How to Lose Weight When Having Hormone Trouble

Often times when our bodies are hormonally imbalanced, symptoms arise that can go unnoticed by those who suffer from the imbalance. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance affect many people every day; however, these people may not know how to properly treat the problem. While eating well and exercising are important parts of losing weight, it may not be enough if you experience hormonal issues. One of the most common symptoms is weight gain or the inability to lose weight, a problem that can be corrected through proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments.

Instructions

• 1

  Reduce excess estrogen in your body. Excess estrogen can cause as much harm as poor eating habits or lack of exercise in both men and women, reports Natasha Turner, N.D. Those who suffer from excess estrogen may have a hormonal imbalance that causes the body to produce too much of the hormone, or the hormone can be introduced to the body from outside influences, including pesticides, herbicides and growth hormones. This can cause an excess of body fat around the hips, difficulty losing weight, low libido, depression and loss of muscle mass. Reducing the amount of estrogen in your body can be done by avoiding foods grown with toxic pesticides, herbicides and growth hormones, or by taking hormonal supplements prescribed by a physician.

• 2

  Reduce your stress levels. When your body undergoes situations of chronic stress, cortisol is released into the bloodstream. According to Natasha Turner, N.D., an excess of cortisol can cause difficulties losing weight, increased appetite and metabolic decline. If you suffer from chronic stress, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, limiting your stress levels through therapy or medication can help reduce the amount of cortisol in your bloodstream, making it easier for you to drop the pounds.

• 3

  Sleep well at night. The amount of sleep you get, as well as the quality of sleep you get, can contribute to an increase of the hormone leptin and a decrease in the hormone ghrelin, reports WebMD staff. Leptin, which is produced in fat cells, sends signals to the brain, telling you that you're full, while ghrelin stimulates the appetite. When the amount of time you sleep decreases, or when the quality of your sleep decreases, leptin production also slows down and ghrelin production rises, causing you to feel hungrier the next day.