pill, your body will have trouble producing it on its own and will have the same issues as someone on regular birth control. I was on the pill for 9 years and in hindsight, I would never have gone on it, but that is just my personal opinion. If it works for you, great! The choice is up to you.