Hormonal problems can be the basis of stubborn extra pounds, even if you follow a proper diet and exercise.
We often roll our eyes when we hear “hormones are to blame” and misjudge a person with weight problems. We think that he is not making an effort, that he is eating too much or that he is not exercising at all. However, things are not exactly like that. Not always!
When your weight is bothering you and you can’t figure out why on your own, the best thing you can do is see a doctor. He will do a complete set of analyses, ask you what your eating habits are, if you follow any treatment, if you sleep well or if you exercise regularly. Not infrequently, hormonal problems can be the reason why you are not able to lose weight, although you do everything (almost) according to the book.
Hypothyroidism
If you’re not eating a lot and exercising, but you’re still gaining weight or it’s stagnant, one of the causes could be low thyroid hormone levels.
Hypothyroidism slows down the metabolism, so the body is no longer able to burn calories as it used to.
Other signs of hypothyroidism are:
- fatigue
- dry skin
- constipation
- sensitivity to cold
- anorexia with paradoxical weight gain – in other words, you have no appetite, but everything you eat, even a little, turns into fat
Polycystic ovary syndrome
And polycystic ovary syndrome could be to blame for the extra pounds. In almost 80% of cases, this condition is determined by insulin resistance, which upsets hormone levels.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more at risk of metabolic syndrome, a number of conditions that can increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, infertility, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, stroke, uterine (endometrial) cancer.
How does polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) manifest itself? Look out for these signs:
- irregular menstruation
- excess body hair, including on the face, back, chest or abdomen
- acne
- headaches
- bloating
- hoarseness of voice
- hair loss
- insomnia
- lack of energy
- dark spots on the skin, especially on the neck, armpits or under the breasts (acanthosis nigricans)
- ovulation disorders – PCOS is the main cause of infertility in women
Low testosterone
Low testosterone can be another reason why you can’t lose weight, especially if you’re in menopause. This phenomenon favors the loss of muscle mass and slows down the metabolism.
How do you know that the level of testosterone is decreasing?
How to prevent and treat hormonal problems
To keep hormonal problems under control and lose weight, your doctor can prescribe various treatments. But it is very important to take them correctly and take care of all aspects related to lifestyle.
Don’t starve yourself hoping that this is how you reach your desired weight! You are only putting your body under additional stress, which leads to an increase in cortisol levels. The imbalance of this hormone causes a cascade phenomenon on the whole body.
Count on foods full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids, quality proteins. Then, get enough sleep, try to avoid stress or temper it through methods such as mindfulness, meditation, therapeutic massage, deep breathing, aromatherapy.
Most importantly, don’t let a day go by without exercising for at least 30 minutes. Brisk walking is the most accessible sport, which can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age. But you can just as well choose to ride a bike, swim, run, or any other form of exercise you enjoy.
