Hormones have a lot to answer for, especially as we grow older. For women, in particular, the process of going through the peri-menopause and the menopause can have huge affects progesterone and oestrogen levels. Varying hormone levels can have an impact on weight, metabolism and other bodily functions.
Some experts believe that balancing hormones can help to improve metabolic function and aid in weight loss. Progesterone is one of those crucial chemical messengers that can have an impact on how the body processes and uses food.
But there is no such thing as a progesterone diet. You will not lose 30lbs in 30 days by improving progesterone levels in the body. Do not think of this as a quick way to rid your body of excess fat. What may occur is a gradual loss of excess pounds as the body improves its functioning through balanced hormone levels.
More about progesterone
Progesterone is not the same thing as progestin, a synthetic form of this hormone. Progesterone, both naturally secreted by the ovaries and adrenal glands, and bioidentical via supplementation, are crucial for keeping hormone levels in balance.
Progesterone is what is termed a “source” hormone. Specialists of Kingsberg Medical explain this means is that progesterone is the basis for the production of other hormones, including testosterone. When progesterone levels are low, testosterone levels also tend to decline, as well.
Along with this occurrence, we see another issue develop. Oestrogen dominance occurs when oestrogen levels are higher, and progesterone and/or testosterone levels decline. Oestrogen increases fat retention, often condensing it into the abdominal region. A big problem here is that belly fat cells increase oestrogen production, further adding to this weight gain cycle.
Increasing progesterone can reduce the effects of oestrogen dominance as the body’s hormones become balanced at optimum levels. Progestins do not have the same molecular structure as progesterone and do not react the same way.
Progestin can worsen the effects of oestrogen dominance rather than countering them. Progestin often leads to weight gain, as seen in women who begin using birth control pills.
Functions of progesterone
Progesterone has many different roles apart from preparing the endometrium (uterine lining) for implantation of the fertilised egg for pregnancy and balancing menstrual cycles. It is some of these other functions that lead to weight loss for many overweight individuals.
Progesterone helps thyroid hormones work better by blocking the liver’s production of TBG (Thyroid Binding Globulin). TBG is a protein that binds to thyroid hormones inhibiting them from being utilised efficiently by the body. This effect can result in hypothyroidism.
Progesterone also functions as a natural sleep aid that has a calming effect on the brain, making it easy to relax and drift off into a deep state of sleep. Getting 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep is crucial for the secretion of growth hormone and testosterone, both of which play key roles in the metabolic process. Individuals who sleep less than 6 hours a night are more likely to be overweight.
Another benefit of progesterone is that it is a natural anti-inflammatory. When inflammation in the body is reduced, the brain can receive proper signals from the hormone leptin, which helps to regulate appetite, making it easier to eat in moderation. This helps an individual lose excess weight.
High levels of oestrogen often lead to fluid retention. Progesterone serves as a natural diuretic, reducing swelling and bloating.
Hormonal imbalance can influence insulin levels. Oestrogen dominance can cause an excess insulin release into the body. This can lead to uncontrollable sugar cravings and weight gain. Progesterone lowers insulin levels, reversing this effect.
How progesterone can help weight loss
Weight gain for no apparent reason is often due to out of balance hormone levels. This is not the same thing as gaining weight after increasing food and/or drink intake, such as when on vacation or due to stress. You clould do some research with the help of FitnessVolt reviewed best fat burners.
Some medications and illnesses can also lead to weight gain, so it is essential to have a hormone replacement therapy specialist run diagnostic blood tests to ensure that hormonal imbalance is present, and if so, which one or ones need treatment.
The body is provided with all it needs to function at peak performance. It is when something is out of balance that breakdown in the process occurs. In the case of hormone deficiency or imbalance, other such chemical messengers can also become a problem, as seen with oestrogen dominance, increased leptin, and even higher levels of cortisol reacting to decreased growth hormone. Each of these problems is correctable with the proper treatment.
Progesterone therapy for the treatment of low progesterone levels can help balance insulin levels, end fluid retention, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and help thyroid hormones function properly. All of this can lead to weight loss.
Speak with a hormone replacement therapy specialist to learn more about how progesterone therapy can help you lose weight and balance crucial hormone levels.
- Thanks for guest writer Lisa for this interesting article.