Not Feeling Yourself Lately?

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If you are having problems with weight control, hormones produced in glands and released into your bloodstream give instructions for various bodily processes like growth, metabolism, mood and unexpected weight gain or weight loss resistance.

Hormonal weight gain occurs when the hormones responsible for weight control aren't functioning properly. This can happen when your body resists a hormone or when there's an imbalance of certain metabolic hormones.

Hormonal imbalances are common in women during certain life stages like menstruation, puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Other culprits include medical conditions, lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and faulty endocrine glands. Your hypothalamus, located deep in your brain, acts as the control center for your body. Its main job is to maintain homeostasis, a stable state for your body. It does this by influencing your autonomic nervous system.

Common Culprits for Hormone Imbalance

An adequate intake of nutrients like fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants plays an important role in regulating hormone production and supporting healthy weight loss. Common culprits for imbalances are discussed below:

Estrogen: Estrogen plays an essential role in a female’s journey for growth and development. The primary sex hormone not only regulates menstrual cycles and reproductive system, but it also plays a role in bone formation, blood clotting as well as skin and nail health.

Progesterone: Progesterone is a powerful building block for many hormones including testosterone that is essential in defining male sexual characteristics. Progesterone also plays a role in bone mass, glucose regulation, brain activity, and overall balance for the male or female body.

Testosterone: Most people think of testosterone as a man’s hormone but women also produce the hormone but in lesser amounts. High level of testosterone in women can result in loss of bone density, irregular periods and thinning hair. Early in life, it can even lead to smaller breasts.

Insulin: Understanding the effects insulin has on your body can be beneficial to attaining your goals for healthy living. Since high blood sugar levels can harm crucial cells, maintaining proper insulin balance is essential to managing blood glucose concentration.

Cortisol: Cortisol plays a role in your metabolism by providing a surge of energy for survival situations. However, it can increase appetite and lead to cravings for unhealthy sugary, salty and fatty foods. To reduce cortisol belly fat, manage stress, get enough sleep, and align your body's natural rhythm.

Thyroid Hormone: It's important to note that even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. However, taking measures to support healthy thyroid function can help regain control of one's body, leading to a positive change in appearance and well-being.

Excess estrogen can disrupt other key hormones, creating an imbalance. While there's no evidence that any specific food boosts leptin hormone levels, a poor diet and lack of exercise can make the hormone less effective and may lead to leptin resistance. This often leads to obesity due to constant feelings of hunger.

In addition to improving your dietary intake, exercise is key. It increases leptin levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and promotes changes in fat-storing cells. To learn more about MRC’s personalized approach to healthy living, visit us online now or stop by our weight loss center for a FREE no-obligation consultation.