One of the most important components of any
successful weight loss program and well-being in
general, is the delicate issue of hormone
balancing usually missing or
rarely discussed
in any popular diet book. If those hormones are
not balanced, then you will not lose weight or
you might lose weight initially and then weight
loss will stop youll plateau.
Because of working in allergy clinics with
thousands of patients over the years, I have
developed an intuitive sense about people and
their weight issues or health problems. When I
look into a physical body, I see the body in
terms of the systems that are out of balance.
One of the most common imbalanced systems is
the endocrine system. Overweight people almost
always have hormone imbalances.
All too often, people can blame themselves,
their emotional issues, and past experiences
when in my opinion, much of their mental
anguish can stem from endocrine imbalances
which when identified, can be corrected.
In terms of weight gain, hormone imbalances
can contribute to overeating and that never
satisfied feeling.
In my own life as a menopausal woman, I know
that my emotional well-being and maintaining
my ideal weight has been greatly enhanced by
the addition of bio-identical hormone balancing.
Most people think that their hormones are
located in their pelvis but did you know that the
master endocrine glands are actually located in
the head!
For instance, the hypothalamus is an
important
endocrine gland that governs appetite, emotion,
memory and hormone balance. The pineal
gland
responds to light and endocrine balance and the
pituitary gland relates to growth. The
thyroid
gland located in the base of the neck regulates
mood, temperature and weight control as well as
effecting elimination! Many people suffer from
what is known as sub-clinical low thyroid
-
thyroid function which is just above the low end
of the normal range.
The thyroid gland at the base of the neck is
involved in maintaining body weight balance,
body temperature, energy and well-being. It is
very often out of balance. Some doctors say that
low thyroid is in epidemic proportions in this
country. A medical test may not always detect a
low thyroid. People with low thyroid often have
difficulty losing weight. For example, I believe
that this has been the case over the years in
popular TV personality, Oprah Winfreys weight
loss challenges just like many of her African-
American counterparts. As well, Hispanic, Asian,
Eastern European and Indian people can often
share this same problems.
The use of certain herbs, botanicals, glandular
materials, or synthetic thyroid medication will
help this important gland to function correctly.
For many people, it is as if the lights go on and
the after-burners for energy and weight loss go
up after the thyroid is balanced.
Insulin is another important hormone.
Insulin,
secreted by the pancreas is responsible for blood
sugar regulation. Lowering carbohydrates can
help balance insulin levels thus contributing to
improved hormone function. Cholesterol
is
another important component in the hormone
balance equation. Many people with the best of
intentions greatly reduce fats in the diet often
effecting vital hormone function.
Men and women also suffer from low
testosterone levels. Again, appropriate
hormone
balance will assist men and women (we all
produce testosterone) in regaining energy, well-
being and libido. Seek help from a physician or
well-respected practitioner in your community
with bio-identical or natural hormone balancing.
Stress can affect hormones. Constant stress and
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can affect the
stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.
Too much cortisol from stress and too
much
insulin in the blood affect adrenal function
creating fatigue, irritability and weight gain.
High cortisol levels can create excess weight
around the waist and low cortisol levels could
mean that it is impossible for the person to lose
that weight. This can also contribute to adrenal
exhaustion.
If a person is trying to lose weight and they are
following all of the appropriate guidelines of
food allergies, limiting carbohydrate grams,
exercising daily etc., and they have reached a
plateau in their quest for the ideal body weight,
it usually points to a hormone imbalance. In my
seminars we discuss the importance of hormones
and I try to steer people to the appropriate
professionals to help them. It takes a medical
doctor, practitioner or person with a great deal
more knowledge than I have in this regard to
assist them. However, there are naturally based
supplements as well as prescription medications
available, which can help. When it comes to
hormones and weight gain, please dont blame
yourself for your attitudes, history or emotional
states but seek help from a competent
practitioner.
Menopause is a time when we have a
tendency
to put on weight and this can be so frustrating
especially when many of us are not over eating!
During the pre (before), peri (in the middle of),
or post (after) menopausal years, there are
changes taking place in the body that we need
to be aware of.
The endocrine system, comprised of the pineal,
hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and
adrenal glands, and reproductive organs are
changing and slowing down. As well we are
dealing with fluctuating estrogen and
progesterone levels. Even though we
may be missing body parts related to the
reproductive system, the endocrine glands are
still functioning, albeit not the way they were in
our 30s and early 40s. Our desire as we age is
to encourage these glands to function optimally.
This can be accomplished with diet, nutritional
supplements and hormone compounds both
natural and synthesized. This is a delicate
balance but with expert help, it can be achieved.
Our well-being depends on it.
Weight gain in menopausal women can also be
related to high estrogen levels and creates that
ubiquitous band of estrogen-dominant fat which
builds up around our middle.
A very important element of menopause is
seeking perfect endocrine balance. What you
seek is to feel good emotionally and physically -
calm, stable, and balanced with a great sense of
well-being, boundless energy, libido, and zest
for life. This is possible. Fortunately, there
are many medical doctors, practitioners, and
experts whose life work and expertise lies in
balancing hormones. Do not rest until you find
someone who can assist you in this area.
Hormones are not all created equal.
There is
no one size fits all where hormones are
concerned.
Hormones that are chemically similar to those
found in the human body are called natural or
bio-identical. Plant based or herbal formulas can
be used to balance hormones. Synthetic
hormones are manufactured with a chemical
make-up that is not found in the human body
but mimics some of the bodys natural hormonal
activity. Your symptoms, the way you feel and
your blood tests will determine the appropriate
strategies used by your medical doctor or
practitioner.
The menopausal woman is constantly
changing
on an endocrine level. Unless hormones are
balanced, carbohydrate grams counted and an
exercise plan is instituted, you will probably
continue to have a battle with weight. Because
your cycles and symptoms are always changing,
you should be working with your practitioner on
a regular basis, throughout your life to achieve
hormone balance. The purchase of specific
hormone compounds costs money. I consider it a
necessity just like all my other household
expenditures Im happy to pay the price for the
way I feel.
Yes, hormones need to be
balanced even into our 80s!
I would like to recommend an excellent book:
Safe Estrogen By Dr. Edward Conley a medical
doctor in Flint Michigan www.safeestrog
en.com whose well-researched book sheds
important light on the benefits of estrogen
without side effects.
