Female Hormones and Weight Loss: The Top Four

Our bodies, both male and female, produce of many different types of hormones, which serve an array of functions. Yet, when it comes right down to it, Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone and HCG are the main ones we must address when it comes to female pubescent growth, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause and aging.

Estrogen is made in the adrenal glands, fatty tissue and the ovaries. Its primary functions are to promote breast growth in puberty, assist with the growth of the uterus lining in the beginning of the menstrual cycle and maintain bone strength by working with calcium, vitamin D and other minerals to prevent bone loss. Small amounts of estrogen are present within a man's body, also. (livestrong.com)

Progesterone is also produced in the ovaries and adrenal tissue. While estrogen is busy at work at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, progesterone performs in the second half of the cycle. After ovulation, progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus for the egg to be implanted. Production begins to wane in a woman's 40s, and after menopause. Low progesterone levels can cause symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, weight gain, depression, pain and osteoporosis. If progesterone is low, estrogen becomes the primary sex hormone, leading to what is termed "estrogen dominance."(livestrong.com)

Testosterone is considered a male hormone, but just as a small amount of estrogen is produced in men, a small amount of testosterone is produced in women. Testosterone is made by other hormones, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and DHEA-S (a type of DHEA), which are steroid hormones produced in the adrenal glands. Testosterone performs the same function in women as it does men, just to a lesser degree. It strengthens a woman's energy level, libido, bones, muscles and sexual responsiveness to stimulation. (livestrong.com)

HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) is produced in the cells that make up the placenta during pregnancy. It is this hormone that is detected in both blood and urine pregnancy tests. Upon conception, levels of hCG double every three days, but then level off after 12 weeks of pregnancy. The role of hCG in pregnancy is to maintain the production of progesterone, which warms the body and maintains the lining of the uterus in pregnancy. (livestrong.com)

So, as long as these hormones are being produced at appropriate levels and in perfect balance, all is well in terms of our growth, health, weight, menstrual cycles, pregnancies and the normal aging process. However, in today’s stressful society, combined with poor eating habits, lack of exercise and sleep, pollution, chemicals and constant stimulation from the environment (IE: cell phones, computers, television, noise, artificial light), our hormones are rebelling. Specifically, we are designed to eat foods in their natural state, to be active—not sedentary, to have time to rest and enjoy life.

Rather, we are living in an unnatural state, constantly being challenged by daily stressors. This causes a domino effect in our bodies to react in a ‘fight or flight’ mode, producing elevated levels of cortisol, which wreak havoc on our [female] hormone levels, metabolism, weight and sense of physical, mental and emotional well-being. To add insult to injury, we are consuming processed foods and meats infused with antibiotics and hormones—not meant for our systems to assimilate. It is no wonder we are living in an age of epidemic obesity, diabetes, depression, anxiety, severe PMS, heavy periods, infertility, heart disease, excessive bone loss and osteoporosis, as well as addictive disorders—as a means to cope.

This is why it is so very important for you as a woman and human being, to begin to become aware of what you put in your body, how much exercise and enjoyable activity you are getting and how much rest, for both body and mind, you are allowing yourself to have. Though it is challenging to make lifestyle changes, you must do so in order to feel good again.Your hormones can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Continuing to become overwhelmed and exhausted, is a primary reason for your health problems and why you have hormone imbalances.We were meant to have balance in our lives, but because we don’t, we are effected down to the cellular level. It is easier than you might think, to begin eating healthier foods, drink plenty of water, get your body moving, learn to decompress and to sleep well. You deserve to feel energetic, happy and at peace.