We often blame genetics for weight gain or inability to lose weight, but maybe the answer lies in your hormones. Or I should say – hormone imbalances!
How does Hormonal Imbalances Lead to Weight Gain?
Hormone imbalances often lead to not just weight gain, but chronic headaches/migraines, insomnia, depression, brain fog, acne, IBS and PMS symptoms. It can also lead to missed cycle or irregular cycles. And, for those postmenopausal – the dreaded hot flashes!
Chronic Stress Leads to Estrogen Dominance
Chronic stress is probably one of the main reasons women suffer from PMS, hot flashes, headaches, even digestive issues. Top this off with thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s, you have a recipe for hormonal imbalances.
The main cause of this is an over production of cortisol which reduces the production of progesterone leading to imbalances in progesterone and estrogen! This creates a condition known as estrogen dominance.
Conditions such as PCOS leads to great swings in hormone balance leading to weight gain, acne, belly fat, and mood disorders like depression. This condition causes a reduction in the production of estrogen, progesterone, and an increase in testosterone. In some cases, this can promote metabolic syndrome which is highly implicated in heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
And, of course, menopause where the body goes through major hormonal changes and there is a drop not just in estrogen but anti-aging hormones like DHEA and progesterone. Testosterone can also increase leading to stubborn belly fat, acne, and high cholesterol especially LDL.
Poor Estrogen Detox Can Lead Hormonal Imbalances Leading to Weight Gain
Not only does chronically high cortisol lead to imbalances, but the poor degradation of estrogen can also impact hormone balance. And, can increase your chances of getting breast cancer or uterine cancer. How do know if you are degrading estrogen properly?
The best way to determine if your body is properly breaking down estrogen, is to test not for your hormone levels but for the intermediary products which are SUPER TOXINS. It is these super toxins that are implicated in breast cancer.
Top that off with genomic mutations that impair your ability to breakdown hormones – you will have a tendency to have hormonal imbalances leading to these symptoms including weight gain.
Have you tried all of those supplements but nothing works? Had enough quinoa? Almonds?? Tried of trying those super hormones balancing foods that keep popping up on your FaceBook feed? Maybe it is time to try a more targeted approach that works for you!
Should Your Test Your Hormones Before Trying to Lose Weight?
One of the most accurate tests for hormones is now using not just blood tests (which can be extremely inaccurate), but urine. The DUTCH test now tests for all hormonal levels, cortisol, SUPER TOXINS metabolites, neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine), and common nutritional deficiencies.
Eileen Schutte, MS, CN, FMN – One of my biggest passions is to help clients overcome food intolerances like histamine intolerance and sensitivities so that they can enjoy food again. My other passion is nutrigenomics, speaking to your genes through nutrition with focus on digestive health, autoimmune conditions, and skin health. I hold a master's degree in functional nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut graduating Summa Cum Laude. After completing my masters I went on to get my certification in Functional Medicine Nutrition, and am a Certified LEAP Therapist (food sensitivities program). In addition, I am pursuing advanced education in Nutrigenomics through the American College of Nutrition.
Eileen Schutte, MS, CN, FMN – One of my biggest passions is to help clients overcome food intolerances like histamine intolerance and sensitivities so that they can enjoy food again. My other passion is nutrigenomics, speaking to your genes through nutrition with focus on digestive health, autoimmune conditions, and skin health. I hold a master's degree in functional nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut graduating Summa Cum Laude. After completing my masters I went on to get my certification in Functional Medicine Nutrition, and am a Certified LEAP Therapist (food sensitivities program). In addition, I am pursuing advanced education in Nutrigenomics through the American College of Nutrition.
