Hormonal Causes of Weight Gain
Written by Dr. Suzanne Tang
July 3, 2023
Now that June Gloom is finally past us it truly feels like summer with clear blue skies, longer days, and the inviting warmth of the sun. Warmer temperatures also mean more time in summer apparel. However, donning a bathing suit for the pool or beach is not a favorite pastime for some of us. It can bring up uncomfortable feelings stemming from insecurity, self-consciousness, negative body image, and frustration with weight gain. Insecurities are further fed by altered, unrealistic, and often unhealthy body images presented by the media and old, limiting beliefs regarding beauty standards. As a woman, practitioner, and mom of two teens, I see how pervasive these pressures can be and work towards consciously modeling and educating my patients and teens to have a healthy and loving relationship with their bodies and remembering that self-worth comes from within.
I recognize how unexplained weight gain or weight loss can be very frustrating for many of my patients, particularly when hormones are out of balance. In addition, excessive weight increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, certain cancers, and gallbladder disease.
A healthy, low glycemic index diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein and moderate amounts of whole grains, legumes, and dairy along with regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress reduction can significantly reduce fat mass and weight, improve lean body mass and regulate cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Avoiding processed and packaged foods and refined sugar and flour is a key part of this balanced and healthy way of eating to prevent the spikes in blood sugar and insulin that can wreak havoc on our metabolism. For more information check out my blog, https://www.inspirenaturalwellness.net/blog/obesity-sweeps-nation.
The Culprits Behind Unexplained Weight Gain
But what if all the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle, diet, and exercise are in place but the number on the scale continues to rise, the waistline continues to grow, and buttoning up your pants is a struggle? Then it’s time to investigate and test your hormones. Hormones affect so many aspects of our health including metabolism and weight. Five common causes of hormonal weight gain are:
1) Low Thyroid
2) Elevated Cortisol
3) High or Low Estrogen
4) Insulin Resistance
5) Low Androgens
Low Thyroid
Thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) affect metabolism, growth, brain development, respiration, heart and nervous system functions, body temperature, muscle strength, skin, hair, menstrual cycles, fertility, weight, and cholesterol levels. Patients, who have hypothyroidism or low thyroid function often report weight gain, fatigue, cold hands and feet, hair loss, and lack of motivation. Stress, family history of thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, and pregnancy are common risk factors for hypothyroidism. A comprehensive thyroid panel via blood work that includes TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies can help diagnose a thyroid condition.
Hypothyroidism can easily be treated with thyroid-supportive nutrients and herbs, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, tyrosine, selenium, iodine, ashwagandha, and compounded glandular thyroid medication. Goitrogenic foods, soy, and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussel sprouts, and many green leafy veggies can block thyroid function so be sure to moderate soy intake and cook your veggies to neutralize the thyroid-blocking effects. Avoiding environmental goitrogens like perchlorates, lithium, lead, mercury, bisphenol A from plastics, and smoking is a must.
Elevated Cortisol
Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It mobilizes glucose to help fuel your brain and muscles to react to stressful stimuli. This is an important part of the sympathetic response, “flight, fright or freeze” but under regular or continued stress cortisol levels can stay elevated leading to weight and fat gain, particularly in the belly. Anxiety, insomnia, hypothyroidism, elevated blood sugar and insulin, high blood pressure, frequent infections, and disrupted gut function are common symptoms of high cortisol. A salivary cortisol test can elucidate whether your adrenal function is out of balance and contributing to weight gain. Cortisol can be effectively regulated with regular stress reduction, such as meditation, yoga, restorative exercises, and multiple nutrient and herbs including ashwagandha, magnolia, theanine, and phosphatidylserine.
High or Low Estrogen
Estrogens, estradiol, estrone, and estriol are important female hormones that affect the brain, bones, heart, skin, mood, blood sugar, insulin, and metabolism. Either elevated or low estrogen can contribute to weight gain. Estrogen dominance or excess estrogens and low progesterone levels can be caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, high body fat, impaired ovulation, too much stress, a processed diet that is low in fiber and high in caffeine, alcohol, refined carbohydrates, and non-organic dairy or animal products, poor liver detoxification and xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are synthetic or natural compounds that mimic estrogen.
Sources of xenoestrogens include:
Unfiltered water
Non-organic animal and dairy products
Caffeine
Plastics: bisphenol A and phthalates
Pesticides, insecticides, and synthetic fertilizers
Parabens and phenoxyethanol found in most lotions, cleansers, soaps, cosmetics, sunscreens, and shampoos
Most household products such as cleaning agents, dryer sheets, air fresheners, and detergents
Off-gases from furniture, carpeting, new cars, and wood paneling
Drugs: Hormone Replacement Therapy: Prempro and Premarin, DES, Cimetidine (Tagamet), Marijuana, and Oral contraceptives
Hormone Pellet Therapy and high doses of bio-identical hormone therapy
Fat gain in the hips, thighs, and breasts is associated with estrogen dominance, whereas weight gain in the abdomen and back is common with low estrogen levels. Low estrogen from amenorrhea, peri-menopause, and menopause upregulates enzymes that increase fat storage leading to more belly fat. Tips on supporting low estrogen associated with peri-menopause or menopause can be found in my blog article, https://www.inspirenaturalwellness.net/blog/meno-ease-easing-into-menopause-naturally
Lifestyle and dietary changes to avoid xenoestrogens along with supporting liver detoxification and taking nutrients, indole-3 carbinol and diindolylmethane from cruciferous vegetables can support estrogen metabolism and reduce excess estrogens.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin made by the pancreas is released in response to sugar intake, aiding in the transport of glucose from the bloodstream to our cells to be utilized as fuel. With excess stress and sugar or refined carbohydrate intake, insulin can rise and become resistant causing elevated blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure and increased weight gain and belly fat. Nutrients and herbs like chromium, vanadium, and berberine with a low glycemic index diet, stress reduction, and regular physical activity are instrumental for regulating insulin levels, reducing weight, and preventing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.
Low Androgens
Testosterone and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) make up the androgen hormones. These hormones are essential for maintaining lean body mass and improving energy, libido, and motivation, which often decline with age and during menopause. DHEA is also beneficial for supporting healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. When androgens decrease, muscle is lost and replaced by fat. These hormones can be easily assessed with blood work and supplemented with strength training, protein and healthy fat intake, stress reduction, and hormone replacement therapy. Ashwagandha is not only beneficial for thyroid and adrenal support but also for improving testosterone levels.
If have read my other blogs then you can probably guess that I love everything and anything about hormones. Hormones are interesting, complex, and powerful. When they are balanced and regulated they can truly provide us with a healthy and vital body, mind, and spirit and amazing quality of life. Many patients begin their healthcare journey with weight loss goals. Yet as causes of stubborn weight gain are assessed, many become informed and inspired to elevate their self-care and overall wellness and vitality. This is another reason why I love supporting patients. The impact of naturopathic medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, and acupuncture can be transformative and life-changing for your whole health.
Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter on a deep dive into dietary plans that are most effective for balancing hormones and losing weight.
Yours in Wellness,
Dr. Suzanne Tang, ND, LAc
Dr. Tang’s Recipe Corner
Low Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients:
3 cups cauliflower florets stems removed and washed
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 onion finely chopped (small)
3-4 garlic cloves minced
1 jalapeno finely chopped (de-seed to reduce the heat)
2 tomatoes finely chopped
¾ cup bell peppers diced
1 teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon paprika or red chili powder
1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
Salt to taste
More cilantro, sliced avocados, jalapenos, lime juice, sour cream, etc for toppings
Instructions:
Add cauliflower florets to a food processor or chopper and pulse till the cauliflower resembles small bits (like rice). Make sure not to go all the way or it can turn mushy.
Heat oil in a pan and add onions, garlic and jalapenos. Stir fry for a few minutes till the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add tomatoes, cumin powder, paprika powder, and salt to the pan. Cook the tomatoes for a few minutes till they soften about 4-5 minutes.
Add the diced bell peppers and cauliflower rice to the pan and mix well. Stir fry the cauliflower for 3-4 minutes till it's tender.
Top with your favorite topping and serve hot.
