We put on weight because of genetic, behavioral, emotional and hormonal factors. The hormonal profile has a major influence on how we manage our weight, and hormonal changes can lead to weight gain or weight loss.
Why do we get fat?
It's common knowledge that we put on weight mainly because we eat more calories than our bodies need. However, there are also associated genetic, behavioral, emotional and hormonal issues. The hormonal profile has a major influence on how we manage our weight, and hormonal changes induce weight gain or loss.
All of our body's metabolic processes are dependent on the hormonal system. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the glands that reach the cells via the bloodstream, binding to specific receptors and telling the cells what to do.
Hormones control blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar, fertility, immune function, mood and emotions, sleep quality, hydration levels, calcium levels, the urine we excrete and body weight.
Some of the hormonal changes that increase weight are:
- adrenal fatigue
- estrogen dominance
- clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism
- and premenopause and menopause.
How do we assess changes in our Hormone Profile?
These changes can be assessed using dried urine or blood. While the blood test assesses the hormone concentration at a given time of the day and is important for determining certain alterations, particularly those of the thyroid, the dry urine test (with 4 samples) will allow us to assess the diurnal pattern of our hormones and their metabolization, giving us a better understanding of our hormonal metabolism. At our institute we offer a kit to carry out a Hormone Profile Assessment (which can be sent directly to your home and collected there by a professional) using dried urine. 4 samples will have to be taken throughout the day.
Adrenal fatigue and the relationship with weight
The body has two adrenal glands, which are located at the top of each kidney. The adrenals are endocrine glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. When these glands are overstimulated, their functioning can be altered, causing what is known as adrenal fatigue.
Associated with excess weight or an abrupt drop in weight for no apparent reason, people with adrenal fatigue can often experience other symptoms, such as
- Excessive tiredness
- Body aches
- Lower blood pressure
- Cravings for very sweet or salty foods
- Frequent dizziness
- Recurrent infections, such as flu or colds
- Loss of muscle mass
- Insomnia
- Acne, among others.
There are some guidelines that we can adopt, after a Diagnostic Consultation, to intervene in adrenal fatigue, such as:
- Comply with a personalized Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation Plan - prescribed by a health professional and in accordance with the results of the laboratory tests carried out.
- Carry out physical activity tailored to the case and above all soothing
- Stick to a personalized diet plan that doesn't include processed foods and foods high in sugar, and that contains tryptophan.
- Minimize sources of physical, emotional or psychological stress
- Sleep between 7 and 9 hours a day
- Reduce alcohol consumption, especially at the end of the day
- Reduce caffeine consumption
- Drink calming teas such as chamomile and passion fruit.
Estrogen dominance and the relationship with excess weight
Estrogen dominance is a hormonal condition caused by a change in female and male sex hormones (progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone) which can cause different symptoms in women and men.
In women, the main symptoms are
- Breast tension
- Increased abdominal fat
- Weight gain
- Fluid retention
- Anxiety/Irritability/Depressive tendency
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Abundant flow
- Menstrual pain
- Appetite for sweets
- Cellulite, among others
In men, the main symptoms are
- Decreased libido
- Increased abdominal fat
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weight gain
- Fluid retention
- Tiredness
- Insomnia
- Appetite for sweets, among others
After a Diagnostic Consultation, there are some strategies that can be adopted to allow greater metabolization of oestrogens and balance oestrogen and progesterone levels, such as:
- Comply with a personalized Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation Plan - prescribed by a health professional and in accordance with the results of the laboratory tests carried out.
- Personalized physical activity
- Stick to a personalized diet plan that doesn't include processed foods, foods with a lot of sugar and that especially includes foods rich in healthy protein, organic foods whenever possible and the intake of cruciferous vegetables.
- Avoid food heated in plastic in the microwave and avoid storing and drinking from plastic bottles because they contain Xenoestrogens
- Reduce alcohol consumption, especially at the end of the day
- Reduce caffeine consumption
- Use cosmetics with organic ingredients
Hypothyroidism (Clinical and Subclinical) and the relationship with weight
The thyroid is a very important gland, largely responsible for our metabolism and supporting the functioning of other glands and organs. A change in thyroid function, reflected in an increase or decrease in the hormones associated with it (TSH, T3 and T4) can lead to various symptoms that can be more or less severe depending on each case.
Among other symptoms, those listed below are the most common in people with clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue, especially on waking
- Weight gain
- Low body temperature
- Constipation
- Swelling of the face and eyes on waking
- Fluid retention
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- High cholesterol
- Hair loss, among others
There are some strategies that can and should be adopted through medication or supplementation that will enhance the regulation of this gland:
- Comply with a personalized Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation Plan - prescribed by a health professional and in accordance with the results of the laboratory tests carried out;
- Stick to a personalized diet plan that doesn't include processed foods and foods high in sugar, and that includes foods rich in healthy protein, iodine, seaweed, iodized salt, selenium, Brazil nuts, citrus fruits and other foods rich in Vitamin C.
Pre-menopause and menopause and the relationship with excess weight
Menopause can be confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although pre-menopause begins 1 to 5 years earlier.
Both phases are characterized by changes in progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone levels, leading to various symptoms, including weight gain and the deposition of fat in the abdominal region. These changes are accompanied over time by a series of uncomfortable symptoms such as.
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
- Hot flashes
- Fluid retention
- Anxiety/irritability
- Low muscle tone
- Bone loss
- Vaginal dryness
- Hair loss, among others
I can't / don't want to use Hormone Therapy at this stage. What now?
It is possible to promote a balance in the menopause and pre-menopause by alleviating these symptoms using either hormonal or non-hormonal supplementation. However, these recommendations should be made after carrying out laboratory tests and with the support of a specialized health professional.
