Bioidentical hormones can be an effective tool for weight loss when used appropriately as part of an overall weight loss plan. Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones produced naturally in the human body. This allows them to bind properly to hormone receptors and mimic the action of endogenous hormones.
Some key reasons bioidentical hormones may aid weight loss efforts:
- Bioidentical estrogen in women can help balance estrogen levels that decline with age. Low estrogen levels are associated with increased belly fat storage as well as difficulty losing stubborn fat in areas like the hips and thighs. Bioidentical estrogen supplementation can help restore more favorable estrogen ratios that promote fat burning, particularly in these hard-to-lose areas.
- Bioidentical testosterone in both men and women plays an important role in building and maintaining lean muscle mass. Higher lean muscle mass helps drive up your resting metabolic rate so you burn more calories throughout the day. Bioidentical testosterone can be used to restore healthy testosterone levels, thereby supporting your ability to build metabolically active lean tissue.
- Bioidentical progesterone in women can help control appetite and sugar cravings. Progesterone levels naturally fluctuate through the menstrual cycle, and a drop in progesterone can trigger cravings for sugary, high-calorie foods. Maintaining a healthy progesterone level can promote appetite control and carb craving reduction.
- Balanced hormone levels optimize metabolic function, fat burning mechanisms, and reduce fat storage. Excess cortisol, low thyroid, and insulin resistance make weight loss difficult. Bioidentical hormone replacement can help correct any underlying hormone imbalances sabotaging your efforts.
While bioidentical hormones can be helpful, they are just one part of the equation. To successfully lose weight with bioidenticals, lifestyle factors are also key:
- Follow an overall reduced calorie, healthy diet focusing on lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. Watch portion sizes and be in a caloric deficit to promote fat loss.
- Engage in regular exercise, ideally mixing strength training to build lean muscle with cardio to burn calories and body fat. Increased physical activity is essential.
- Get adequate sleep and control stress. Poor sleep and excess stress raise cortisol which can drive weight gain and prevent weight loss.
- Consider supplements like fish oil, vitamin D, berberine, etc. that support weight loss and metabolic health. Optimize nutrition with vitamins/minerals.
- Work closely with your hormone specialist at The Hormone Hub to test hormone levels, determine any need for bioidentical hormones, and monitor your progress. Dosing must be tailored to your individual needs.
The specialists at The Hormone Hub are experts in using bioidentical hormone replacement to help patients struggling with weight loss plateaus reach their body goals while improving energy and wellbeing. If you have hit a weight loss wall despite diet and exercise efforts, bioidentical hormones can be the missing piece of the puzzle. Schedule a consultation today with The Hormone Hub to see if bioidentical hormone therapy is right for you.
