What Is Hormonal Weight Gain?
Weight gain associated with underlying hormonal imbalances. For men, hormonal weight gain can be caused by high stress or cortisol levels in the body. The heightened levels of cortisol may make the body go into survival mode and induce the production of fat cells which will cause a declining metabolism to store food for later use. For women, a specific estrogen hormone called estradiol decreases at menopause helps regulate metabolism and body weight. The lower the levels of estradiol may cause weight gain. Throughout a woman’s life, they may notice weight gain around their hips and thighs.
What Are The Causes Of Hormonal Weight Gain?
Hormonal weight gain can be caused by the following conditions or issues:
- Thyroid hormone deficiency
- Estrogen dominance
- Androgen imbalance
- Insulin resistance
- Metabolic syndrome
- PCOS
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Cortisol excess
- Leptin resistance
- Prolactin excess
- Pituitary insufficiency
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hormonal Weight Gain?
Any or none of these may be seen with Hormonal Weight Gain:
- Thyroid goiter
- Fatigue
- Proximal muscle weakness
- Moon faces
- Central obesity – increase in abdominal and visceral fat
- Purple striae
- Acne
- Hirsutism
- Amenorrhea or impotence
- Headache
- Visual disturbances
- Galactorrhea
What Are The Risk Factors Of Hormonal Weight Gain?
How Is Hormonal Weight Gain Diagnosed?
An evaluation with an endocrinologist can help determine if a hormonal condition is the underlying cause of weight gain. Declining estrogen, adrenal disorders, hormonal resistance, thyroid imbalance, and several other hormonal imbalances can lead to weight gain. Laboratory tests give endocrinologists insight to hormonal imbalances when combined with your symptoms and presentation, but it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Blood and urine results can be influenced by many things. For this reason, we suggest special evaluations to see how metabolic information relates to the lab data.
What Are The Possible Treatments For Hormonal Weight Gain?
Are There Preventative Steps Or Measures To Avoid Hormonal Weight Gain?
Seeking early evaluation with an endocrinologist so the appropriate interventions can be started sooner will help with minimizing and possibly reversing hormonal weight gain. Additionally, improving dietary choices, increasing physical activity, getting more sleep, managing stress levels effectively, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol are all ways to decrease and avoid hormonal weight gain.
What Are The Risks If Hormonal Weight Gain Is Left Untreated?
When hormonal weight gain goes untreated, it sets the stage for a range of serious health risks and complications, impacting not only physical well-being but also mental health and overall quality of life. The consequences of untreated hormonal weight gain are both numerous and far-reaching, including:
Type 2 Diabetes: Prolonged hormonal weight gain significantly heightens the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. This condition can lead to various complications, including nerve damage, kidney problems, and cardiovascular issues.
Infertility: In women, hormonal weight gain can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones crucial for reproductive health, potentially leading to infertility or complications during pregnancy.
Mood Disturbances: Hormonal weight gain can trigger mood swings, depression, and anxiety, profoundly affecting one’s emotional well-being and daily life.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, increases the strain on the heart and blood vessels, contributing to hypertension. Untreated high blood pressure raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
High Cholesterol: Hormonal weight gain is often associated with elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, particularly the “bad” LDL cholesterol. This imbalance can accelerate the formation of arterial plaques, posing a significant risk of heart disease.
Heart Disease (Including Heart Attacks): The combination of obesity and hormonal imbalance can be a dangerous recipe for heart disease. This includes an increased risk of heart attacks, as well as other cardiovascular complications.
Stroke: Individuals with hormonal weight gain are at greater risk of suffering a stroke, a potentially debilitating and life-threatening event caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain.
Sleep Apnea: Excess weight, especially in the neck area, can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can disrupt restful sleep and contribute to daytime fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Asthma: Hormonal weight gain can exacerbate asthma symptoms and decrease lung function, making asthma management more challenging.
Cancer: Research has shown links between obesity and several types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and endometrial cancer. Hormonal weight gain may elevate the risk of developing these cancers.
Reduced Lifespan: Hormonal weight gain has been associated with a shortened lifespan. The cumulative impact of these health risks can significantly reduce overall life expectancy if not addressed.
It’s crucial to emphasize that addressing hormonal weight gain through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical intervention, and professional guidance can mitigate these risks and improve both physical and mental health. Early intervention is key to preventing these complications and promoting a healthier, longer life.
Are There Other Related Conditions To Hormonal Weight Gain?
When Should I See an Endocrinologist for Weight Gain?
There are a wide range of hormonal issues that may cause sudden, unexplained weight gain. These include thyroid deficiency, declining estrogen (often due to menopause), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Weight gain may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches, insomnia, mood swings, and heavy or painful periods. If you find yourself gaining weight with no apparent explanation or changes in diet or exercise, you should discuss this with your doctor. An endocrinologist can help identify hormonal imbalances by reviewing your symptoms and performing laboratory tests when necessary.
Can an Endocrinologist Help With Weight Loss?
An endocrinologist can very often help you reverse weight gain that is associated with hormonal imbalances. Potentially useful interventions include lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet modification, or stress management, as well as treatments such as testosterone or thyroid hormone replacement. Medications may be able to help with weight gain-related symptoms such as increased appetite, or to moderate excessive hormone levels.
