Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can cause weight gain in some women due to a variety of factors.
One of the main reasons for weight gain during BHRT is due to hormonal changes. Hormones play a critical role in metabolism and weight regulation. When hormone levels are disrupted or imbalanced, it can lead to weight gain. BHRT can alter hormone levels, leading to changes in metabolism and an increase in appetite, which can result in weight gain.
I provide solutions to balance your hormones naturally, and believe that it is important for you to recognize your symptoms and know your options prior to seek medical intervention. There are many choices to test your hormones and you should know which one is the best for your specific situation.
Another factor that can contribute to weight gain during BHRT is lifestyle changes. Some individuals may experience an improvement in their mood, energy, and overall well-being due to BHRT, which may lead to an improvement in physical activity and a decrease in sedentary behaviors. However, the opposite may occur for some individuals, and they may become less active, leading to weight gain.
Additionally, certain types of hormonal imbalance, such as estrogen dominance, can cause water retention and bloating, which can lead to temporary weight gain. However, this type of weight gain is typically short-lived and resolves on its own.
It’s important to note that not everybody will experience weight gain during BHRT, and weight gain is not a universal side effect of the therapy. The specific hormones used, dosage, and individual factors can all play a role in whether or not weight gain occurs.
The connection between weight gain and estrogen dominance
Estrogen dominance is a hormonal imbalance in which estrogen levels are higher than normal or unopposed by other hormones, such as progesterone. This imbalance can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weight gain.
1. Estrogen dominance can contribute to weight gain is by affecting insulin sensitivity. Estrogen has a protective effect on insulin sensitivity, which means that when estrogen levels are high, the body can better regulate blood sugar levels. However, when estrogen levels are too high, it can lead to insulin resistance, which can cause weight gain.
2. Estrogen dominance can lead to weight gain by causing an increase in appetite. Estrogen plays a role in regulating appetite and satiety signals in the brain, and when estrogen levels are high, it can lead to an increase in appetite and food intake, which can result in weight gain.
3. Estrogen dominance can also cause water retention and bloating, leading to temporary weight gain.
The severity of estrogen dominance, individual factors, and lifestyle choices can all play a role in whether or not weight gain occurs.
There are several ways to test for estrogen dominance, including:
- Blood Testing: Hormone testing can be done through blood or saliva to measure estrogen levels and other hormones in the body. The testing can also include measuring the ratio of estrogen to progesterone in the body, as an imbalance in this ratio can indicate estrogen dominance.
- Saliva Testing: Saliva testing can measure the levels of hormones such as estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, and testosterone. This testing can provide a more accurate representation of the amount of hormone available to the tissues.
- Urine Testing: Urine testing can measure the levels of estrogen metabolites, which can provide information on how the body is processing and eliminating estrogen.
- Symptoms: Estrogen dominance can cause various symptoms, including weight gain, bloating, breast tenderness, irregular periods, mood swings, and fatigue. Assessing these symptoms can help to identify estrogen dominance.
It’s important to note that hormone testing alone may not be enough to diagnose estrogen dominance, as some individuals may have high estrogen levels but not experience symptoms. In contrast, others may have symptoms of estrogen dominance with normal estrogen levels. I consider your symptoms, medical history, and other factors when determining if estrogen dominance is present.
If you suspect you may have estrogen dominance, let’s talk about it. You can schedule a complimentary consultation to see if I can help you. If so, I can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a plan to address them, including hormone testing and treatment if appropriate.
Dr. Maya Sarkisyan
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