Does this sound familiar? You are eating less and less, and maybe exercising more, but you just can’t shake the excess weight. As a hormone nutritionist, I'm here to tell you It might be that your female hormones need to be reset.
What are the female hormones?
The two main female hormones are progesterone and estrogen. Throughout a woman’s life, she will have various levels of these hormones. These hormones are mostly thought of as reproductive hormones since they control fertility and the reproductive process but they also have other profound effects on a woman’s body.
Men also have estrogen and actually have a higher amount of estrogen than women after women reach menopause. But because men have more testosterone, estrogen plays a lesser role.
Where are female hormones produced?
For women of reproductive age, estrogen is mainly produced in the ovaries. Estrogen is also produced by fat cells in your body.
Progesterone is also produced in the ovaries in females. It is released during each menstrual cycle and levels are increased during pregnancy.
For men, progesterone is produced in the adrenal glands and the testes.
How do female hormones affect weight loss?
Estrogen levels can directly contribute to an inability to lose weight. And the balance between estrogen and progesterone levels can also contribute.
Estrogen helps to regulate body weight and fat distribution so when levels are low, weight gain is difficult. Low estrogen also leads to several other symptoms which can indirectly contribute to weight gain
High estrogen can lead to weight gain around the hips. It can also lead to fatigue and anxiety which can cause weight gain.
Progesterone doesn’t directly cause weight gain, but it’s balance with other hormones can contribute. Progesterone affects your thyroid hormone and insulin levels which can contribute to weight gain when out of balance. It also helps to reduce inflammation, and improve sleep.
Low progesterone can also cause estrogen dominance which makes weight loss difficult.
How can you reset your female hormones?
Resetting hormones means returning them to a balanced state. Here are some ways to reset your hormones:
Eat enough protein.
Protein is necessary for the production of many hormones, including some hormones which control female hormones. Low protein results in low estrogen and low progesterone.
Limit sugar intake
Sugar can play havoc with several hormones making it difficult to maintain that delicate balance.
Sugar can also contribute to PCOS. Women with PCOS have higher levels of testosterone and may also have estrogen dominance.
Get enough exercise
Getting enough exercise helps to boost estrogen levels even in women who are post menopausal.
Maintain your weight
Since fat cells produce estrogen, maintaining a healthy weight helps to keep the level of estrogen balanced. Too little fat and not enough estrogen is produced, and too much fat means more estrogen.
Reduce stress and get enough sleep
This will help to keep cortisol levels balanced which in turns helps to keep estrogen levels balanced.
What can you do?
This might sound like a lot and you may not be sure where you should start. I can help you with a personalized hormonal weight loss plan that will fit your lifestyle so you can reset your hormones and achieve lasting change.
Warm wishes,
Vicki Witt | Clinical Nutritionist | Holistic Coach | Reiki Master | Certified LEAP allergy therapist Over 25 years of successfully helping you achieve optimal health and weight loss 🍏 | www.vickiwittweightloss.com
About Vicki:
Vicki Witt is a Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Coach, and Reiki Master. She has been practicing over 25 years and specializes in holistically customizing diet and lifestyle plans to each individual for weight loss and hormonal control. Her clientele often report they feel the best they have ever felt and wish they had started sooner. One of the USA and Australia's top Nutritionists, she has won multiple awards for her services in the industry.
Certified and Registered Nutritionist
