Hormones and Weight Gain in Middle-Aged Women

Introduction

Hormones do have the potential to cause sudden weight gain in individuals, especially women. These hormones include the thyroid hormones and estrogen, mostly during the menopause phase and in conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome. Weight gain may not be the only symptom of these conditions and may also occur with other symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, headaches, mood swings, and painful or heavy periods. Most women may undergo hormonal imbalances due to age, genetics, pregnancy, and menopause, which can increase their body weight. The key hormones that are linked to weight gain are explained in this article. And also, weight gain in mid-life contributes to other health risks, such as:

• Mood disorders.

• Cancer.

• Arthritis.

• Sexual dysfunction.

Counseling regarding lifestyle changes and psychological support for a healthy lifestyle in postmenopausal women is important.

What Is Hormonal Weight Gain?

Weight gain accompanied by an increased tendency of central fat distribution is common among middle-aged women. Weight gain is caused due to the imbalances seen in the hormones. The hormonal weight gain can be caused by stress or the body's cortisol levels. Central obesity can result in severe adverse effects, including

• Hypertension.

• Dysglycemia.

• Dislipidemia.

• Cardiovascular diseases.

What Causes Hormonal Weight Gain in Women?

Various hormones are present in the body that can cause weight gain. They are listed below:

• Thyroid hormone: The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped, seen in the base of the neck region. It produces triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and calcitonin. T3 and T4 are the main ones responsible for regulating metabolism and temperature. They also majorly regulate glucose metabolism, food intake, and fat oxidation (breaking the fat molecules). Hypothyroidism is associated with decreased metabolic rate, body temperature, and body mass index. A decrease in the metabolic rate coupled with a lack of exercise causes weight gain.

• Cortisol: Hormonal imbalances may cause changes in the levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands that are situated on the top of the kidneys. Cortisol levels increase during stress. When these cortisol levels increase, one's blood sugar and glucose drops, which may lead to excess eating, fatigue, and carvings mainly for the sugar and because of low glucose levels - and increased cortisol levels cause increased fat deposition and weight gain. Due to this reason, most people have urges to eat sugary foods like chocolates, ice cream, and comfort foods during stressful situations which contributes to weight gain.

• Estrogen: The higher and lower levels of estrogen hormones can lead to weight gain among women. Higher estrogen levels may promote fat deposition, especially in the lower body region. The level of estrogen is negatively associated with physical activity. When a woman is physically active during menopause times they can control their weight gain.

• Glucocorticoids: They are steroid hormones that help regulate insulin levels and fatty acid synthesis. An imbalance with the glucocorticoid may cause an increase in weight and insulin resistance.

• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition causing the endometrial tissue to form outside the surface of the uterus lining. This tissue can spread to the areas surrounding the ovaries or fallopian tubes. This causes severe pain while menstruating. When the estrogen levels are too high, there are too low levels of progesterone. Estrogen dominance may cause weight gain in women.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Like endometriosis, PCOS is also caused by hormonal imbalance. PCOS and endometriosis are mistakenly confused due to their similar symptoms, such as painful periods, weight gain, and bloating. PCOS has hormonal imbalances with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and higher levels of androgen. PCOS may cause initial weight gain in most women due to hormonal imbalance. Lack of exercise and faulty diet junk food etc may contribute to weight gain.

• Menopause: During menopause, estrogen levels get lower. Along with hot flashes, difficulty sleeping changes in moods and emotions, headaches, and thinning hair. Most women gain weight due to hormonal changes and most weight gains was due to increased estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a major role in reproduction. Women in the post-menopausal age who have drops in estrogen levels are at increased risk of heart disease and strokes.

What Are the Symptoms of Weight Gain?

The most commonly occurring symptoms of hormonal imbalances are weight gain, which may lead to the following:

• Tiredness.

• Lethargy.

• Indigestion.

• Change in appetite.

• Puffy face.

• Anxiety.

• Sexual dysfunction.

• Headache.

• Difficulty sleeping.

One should consult their doctor if they are facing any of the symptoms mentioned above, and there should be regular periodic hormonal checkups to monitor the hormones for managing them.

Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Cause Weight?

Usually, hormone replacement therapy leads to weight gain. Steroidal hormones may cause fat accumulation in the center. Patients with fertility and sterility problems under estrogen and progestin hormone treatment have experienced increased body weight. Few studies show continuous hormonal therapy does not produce significant weight changes.

How to Manage Hormonal Weight Gain Issues?

Hormonal imbalances can be controlled in the best ways by lifestyle management, regular checkups, and prescribed medications given by the doctor. Some of the points mentioned below for controlling one's weight:

• Blood tests should be done if there is unnecessary weight gain.

• One should avoid eating processed foods, alcohol, late-night snacks, and sweetened drinks. One should avoid eating too many foods like high sugar, food with high carbohydrates, and processed food that may cause more significant spikes in the blood glucose level. Better foods to eat are foods that can cause smaller spikes in glucose levels, including oatmeal, green vegetables, apples, quinoa, and legumes.

• Some studies show that short sleep may increase ghrelin and lower the leptin in the body, which may cause weight gain. Hence, one should get a good eight hours of sleep.

• One should do exercises regularly to burn calories.

• They should spend time in yoga, deep breathing, and taking medication to reduce stress.

• Intake of fruits and vegetables with whole grains may be helpful. Avoid fruits with more calories.

Conclusion

Hormonal imbalances may disturb the weight loss journey. Hormones and weight gain are directly connected since hormones are essential for proper body functioning. Hormonal imbalance can lead to sudden weight gain at any age and its related complications. One can regulate or maintain their hormones naturally by regular exercise, eating a healthy balanced diet, and taking prescribed medications. One should keep monitoring their hormone levels regularly. One must consult a doctor if one has trouble losing weight. Counseling regarding lifestyle changes and psychological support for a healthy lifestyle in postmenopausal women plays a major role in coping with hormonal weight gain.