~ B A L A N C E H O R M O N E S N A T U R A L L Y ~
As Spring approaches, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed your weight has changed the past few months — even though there’s been no change in your diet or exercise habits.
You might notice your body shape changing as well — shifting from a “pear” shape to an “apple” — as weight starts to accumulate more around your waist and abdomen instead of your hips, thighs and buttocks.
You might notice your waistline disappearing, as your body becomes thicker through the middle.
And, finally, you might notice the development of the dreaded “belly” — a new rounder tummy, especially below your belly button, that just doesn’t want to go away.
Honoring our body is essential to learning the healthy balance between natural medicine and preventative care in balancing your hormones naturally.
✨ Change happens ✨
What is Happening?
Low Estrogen And Weight Gain
#1 First, because estrogen is stored in fat, when you enter menopause — whether naturally or through surgery, your body responds by holding on to fat cells in an effort to boost the lagging estrogen levels.
The result? It’s tougher to lose fat and much easier to keep the pounds on.
#2 Second, as estrogen levels drop, your level of androgens — the so-called “male” sex hormone — increases in relation to the estrogen.
Unopposed by the higher levels of estrogen your body used to have, the androgens may produce male characteristics — in this case, the shift in body fat from your hips, thighs and buttocks to your midsection, resulting in the “apple” shape that is more common in men and in postmenopausal women (which, incidentally, may also be linked with an increased risk of heart disease).
#3 Third, low estrogen levels affect the production of collagen — which results in drier, thinner skin. It may also lead to a saggy appearance, and lack of muscle tone — all of which contributes to a change in your body shape.
Low Progesterone
In relation to estrogen (which is popularly called “estrogen dominance”) also causes a number of side effects. Among the more common ones: increased bloating and water retention — which may not be actual fat, but makes you look heavier, and blood sugar fluctuations — which can increase your appetite and slow your metabolism.
Finally, there’s the mood connection. As you know, fluctuating or declining hormone levels can cause mood swings, depression and anxiety. This is because the levels of serotonin and endorphins in your brain drop in the face of fluctuating hormones,
What raises serotonin levels in your brain? Certain foods, like chocolates. Often, when you go through premature menopause, you notice you have food cravings — much like you did when you had premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
But unlike PMS, your hormones don’t bounce back to regular levels, so you may have food cravings longer than in the past… and, unfortunately, cave in and eat more of the foods you shouldn’t, like calorie-dense treats, salty snacks and sweets.
What Can you Do?
The human mind can become exhausted, due the constant ups and downs that it experiences through these various imbalances.
This is why knowing where your healthy balance remains (in regards to your health and hormones) is imperative.
Balance your hormones and discover your genetic patterns or discrepancies in your DNA that are causing these problems in your body.
Schedule your appointment to begin your path to healthy hormones today.