Women have certain crucial hormones whose deficiency can lead to weight gain, and their levels need to be optimized in the body. The first hormone whose deficiency can cause weight gain in women is estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. When estrogen levels drop in the body, how will you know? The first sign is irregular periods. You may notice weight gain in the lower body, where the upper body remains small, but the lower body becomes disproportionately larger. Other symptoms include bloating, even when you haven’t eaten much, hair thinning, breast shrinkage, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. These symptoms indicate that your estrogen levels are declining, which can also lead to weight gain.
Thyroid and weight gain
When estrogen levels drop, another hormone that gets suppressed is the thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone is responsible for keeping our metabolism active. A deficiency in thyroid hormone can also lead to weight gain. Additionally, growth hormone and glucagon play a role. Glucagon is a hormone that acts as an antagonist to insulin. Insulin is known as a fat-storing hormone. If insulin levels are high, glucagon levels will be low, and vice versa. Maintaining high levels of growth hormone is a significant advantage because it not only helps with fat burning but also has anti-aging properties. Growth hormone is naturally boosted through exercise, sleep, and intermittent fasting. The secretion of growth hormone primarily occurs during nighttime sleep, so it’s essential to sleep well at night to optimize its levels. Growth hormone also reduces stress hormone (cortisol) levels.
How to stop weight gain
To reduce insulin levels, practice intermittent fasting, avoid snacking, and limit carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and fiber. While fiber from vegetables and whole fruits is healthy, avoid excessive fruit servings and eliminate sugars and starches entirely.
Adaptogenic herbs for weight loss
To boost estrogen levels, which also helps regulate thyroid function, incorporate estrogen-adaptogenic herbs like shatavari and ashwagandha into your diet. These herbs are excellent for boosting estrogen naturally. Additionally, to support thyroid health, remember that 90% of the conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to its active form (T3) occurs in the liver. The healthier your liver, the better it can detoxify harmful estrogens and support thyroid function. Use liver detox herbs and supplements under medical guidance.
Hormonal weight gain in women
To boost estrogen, include healthy fats in your diet since estrogen is structurally derived from cholesterol. If you’re gaining weight in the lower body due to low estrogen, avoid a strict low-fat diet, as it can worsen weight gain. Instead, include desi ghee (clarified butter), ground nuts and seeds, egg yolks, and fish in your diet. Consuming three tablespoons of cow’s ghee daily can also aid in weight loss.