If you’re overweight and struggling to lose weight, it may be time to determine if your weight problem comes down to hormonal misfiring. Obesity can be caused by various causes, from genetic and environmental factors to life habits like diet and exercise levels. However, in some cases, it can be an imbalance in your body’s hormone levels that’s keeping you from dropping pounds and getting in shape.

Take hold of your own health and read on to learn more about hormonal reasons for weight gain.

1. Reduction in Thyroid Hormones

When the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones, it causes hypothyroidism to develop. This disease manifests in symptoms like weight gain and muscle cramps, dry skin, hair loss, and more. It can also result in mood changes like tiredness and depression. Menstruating people may also find themselves with heavy or irregular periods.

This disease’s underlying culprit is typically an autoimmune issue, iodine deficiency, or issues proceeding from certain medications or surgeries. A type can treat hypothyroidism of medication called levothyroxine tablets, which work to restore your thyroid hormone levels to normal.

2. Imbalance in Sex Hormones

If the ratio between estrogen and progesterone in the body is off, weight gain may soon follow. Overly high estrogen levels, commonly caused by the onset of menopause, can increase water retention and fatty tissue growth. Low levels of progesterone can also disrupt normal thyroid function. This leads to many other side effects, such as heavy or irregular periods and worsened PMS symptoms, like migraines, cramps, and moodiness. Fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and depression may also be experienced.

The best solution to obesity brought about by reduced or imbalanced sex hormones is to make lifestyle adjustments. A healthy diet and a consistent exercise regimen with aerobic and strength training will naturally improve your weight. You might also consider psychotherapy and acupuncture or hormone therapy to alleviate more severe symptoms related to menopause.

3. Resistance to the Insulin Hormone

When the body cannot use or respond to insulin, a key hormone that regulates blood sugar levels can develop serious conditions like Type II diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance can come about due to a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors. Those suffering from this hormonal issue may experience weight gain, especially in the abdominal region. Other symptoms include high blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, all of which a doctor will screen for in-office.

To combat insulin resistance, lifestyle adjustments like reducing chronic stress, improving sleep, and avoiding processed carbohydrates and sugars are recommended. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help moderate your blood sugar levels.

Whatever the reason for your overweight condition may be, it’s always a good idea to seek the opinion of a medical professional.

Contact us today for help and advice with treatments like weight management and hormone therapy.