How a Hormone Imbalance Can Sabotage Your Weight Loss Efforts

It seems like everywhere we turn there's a new fad diet or exercise craze certain to be the magic solution to help us lose weight. However, with over 70% of adults registering as overweight or obese, clearly, there are more factors at work than the need to eat less and exercise more.

It’s true that sugary, fatty foods and overly large serving sizes contribute to weight gain, as does a lack of physical activity. Genetics and certain medications can also play a role. However, there’s another often-overlooked reason for weight gain or difficulty with losing weight — a hormone imbalance.

If you’ve been struggling unsuccessfully with your weight, it may be time to consider seeking professional assistance. Gordon Hart and his team at Balance Hormone Center in Norman, Oklahoma, specialize in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for both men and women. They begin with a complete evaluation of your health and hormone levels, and then make a diagnosis and create a customized weight loss plan for you.

What are hormones?

Hormones serve as chemical messengers moving through the blood to organs and tissues. They are created in the endocrine glands which include the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, the pancreas, and others. Hormones are also produced in women's ovaries and men's testes.

Many of our bodies' processes — including growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, mood, and metabolism — all depend on hormones. Even a small change in their levels can have a big impact.

What are the symptoms of a hormone imbalance?

A hormone imbalance can have a wide range of symptoms depending on which particular hormone or hormones are out of alignment. Almost anything could and be indications of a problem, from weight gain, depression, fatigue, or muscle aches, to frequent urination and increased sensitivity to cold or heat. Men and women can also experience more specific gender-specific symptoms related to an imbalance in their sex hormones.

What hormones can affect weight loss?

A number of hormones can influence metabolism which ultimately impacts our ability to gain and lose weight. Insulin, for example, moves glucose (aka sugar) into cells for fuel or fat storage. An underactive thyroid gland can also affect metabolism. Too much cortisol, a stress hormone, can increase cravings and appetite, cause abdominal fat to build up, and lead to other unwanted side effects. Additional hormones that can affect our efforts at weight loss include estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, and growth hormone among others.

Hormone imbalances can occur for a variety of reasons, such as aging, vitamin deficiencies, menopause in women, and more. It is important to get any issues diagnosed to avoid some of the health dangers associated with being overweight, including an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Carrying too much weight can also cause other problems, such as osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and asthma.

Whether you're struggling to lose extra pounds or simply want to maintain your current weight, Gordon Hart and his colleagues at Balance Hormone Center can help. Call the office or click the button to book an appointment today.