Bioidentical hormone therapy dominates the healthcare industry with its effectiveness in seamlessly managing hormonal imbalances, managing the symptoms of aging, and helping in addressing a range of health conditions.
Despite its capabilities to serve your healthcare needs, there is a concern ruling most individual minds: Does it contribute to weight gain? However, there is little evidence that many individuals struggle with side effects like weight gain with bioidentical hormone therapy.
Here, we will cover bioidentical hormones and the ways they can cause weight gain.
About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical hormones are considered to be hormones that fall from man-made molecules, which are also discovered to be chemically identical to those produced by the body naturally. There are instances when individuals count on bioidentical hormone therapy when they go through hormonal imbalances due to menopause, andropause, thyroid disorders, or chronic illnesses.
This therapy has shown some positive impact on the lives of many individuals as it faces various challenges like mood swings, insomnia, and so on. Weight gain is still the biggest concern that you get with this therapy.
Healthcare experts reviewing patient cases related to bioidentical hormone therapy and its effects on weight management
How Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Contribute to Weight Gain?
Bioidentical hormone therapy holds the head-to-head stiff with the weight gains. This instance is triggered by various deciding factors, including dosage, metabolic rate, and preexisting conditions. Hormones efficiently regulate body weight, influencing the perfect way to distribute, store, and metabolize fat.
Some individuals may gain weight, whereas others don’t. This is because weight changes may occur when the body starts to adjust to fluctuating hormone levels and hormone restoration with therapy. Here are further ways bioidentical hormones lead to weight gain:
Irregular hormone levels and weight gain
Hormonal imbalance is directly related to weight changes, especially when menopause and andropause affect you. Lowering estrogen levels leads to leveling up your fat contents in the abdominal area during menopause. Besides that, the low level of testosterone in men can also be the reason for the reduction in muscle mass and an increase in fat storage. Bioidentical hormone therapy shapes the body composition by restoring these declining hormones.
Estrogen Effect on Weight
Estrogen has some serious effects on body weight, which impacts fat storage and other distribution in the body. When women face the situation of menopause, it leads to declining estrogen levels, which ultimately leads to boosting abdominal fat.
By choosing bioidentical hormone therapy, individuals can quickly distribute fat by restoring estrogen levels. In addition, there are even chances when individuals witness temporary weight gain as they start to adapt to hormone supplementation. Hence, the body retains more fat throughout.
Impact of progesterone on weight
Progesterone is also the hormone that is usually taken into account as a commonly used component of bioidentical hormone therapy. This plays an effective part in fluid retention management.
In some instances, individuals initially experience water retention as their progesterone levels increase, which results in better weight gain. The reason behind the weight gain does not come with an increase in fat storage; changes in hormone levels shape it.
Effects of testosterone on muscle mass
Testosterone is great at maintaining both male and female muscle mass and metabolism. An insufficient testosterone level can result in a sluggish metabolism and increased fat storage. When bioidentical testosterone is introduced, it is typically associated with weight loss or weight redistribution, as it is known to increase muscle mass and burn fat. With hormonal changes impacting the initial stage of the treatment, some patients may start to gain weight.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy on Health
There are various weight fluctuations when you choose bioidentical hormone therapy for your healthcare needs. However, the weight fluctuations vary for every individual. Still, you cannot ignore that the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy outweigh its side effects. Below is the list of benefits:
- Metabolism improved
- Improved mood and energy
- Muscle mass preservation
- Improved sleep quality
- Treatment of menopausal and andropause symptoms
Can bioidentical hormone therapy impact weight gain?
There is no one-stop answer to it, as it depends on every individual. There are cases when individuals haven’t gained weight, but on the other side, some have definitely put on weight. Water retention and hormonal imbalances can be the reason for your weight gains, but the therapy is usually beneficial in the long run. A bioidentical hormone can promote a healthy metabolism, increase energy levels, and improve well-being.
In addition to underlying health conditions, factors such as lifestyle, diet, and exercise can influence weight changes during bioidentical hormone therapy. Healthy habits and consulting with a qualified healthcare provider can assist in mitigating weight fluctuations.
Conclusion
Bioidentical hormone therapy can sometimes, in some instances, lead to weight gain. But it is beneficial in the long run that allows individuals to balance the hormone and boost the quality of life. With this therapy, individuals can get the best of their health. However, in any case, if you keep on gaining weight, it is recommended to reach out to your healthcare professional.
References: https://hormoneclinic.uk/do-bioidentical-hormones-cause-weight-gain/
https://www.bodylogicmd.com/blog/can-bioidentical-hormones-cause-weight-gain-what-you-should-know-before-starting-bhrt/