Some forms of estrogen are linked with how the body controls weight gain. As such, any changes in their levels could then lead to changes in body weight.
So, what is the relationship between a woman’s estrogen levels and her weight?
Read on for more information about this phenomenon and what to do about estrogen-related weight gain.
Menopause, estrogen, and weight
Estrogen levels can be low in women for many reasons.
The most common reason for low estrogen is menopause. This is when a woman’s reproductive hormones decline, and menstruation stops. Many women notice that they gain weight during this time in their life.
One reason why people might gain weight around menopause is changing hormone levels.
One form of estrogen called estradiol decreases at menopause. This hormone helps to regulate metabolism and body weight. Lower levels of estradiol may lead to weight gain.
Throughout their life, women may notice weight gain around their hips and thighs. However, after menopause, women tend to gain weight around their mid-section and abdomen.
This type of fat gain tends to build up in the abdomen and around the organs, where it is known as visceral fat.
Visceral fat can be very dangerous. It has been linked with several other medical conditions, including:
- diabetes
- stroke
- heart disease
- some cancers
As well as changing estrogen levels, older women may tend to be less active and have less muscle mass, which means that they burn fewer calories during the day.
These factors can all increase a woman’s risk for weight gain during the transition to menopause.
These age-related factors may play a more significant role in weight gain than changes to estrogen levels.
In line with this, one review of studies from 2012 concluded that weight gain did not appear to be affected by hormone changes related to menopause.
Other reasons for estrogen imbalance
Menopause is not the only reason why a woman might have low estrogen levels. Other potential causes of estrogen imbalance include:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a condition where a woman has multiple small cysts on the ovaries, as well as several hormonal imbalances. They may have high testosterone levels and an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone levels.
Women with this condition tend to have an issue with weight gain, insulin resistance, and heart disease.
Lactation
Estrogen levels remain low after a woman has given birth and while she is breast-feeding. This hormonal change helps to encourage milk production and prevent ovulation and any further conception right away.
Ovary removal
A woman who has had both of her ovaries surgically removed will go through sudden menopause. She will no longer release eggs or produce estrogen and progesterone.
Anorexia
Anorexia is a serious eating disorder where someone does not take in enough calories. This deficit puts their body in a state of starvation and will reduce the amount of estrogen their body produces.
Vigorous exercise
Vigorous or extreme exercise has been shown to decrease estrogen production due to low body fat levels.
What is estrogen?
Estrogen is one of the two primary female sex hormones and is involved in the onset of puberty and the menstrual cycle. It has many other essential functions, as well, including:
- helping to control blood cholesterol levels
- promoting bone health
- protecting the brain and mood
The ovaries, which are two small glands in the lower pelvis, are mainly responsible for the production of estrogen. The adrenal glands and fatty tissue also make estrogen in small amounts.
There are three main types of estrogen:
- Estrone, or E1, which the body produces after menopause.
- Estradiol or E2, which women of childbearing age produce.
- Estriol or E3, which the body produces during pregnancy.
Symptoms of low estrogen
Symptoms of low estrogen include:
- irregular or missed periods
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- insomnia
- vaginal dryness
- low libido
- moodiness or irritability
- headaches
- dry skin
Women experiencing any of these symptoms should talk to a doctor about them. A doctor can run a simple blood test to measure estrogen levels and determine if an estrogen imbalance is to blame.
Women should keep track of their menstrual periods, including when they begin and end, and any other symptoms or problems that they are experiencing. Having this information readily available can help a doctor diagnose potential hormonal imbalances.
How to manage weight gain
Maintaining a healthy weight, even if it is related to an estrogen imbalance, begins with eating well and staying active.
A healthful diet to manage weight means:
- avoiding processed foods
- eating lots of fruits and vegetables each day
- staying hydrated by drinking lots of water
- avoiding soda, juice, and alcohol
- including whole grains and lean proteins along with healthful plant-based fats
Being active is also very important for managing estrogen-related weight gain. In addition to regular cardio exercise, such as jogging, swimming, or walking, people should add in strength training to help build muscle and promote healthy bones.
Outlook
Weight gain is a common complaint among women who reach menopause. Making healthful diet and lifestyle changes are the best way to manage weight gain.
People should talk to their doctor about any concerns that they may have related to weight gain or hormone imbalances.
Credit: Medical New Today
