Can hormone imbalance affect weight loss?

IT IS true that hormone imbalances can be associated with many problems, such as period problems, unwanted hair growth, fertility struggles, weight gain, and even difficulty sleeping. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor right away.

Hormones serve as chemical messengers, moving through the blood to organs and tissues. They are created in the endocrine glands, which include the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, the pancreas, and others. Hormones are also produced in women’s ovaries and men’s testes.

A hormone imbalance can have a wide range of symptoms, depending on which particular hormone or hormones are out of alignment. Almost anything could be indications of a problem, from weight gain, depression, fatigue, or muscle aches, to frequent urination and increased sensitivity to cold or heat. Men and women can also experience more specific gender-specific symptoms related to an imbalance in their sex hormones.

According to Dr Rivane Chybar Virgo, medical doctor and health and wellness coach, a number of hormones can influence metabolism which ultimately impacts our ability to gain and lose weight.

“Insulin, for example, moves glucose into cells for fuel or fat storage. An underactive thyroid gland can also affect metabolism. Too much cortisol, a stress hormone, can increase cravings and appetite, cause abdominal fat to build up, and lead to other unwanted side effects. Additional hormones that can affect our efforts at weight loss include oestrogen, testosterone, DHEA, and growth hormone, among others,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

Hormone imbalances, she said, can occur for a variety of reasons, such as ageing, vitamin deficiencies, menopause in women, and more. “It is important to get any issues diagnosed to avoid some of the health dangers associated with being overweight, including an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Carrying too much weight can also cause other problems, such as osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and asthma,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

Dr Chybar Virgo said if you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance, there are some things you can do to improve your health and begin experiencing relief.

“You can combat inflammation by eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Avoiding inflammatory foods helps to restore your health and rebalance your hormones. Removing these foods from your diet and replacing them with healthy fats, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables reduce inflammation naturally and correct hormone imbalances,” she explained.

The following foods have been linked to chronic inflammation: gluten-free diet to balance hormones naturally; artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners; dairy products; excess meat; food that you have an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity to; fried foods; gluten; processed foods; refined oils; sugar and trans-fats.

Balanced blood glucose levels are also essential for balanced hormones. “You must eat well-balanced meals that contain plenty of leafy green vegetables. Additionally, each meal should contain healthy proteins and healthy fats to help stabilise your blood sugar levels. When you are craving sugar, enjoy some fresh fruit. This will relieve your sugar cravings without causing blood sugar spikes,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

Exercise also works in several different ways to help rebalance hormone levels. First, exercise increases the production of dopamine in the brain, which can help reduce stress.

“Exercise also causes the body to release serotonin, which can help improve sleep, digestion, and sexual health. Testosterone levels and estrogen levels can also be increased with daily exercise. For best results, incorporate both aerobic exercise and strength training to optimise hormone levels,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

When your gut is unhealthy, it can cause chronic inflammation and hormone disruptions. Gut health can impact estrogen regulation, serotonin production, reduced thyroid hormone creation, and insulin resistance.

“Eating probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yoghurt with live cultures, along with taking a probiotic supplement, can improve gut health, which in turn can help balance your hormone levels,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

Your body recovers and repairs itself while you sleep. When you do not get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night, it can cause imbalances in the hormonal (endocrine) system.

“If you suffer from insomnia or other sleep difficulties, it is essential that you practise good sleep hygiene. You can improve your sleep quality by turning off electronics, including the television, your cell phone, your tablet, and your computer, at least two hours before bedtime,” Dr Chybar Virgo recommended.

When you are under stress, your adrenal glands produce the stress hormone, cortisol. When cortisol levels become elevated, it can cause chronic inflammation and hormone imbalances. “Practising stress-relief techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation, journalling, yoga, and prayer can help reduce cortisol levels and improve your hormone health,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

For more information on how to improve your weight loss, you can email healthtalksundays@gmail.com.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com