Choosing Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Weight Management

If extra pounds are weighing you down, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) might help. Men and women experience weight management challenges that become even more difficult as you age. 

Nearly a third of all Americans are considered overweight, which can lead to far-reaching health problems.

Our specialized wellness team at Balance Hormone Center in Norman, Oklahoma, can diagnose and treat the cause of weight fluctuations. 

Gordon Hart, PA-C, and Brian A. Yeaman, MD, who is certified in hormone replacement, design customized weight management plans to help stabilize hormone levels, so you can start feeling your best.

You don’t have to go on this journey alone. We’re here to give you the tools to get healthy and feel better about yourself.

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones occur naturally in the body. A typical example is the thyroid hormone L-thyroxine, which many people with hypothyroidism have to take.

Some diseases and disorders may be due to a lack, dysfunction, or imbalance of hormones. These condition include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Menstrual cycle disorders
• Irregular periods that are too heavy or too weak
• Endometriosis
• Menopausal symptoms 
• Headaches
• Inability to lose weight

Not only does an imbalance make it hard for you to lose weight, but hormonal fluctuations can also often lead to weight gain.

Hormonal causes of weight gain

BHRT is helpful if you have too much or not enough of certain hormones. A decline in hormones is typical as you get older, especially for women experiencing menopause, although men may also struggle with hormone imbalances.

There are many reasons hormones might cause weight management issues.

High level of estrogen

Both men and women have estrogen, which is essential for health and sexual development. Estrogen affects your mood, maintains bone health, and regulates cholesterol levels. 

Excess estrogen can be harmful if it’s not balanced by progesterone. If your estrogen levels are imbalanced, you may notice issues with your muscles, skin, hair, bones, and breast tissue.

Being overweight also causes a rise in estrogen levels, making it harder to lose weight, so it becomes a very frustrating cycle.

Low level of progesterone

Women produce progesterone, a female sex hormone, in the ovaries every month. It’s an important part of your menstrual cycle and pregnancy maintenance. Progesterone regulates your period, but its primary function is to prepare your uterus for pregnancy. 

Men produce a small amount of progesterone to aid in the production of sperm.

If your progesterone level is too low, you may have trouble maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight. We commonly identify progesterone deficiency as a weight loss hindering trigger.

Lack of testosterone

Female ovaries and male testicles are the primary sources of testosterone production. In men, testosterone is the most crucial sex hormone. 

Men and women both need properly balanced testosterone levels. A deficiency can affect muscles, energy, libido, and connective tissue. Low testosterone makes muscle building more difficult (despite fitness and weight training), which worsens the calorie-burning balance.

Testosterone promotes male characteristics like a deeper voice, increased muscle mass, stronger bones, and facial and body hair growth. It helps maintain muscle mass and encourages muscle growth and bone strength. 

Your levels drop as you age, so you lose muscle and bone mass as you get older.

A testosterone deficiency curbs muscle growth, but it can also stimulate weight gain. Testosterone may suppress fat gain, so men with low testosterone levels gain fat more easily. Being overweight can cause low testosterone levels, making it harder to lose the extra pounds.

Supporting a holistic hormone balance

Other unpleasant symptoms usually accompany weight fluctuations. Choosing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for weight management is an effective, holistic way to resolve uncomfortable hormone imbalance issues. 

Hormone replacement therapy can even help with sexual dysfunction and mood swings. 

We check your hormone balance and provide physical and emotional support for your weight loss journey. If you’re struggling with weight management, our team of experts can help. Call our clinic or use the online booking feature to schedule your appointment today.