Are you gaining weight despite keeping tabs on your diet? Often, the reason behind this can be a hormonal imbalance. One of the most common imbalances is when estrogen levels are too high in comparison to the progesterone levels. Progesterone is secreted by the ovaries and associated with menstruation and and fertility. This way you can see if you have higher progesterone levels or estrogen. In such cases, there’s a tendency to gain weight without any changes in diet and physical activity. Read on to find out the symptoms, causes and treatment of hormone imbalances.
 
 

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance

• Heavy or irregular periods
• Heightened PMS symptoms (migraines/headaches, cramping, moodiness) • Weight gain
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Anxiety, irritability and depression
• Insomnia

Hormonal imbalance and weight gain
High levels of estrogen can increase fatty tissue growth. It also leads to water retention and bloating. Low progesterone can affect your thyroid function leading to another series of health issues. High estrogen levels also mean sleep difficulties. This in turn disrupts the production of hormones that regulate appetite. This coupled with irregular sleeping patterns can spell mayhem for your food habits.

 

How to treat a hormonal imbalance

How to treat a hormonal imbalance

While it’s always advisable to get a doctor’s opinion, a few lifestyle changes can help with addressing the problem. A few tips to keep in mind are:  

  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Eat a balanced and nutritious diet
  • Exercises everyday
  • Avoid hot and spicy food and sugary drinks
  • Manage your stress by practicing yoga and meditation
  • Avoid packaged foods