Weight Gain Around Your Waist Could Be a Hormonal Imbalance

by Elizabeth Garcia | Apr 16, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy

Unexpected weight gain may be due to low estrogen levels, but they can be restored with hormone therapy.

Have you found yourself gaining extra weight, even though you’ve been active and eating well? Weight gain, especially around your waist, can be disheartening and frustrating. The answer could lie in your hormones, and hormone therapy could be the solution. 

Hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on your metabolism and weight. A decline in estrogen levels can cause a shift in fat distribution in your body. This often leads to increased weight gain particularly around your waist.

If you’re struggling with this, you’re not alone. Our team at HerKare is here to help you understand the potential hormonal causes behind your weight gain and explore solutions to reclaim your confidence and well-being. This could include hormone therapy, a custom weight loss program, or both. Book an appointment to assess your hormone levels and get started.

Imbalanced Hormones Can Lead to Weight Gain – Hormone Therapy

Our bodies rely on a complex mixture of hormones to function properly. These chemical messengers significantly impact how we process food, store energy, and feel hunger. When these hormones are balanced, our weight stays relatively stable. 

However, imbalances can quickly disrupt this delicate system, leading to excess weight that then requires significant time and effort on your part to lose. This can feel extremely frustrating if you already have an active, healthy lifestyle, yet find that your clothes aren’t fitting you as well as they should. Thus, understanding how hormones influence your body’s weight management is crucial, especially if you have begun to experience unexplained weight gain.

Estrogen

Estrogen plays a crucial role in female fat distribution, typically encouraging fat storage in the hips and thighs. When estrogen levels decline, this pattern can shift. Reduced estrogen signaling can lead to increased fat accumulation around your abdomen, resulting in a thicker waistline, even if your overall weight remains the same.

Cortisol

Known as the stress hormone, cortisol is essential for survival, but chronic stress keeps it constantly elevated.  High cortisol not only increases appetite and cravings for sugary, fatty foods but also directly signals your body to store fat preferentially in the abdominal area. This contributes to the classic “apple” shaped body type.

Thyroid

Your thyroid acts like your body’s internal thermostat, regulating metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid becomes underactive, producing too few thyroid hormones. This slowdown in metabolism can make weight loss difficult and contribute to weight gain, often despite no changes in diet or exercise.

Leptin and Ghrelin

Leptin is produced by fat cells, and signals to the brain that you’re full and can stop eating. Ghrelin, made primarily in the stomach, does the opposite, increasing your appetite. Imbalances in these hormones can disrupt your natural hunger cues. For example, consistently elevated ghrelin can lead to increased appetite and potential overeating, while issues with leptin signaling can make it difficult to feel satisfied after meals.

Insulin

Produced by the pancreas, insulin is a critical hormone that helps your cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream for energy. When insulin function is disrupted, this sugar remains in the blood and can be converted to and stored as fat. Additionally, insulin itself can promote fat storage, particularly around the abdominal area.

Low Estrogen Can Affect Women of Every Age

Low estrogen does not just affect older women. While menopause is the most common cause of low estrogen, this hormonal imbalance can impact women of any age. Hormone therapy is an effective solution that can help you restore your balance.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that might suggest low estrogen, simple blood work is all it takes to get your hormone levels properly assessed. If your estrogen levels are low, you may be experiencing symptoms such as:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression
• Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
• Fatigue or sleep problems
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Changes in sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)

What Causes Low Estrogen in Women?

One of the most common causes is menopause, where the ovaries naturally decrease estrogen production as a woman ages. This transition can begin years before your final period, during a phase known as perimenopause. Perimenopause can start as early as your mid 30s, though most women begin to experience it in their mid to late 40s.

However, low estrogen isn’t limited to menopause. Extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and eating disorders like anorexia can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, including estrogen levels. Certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can damage the ovaries and lead to low estrogen. 

Your hormones can also be affected by interaction with common endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, which are found in plastics like food containers and children’s toys; Bisphenol A (BPA), which is used in the lining of some food and beverage cans and in plastic bottles; and parabens, which are preservatives widely used in cosmetics, shampoos, and lotions.

Hormone Therapy and Weight Loss Solutions – HerKare

Unexplained weight gain around your waist, along with other changes in your body, could signify an underlying hormonal imbalance. Ignoring these signs could worsen the problem and lead to increased health risks over time.

We understand the frustration you are feeling, and we are here to help. We offer targeted hormone therapy to restore your body’s balance and address the root cause of your symptoms. Additionally, we develop personalized weight loss treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and hormonal profile. Schedule a consultation to investigate the underlying causes of your weight gain and find solutions for a healthier, happier you.

Progesterone vs. Estrogen Hormones – What’s the Difference?

by Elizabeth Garcia | Apr 2, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormonal imbalances can disrupt your life, impacting your mood, energy, and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings, it’s worth exploring whether your hormones are out of sync, requiring hormone replacement treatment. 

Two of your primary hormones that can easily become imbalanced are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries. It plays a significant role in female development and various bodily processes. Progesterone is another essential hormone produced mainly in the ovaries, with smaller amounts created by the adrenal glands. Like estrogen, it impacts a wide range of functions within your body.

When your hormones fluctuate or fall out of their optimal ranges, daily life can feel like an uphill battle. You don’t have to struggle alone. At HerKare, we understand the impact of hormonal imbalances. We can assess your hormone levels and develop a personalized hormone replacement treatment plan to restore balance. Our goal is to help you reclaim your energy, your mood, and feel like yourself again.

Key Functions of Your Hormones

Estrogen

Estrogen isn’t one single hormone. It is actually a group of closely-related hormones that can significantly impact your health, including estradiol, estrone, and estriol.  

Here are some of estrogen’s key roles in your body:

• Shaping the Female Form: Estrogen drives the development of female secondary sex characteristics during puberty, such as breasts and wider hips. These changes mark the transition to womanhood and prepare the body for potential pregnancy.
• Orchestrating the Menstrual Cycle: Estrogen plays a critical role in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation. It helps thicken the uterine lining to prepare for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, estrogen levels drop, triggering menstruation.
• Protecting Bones: Estrogen promotes bone health by helping the body effectively utilize calcium. When estrogen levels decline, such as after menopause, the risk of osteoporosis (bone weakening) increases.
• Influencing Mood and Brain Function:  Estrogen receptors are found throughout the brain, suggesting a role in mood and cognitive function. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and even depression in some women.

Progesterone

Progesterone has several essential functions:

• Pregnancy Support: Progesterone’s primary role is to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. After ovulation, it thickens the uterine lining, creating a nourishing environment for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels remain high to support the developing pregnancy and prevent further ovulation.
• Menstrual Cycle Regulation: Progesterone works in tandem with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle. After ovulation, progesterone levels rise. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop, signaling the start of a new menstrual cycle.
• Mood Impacts: Like estrogen, progesterone influences neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. Fluctuations in progesterone levels, particularly the decline before menstruation, can contribute to irritability, anxiety, and mood swings in some women.

Symptoms of Hormone Deficiency in Women

Hormone replacement treatment for estrogen or progesterone, or both, helps you feel like yourself again.

Both estrogen and progesterone deficiencies can lead to a range of disruptive symptoms, with some overlap between the two. You may have been experiencing these symptoms on and off for years, like irregular periods, mood swings, or unexplained fatigue. Perhaps you assumed these were all due to the stress of your daily life, but if they persist, it could be a sign of an underlying hormonal imbalance. In fact, many women live with hormone imbalances for years without realizing it.

Estrogen Deficiency:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Irregular periods or absent periods
• Mood swings, irritability, and brain fog
• Decreased bone density

Progesterone Deficiency:

• Irregular periods or spotting
• Difficulty getting or staying pregnant
• Mood changes, including anxiety and irritability
• Sleep disturbances

Irregular periods, mood swings, and irritability can be experienced with deficiencies in either estrogen or progesterone, which is why it’s crucial to get your hormone levels checked properly. That way, you’ll have an accurate diagnosis for hormone replacement treatment.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalances?

Hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout a woman’s life, but some situations can cause a more significant decline. 

Birth control pills can suppress estrogen production. Additionally, conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt estrogen levels. Perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) often triggers a decline in estrogen production, leading to symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods. Plus, menopause itself marks a significant decrease in estrogen.

Similar to estrogen, progesterone levels naturally decline during perimenopause and menopause. Additionally, some women experience a condition called luteal phase defect, where progesterone production specifically during the second half of the menstrual cycle is inadequate. Stress, eating disorders, and excessive exercise can all disrupt ovulation, leading to lower progesterone levels and potentially irregular periods.

Types of Hormone Replacement Treatment You May Need

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) offers a solution if you are struggling with the effects of hormonal imbalance. HRT aims to replenish declining hormones, helping to relieve a wide range of symptoms. 

Your treatment can include a bioidentical form of estrogen that closely resembles the estrogen produced naturally by your body. For women who still have a uterus, progesterone is usually included as well. This combination therapy is crucial because estrogen alone can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Progesterone replacement helps counteract this risk by balancing estrogen’s effects on the uterus.

Personalized Hormone Replacement Treatment to Restore Balance

If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest hormonal imbalance, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We understand the complexities of women’s health and can guide you through the process. Our healthcare team can assess your hormone levels, discuss your individual needs, and design a customized hormone replacement treatment plan for you. Remember, you deserve to feel your best, and with the right approach, you can achieve hormonal balance and reclaim your well-being.

Low Estrogen: Managing Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

by Elizabeth Garcia | Mar 8, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy

It’s common during perimenopause and menopause to experience sudden bursts of heat called hot flashes. This happens because your body’s natural temperature control system is adjusting to lower hormone levels, especially low estrogen. While these aren’t dangerous, they can be disruptive and uncomfortable. 

Know that you’re not alone – many women experience this, and there are ways to manage these symptoms and feel your best. At HerKare, we offer easy, effective Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to restore low estrogen and help you regain control of your comfort. Schedule an appointment with us now to get your hormone levels checked.

Hot Flashes Can Disrupt Your Quality of Life

Hot flashes and night sweats are common during perimenopause and menopause and can be a real rollercoaster ride. The severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats vary from woman to woman. Some might experience them occasionally, while others face them constantly. The intensity can also differ, with some feeling a mild flush and others experiencing intense heat waves accompanied by sweating, heart palpitations, and even chills.

If your hot flashes are fairly infrequent, you might just see them as a minor annoyance that causes momentary discomfort. However, if you are experiencing them all the time, you undoubtedly find that they are significantly disruptive to your daily activities, impacting work, social interactions, and even sleep. Night sweats can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating throughout the day.

What might be manageable for one woman can be incredibly challenging for another. That’s why it is essential to find strategies that best manage and minimize this frustrating and unpredictable effect of low estrogen.

How Low Estrogen Affects Temperature Regulation

Restoring low estrogen can reduce hot flashes so you feel more comfortable.

Estrogen plays a role in regulating your internal thermostat, a part of your brain called the hypothalamus. When estrogen levels fall, the hypothalamus can get confused. Imagine it like a faulty thermostat in your house. It might suddenly sense your body is too hot, even when it’s not. This triggers the body’s cooling system.

The first thing the hypothalamus does is to send signals to your blood vessels to dilate, allowing for increased blood flow throughout your body. As the blood flow increases to your skin, it creates a flushed appearance, often concentrated on the face, neck, and chest. 

The hypothalamus also stimulates your sweat glands. As sweat evaporates from your skin, it carries away heat, creating a cooling effect. This is why hot flashes are often accompanied by profuse sweating, particularly noticeable on the head, underarms, and back.

Although your body’s core temperature remains unchanged during a hot flash, the hypothalamus’s miscommunication can lead to a feeling of intense heat radiating from within, further contributing to your overall discomfort in the moment.

Other Symptoms of Low Estrogen

Hot flashes are a well-known symptom of low estrogen in women, but there are a lot of potential other symptoms you may be experiencing as well. This hormonal shift can also lead to a variety of other changes, including:

• Irregular periods or their absence: As estrogen levels decline, your menstrual cycle can become unpredictable or stop altogether.
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort: Reduced estrogen can thin and dry the vaginal tissues, leading to irritation and pain during intercourse.
• Mood swings and irritability: Estrogen plays a role in regulating brain chemicals like serotonin, which impacts mood. Fluctuations can lead to emotional ups and downs.
• Sleep disturbances: Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep, causing fatigue and impacting your daytime energy levels.
• Changes in bone density: Estrogen helps maintain strong bones. With lower levels, your risk of osteoporosis and fractures increases.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and the experience varies for each woman. If you’re concerned about low estrogen symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider experienced in women’s hormone care.

HRT Can Help Reduce Low Estrogen Symptoms

HRT can be a helpful option for managing symptoms caused by low estrogen levels. It works by introducing additional estrogen, either alone or combined with progesterone, to help restore balance. HRT has significantly improved the quality of life for many women.

One of the biggest benefits of HRT is its ability to help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats. By replenishing your missing estrogen, HRT supports better regulation of the hypothalamus. This can prevent the miscommunication that triggers the exaggerated cooling response, ultimately leading to fewer and less disruptive hot flashes.

Support HRT with Lifestyle Choices

A holistic approach that combines HRT with other strategies can maximize its effectiveness and improve your overall well-being. These could include:

• Stress management: Chronic stress can worsen symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances. Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help you manage stress and find inner peace.
• Regular exercise: Aim for moderate exercise most days of the week. Exercise can improve mood, sleep quality, and overall health.
• Sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.
• Dietary adjustments: Reducing spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can help minimize hot flashes. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Wear breathable clothing: Opt for natural fabrics like cotton and loose-fitting garments to stay cool and manage hot flashes.

In addition to these lifestyle modifications, consider exploring complementary therapies like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or acupuncture to help manage stress, enhance relaxation, and improve sleep quality. 

Remember, every woman’s experience is unique. We provide personalized guidance on combining HRT with these strategies, address any concerns you may have, and help you navigate this journey with care and support.

Restoring Hormonal Balance and Your Quality of Life

While hot flashes and night sweats can be disruptive, know that for most women, they typically become less frequent and intense over time. Embrace this period as an opportunity to prioritize your well-being. Explore options like HRT and embrace positive lifestyle changes. 

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Our team at HerKare is here for you every step of the way. Explore our resources and connect with our team to discuss personalized solutions for your hormone health journey.

Hormone Imbalance Treatment for Adult Acne

by Elizabeth Garcia | Jan 25, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy

Acne breakouts are usually associated with adolescence, but for adult women dealing with this skin condition, it can be a frustrating and even embarrassing experience. As if navigating the complexities of adulthood wasn’t enough, you may also be dealing with acne that persists despite a thorough skincare regimen. While there are numerous factors that may contribute to acne breakouts, one of the most common underlying causes in adult women is a hormone imbalance.

Hormone imbalances can happen at any stage in a woman’s life, not just during adolescence or menopause. Factors like sedentary lifestyles, high-stress levels, poor diet, and certain health conditions can contribute to these imbalances. Even the natural aging process can disrupt our hormones. For example, as women approach perimenopause, they may experience fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels that can cause breakouts. Hormone imbalances can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. They can occur unexpectedly, and no one is immune.

In this post, we will delve into the relationship between hormones and adult acne, discuss common triggers and symptoms, and offer treatment options to help you achieve clear skin again. If you’re tired of battling stubborn breakouts, schedule an appointment with us to get your hormone levels checked. Balance your hormones and help restore your self-confidence along the way.

Adult Acne Plagues a High Percentage of Women

Acne is the most prevalent skin condition in the United States, affecting a significant proportion of women irrespective of age.  This condition arises from the overproduction of sebum, an oil that our bodies generate to prevent skin from drying out, and can lead to lesions such as whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.

Acne breakouts can be a frustrating issue for adult women, and unfortunately, it’s also a fairly common one. Research suggests that up to 50 percent of women in their 20s and 30s struggle with acne. For those in their 40s, one in four women experience this skin condition.

Identifying the root cause of your acne is crucial for creating an effective treatment plan. By understanding the triggers behind it, you can directly target and treat the acne at its source, promoting healing and preventing future breakouts. This approach should provide a sustainable and long-term solution for managing your skin health.

Lower Hormone Levels Can Activate Acne

As women age, the natural decrease in hormones can lead to a host of changes in the body, particularly during perimenopause, a phase that can start as early as age 35. During this transitional period leading up to menopause, fluctuations in hormone levels become more pronounced.

When estrogen levels decline, the balance between it and other reproductive hormones like progesterone and testosterone can become disrupted, leading to what is often referred to as a hormonal imbalance. This shift often triggers physical and emotional symptoms.

Women naturally have lower amounts of testosterone, an androgen, within their bodies. However, when the levels of estrogen drop, this often leads to a relative increase in androgen levels, triggering a series of physical reactions, including the overproduction of sebum, which may contribute to the onset of acne.

1. Decreased estrogen levels result in higher levels of androgens: Hormonal imbalance often causes a decrease in estrogen levels in women, especially during the perimenopause phase. This decline in estrogen allows androgens, another type of hormone, to have a stronger impact on the body. This is the first step in the process that leads to adult acne.
2. Androgens stimulate increased oil production: Androgens directly affect the sebaceous glands in the skin, prompting them to produce more sebum, an oily substance that keeps our skin moisturized. However, excessive sebum production can create an oilier skin environment, setting the stage for potential acne breakouts.
3. Excess oil creates an environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive: The overproduction of sebum provides a favorable environment for the growth of acne-causing bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes. These bacteria flourish in oily conditions and can rapidly multiply, progressing to the next stage in the development of acne.
4. Accumulation of bacteria leads to increased production of keratin, a protein that clogs pores: The increased presence of acne bacteria in the skin can lead to the production of excess keratin, a naturally occurring protein in our body. Excessive keratin can combine with the excess oil on the skin’s surface, resulting in the formation of a plug within the skin pores.
5. Blocked pores cause inflammation beneath the skin and the eruption of acne pimples: Once the pores are blocked by the combination of keratin and sebum, bacteria can become trapped inside, resulting in inflammation beneath the skin. This inflammatory response by our body’s immune system is what causes the formation and eruption of acne pimples on the skin’s surface.

Topical Treatments Don’t Address the Root Cause of Acne

Conventional topical treatments for acne, while serving as a temporary remedy, often fall short in addressing the root cause of the condition, especially in cases where hormonal imbalances are the underlying trigger. Relying solely on these treatments can lead to a recurring cycle of breakouts without long-term resolution. In fact, statistics reveal a disheartening trend, with systemic antibiotics failing to adequately treat acne in 81 percent of women. Even isotretinoin, a medication considered as a last resort for severe acne, has a reported failure rate ranging from 15 to 30 percent.

During transitional periods like perimenopause, it is crucial to assess and manage your hormones if you are experiencing recurring breakouts. Finding an effective treatment for hormone imbalance is key to combatting acne by addressing the root cause and providing a sustainable solution for clearer skin.

Boost Your Hormonal Imbalance Treatment to Improve Your Skin

Hormonal imbalances can lead to a range of unwanted symptoms, both physical and emotional, and can have a significant impact on your daily life. However, with the right treatment, hormonal balance can be restored. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a safe and effective option that can help alleviate symptoms such as mood swings, disrupted sleep, and acne breakouts.

You can boost the effects of your HRT to improve your skin by focusing on healthy lifestyle habits like:

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Consuming a well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the nutrients needed for skin health. Foods high in phytoestrogens, such as flaxseeds, soy, and certain beans and legumes, can help regulate hormone levels and potentially reduce acne breakouts.
• Choose Non-Comedogenic Skin Care Products: The skincare products you use should be gentle on your skin and not clog your pores. Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” and free of harsh, toxic chemicals to decrease the likelihood of skin irritation and acne.
• Practice Stress Management Techniques: Chronic stress can exacerbate acne by triggering an inflammatory response in your body. Adopting stress management practices, like yoga, meditation, and regular physical exercise, can help lower stress levels and potentially minimize acne flare-ups.

Personalized Treatment Plans for Hormonal Imbalance – HerKare

At HerKare, we provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. Our team works closely with you to help identify and address the root cause of your hormonal imbalance. Our aim is to restore balance, promote healthy skin, and improve your overall well-being. Take control of your hormonal health and say goodbye to recurring acne breakouts with hormone treatment from HerKare.