Why your hormones could be to blame for weight gain
Our hormones have important roles to play throughout our lives, and they are constantly working to keep us in balance and functioning normally.
However, sometimes our hormones don’t work as well as they should or get thrown into flux. This can occur due to many reasons, from different stages of our lives such as puberty and menopause, to other health conditions that may be causing an imbalance.
Fluctuating or unstable hormone levels can bring about changes in the body, including weight gain. While weight gain can happen for any number of reasons, hormonal weight gain is often linked to menopause in women, even if they are leading a healthy, active lifestyle.
However, unexplained weight gain can also be linked to hormone-related conditions like an underactive thyroid and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
We spoke to Dr Rebecca Lewis, a renowned GP and menopause specialist at Newson Health Group, about how our hormones can affect weight, and how to manage it.
What role do our hormones play in gaining or losing weight?
Dr Lewis explains: "Hormones significantly influence our body's ability to gain or lose weight. They regulate various physiological processes, including metabolism, appetite, and fat distribution.
"For instance, oestrogen, a key hormone in women, affects fat storage and energy expenditure. During menopause, oestrogen levels decline, which can lead to a slower metabolism and an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen.
"Additionally, hormones like insulin and cortisol also play roles in how our bodies manage weight. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels and fat storage, while cortisol, a stress hormone, can contribute to weight gain if levels are consistently high."
Can weight gain suggest a hormone imbalance?
Weight gain can indeed suggest a hormone imbalance, Dr Lewis confirms. She adds: "Hormonal changes, especially those related to menopause, thyroid function, or insulin levels, can lead to weight gain.
"For example, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) slows down metabolism, leading to weight gain. Insulin resistance, often associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also cause weight gain."
An underactive thyroid occurs when your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Common symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, and feeling depressed.
Meanwhile, PCOS is a common condition. According to the NHS, there are three main features of PCOS, which include irregular periods, high levels of the ‘male’ hormone androgen in the body, and ovaries that become enlarged and contain fluid-filled sacs that surround the eggs.
If you’re experiencing a hormonal imbalance, you’re not alone. They are quite common, Dr Lewis says, "particularly among women undergoing menopause, with a significant number experiencing weight gain as a result".
How can hormonal weight gain be managed?
For those experiencing weight gain while going through the menopause or perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment as it replaces low hormone levels, Dr Lewis says.
"This will treat many symptoms such as fatigue, lack of motivation and muscle pains enabling women to make lifestyle changes and it will also improve metabolism which can all be helpful for counteracting weight gain at this time."
You can also consult your GP or an expert in women’s health to check for conditions like thyroid problems or ovarian cysts that may be linked to weight gain.
Treatment for an underactive thyroid can involve taking daily hormone replacement tablets, according to the NHS. These will raise your thyroxine levels, and you will usually need treatment for the rest of your life.
"With proper treatment, you should be able to lead a normal, healthy life," says the NHS. "If an underactive thyroid is not treated, it can lead to complications including heart disease, goitre, pregnancy problems, and a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma."
When it comes to PCOS, the exact cause is unknown and there is no cure. According to PCOS charity Verity, treatment for the condition is aimed at managing individual symptoms, but many symptoms and health risks "can be managed successfully through a combination of medical assistance, good nutrition, exercise and adopting a generally healthy lifestyle".
Read more about hormone health:
Common mistakes when balancing hormones, according to a nutritionist (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
The controversial history of HRT: Menopause campaigners warn against new guidance (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
How to tell if you have a hormonal imbalance (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
