Diets and exercise not working? Don't give up just yet! These are only two pieces of a complex puzzle of weight loss. Hormones are the key to unlocking your weight loss success!

Hormone Imbalance - The Hidden Cause of Weight Gain in Women

It is not common practice to get our hormones checked, and they are normally not integrated into diet programs because they are so complex. But even the slightest imbalances can make weight loss a futile exercise. The symptoms of hormone imbalance can also cause discomfort however the good news is they can often be managed effectively in a natural and healthy way.

Hormonal Imbalance and Your Metabolism

Fat storage or fat burning in the body is dictated by hormones, such as insulin, oestrogen, progesterone, leptin, gherlin, and cortisol. Imbalances in these hormones can decrease thyroid function, contribute to "sick fat" and result in increased fat storage.  Adiposopathy (or sick fat) refers to the dysfunction of fat cells in response to inflammation caused by toxins, hormones, injury, diet, or genetic weaknesses. Researchers believe that sick fat is the number one cause of metabolic syndrome, weight gain and tummy fat in women. This is primarily due to its influence on slowing your metabolism (Int J Clin Pract. 2008 Oct;62(10):1474-83. Epub 2008 Aug 4).

It is like a big interrelated web where a subtle increase in one hormone may lead to responses from other endocrine glands that produce other hormones causing symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, low libido, inflammation and weight gain to name a few.

Major Triggers of Hormonal Imbalance and Weight Gain in Women

• Stress
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Lack of sleep
• Poor diet
• Major Illness or surgery
• Environmental toxins

You may recognize a certain time in your life when things just changed and you started to gain weight. So many women have this story; it can honestly happen to anyone.

Conditions Contributing to Hormone Imbalance and Weight Gain

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) - Many women accept premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other menstrual irregularities as a normal part of life. Symptoms of PMS are a sign that there are disturbances in hormonal production, elimination and metabolism.

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or Cysts - PCOS and ovarian cysts cause a lack of ovulation, menstrual abnormalities, facial hair, male pattern baldness, acne, and obesity (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Vol 80, 2586-2593, Copyright © 1995 by Endocrine Society). PCOS and cysts can increase oestrogen levels and impede glucose metabolism causing weight gain.

Fibroids and Endometriosis - Uterine fibroids and endometriosis cause heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods or bleeding between periods, pain, urinary incontinence, frequent urination or urine retention, constipation, backache or leg pains (Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA). They contribute to weight gain by increasing oestrogen dominance and insulin sensitivity.

Menopause - A cascade of hormones influence a women's weight during menopause, stress being a major trigger. There is a connection between stress and thyroid function. This is due to the affect of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol stimulates your appetite and cravings.

Thyroid Function - There are 4 main hormones secreted by the thyroid that directly affect your metabolism and body fat. Your thyroid regulates the metabolism of sugars and fats and muscular strength. Even a low to normal thyroid function can lead to weight gain.

The Warning Signs of Hormonal Weight Gain Are Your Symptoms

• Cravings
• Fatigue
• Low Libido
• Period Problems
• Cellulite and Fluid Retention
• Mood swings
• Tender Breasts
• Digestive disturbances

All of these symptoms indicate hormonal imbalances. If you are struggling to lose weight and you experience these symptoms ... your hormones could be making you fat!

To reverse this is simple once you know what is going on. Depending on your hormonal profile certain foods will help you lose weight and others will make your weight gain worse. Herbs and nutritional support are beneficial in supporting healthy hormonal balance. So the key is to get assessed and treat the cause of your weight.

Narelle Stegehuis, CEO of Mass Attack is a practicing naturopath with over 30,000 hrs of in clinic experience. Specializing in the natural treatment of women's hormonal imbalances, she has an trained eye for hormonal weight gain. Uniquely for patient convenience, her programs are offered via the internet. She is both an accomplished writer and recipient of the Australian Naturopathic Excellence Award. To find out if your hormones are making you fat, visit www.massattack.com.au/questionnaire.html