Hi Maude It could be hormones, oestrogen is known to cause weight gain. It stimulates fat cells, these in turn are a non-ovarian source of oestrogen, so a vicious cycle ensues. From about age 35 we start having anovulatory cycles, when no ovarian progesterone is made. These increase until menopause when ovulation stops entirely, so does ovarian production of progesterone. Without the counter affect of progesterone, oestrogen increases. Although it drops at menopause when the ovaries shut down, our fat cells are still making it, hence the weight gain. We do have more info on our page on Menopause. Weight gain is also caused by a lack of vitamin D, please have a test done. Even in South Africa with it's sun, all the people I've asked to get tested have been low. Ignore the ranges you will be given by the lab, the new ranges are far higher. The minimum level should be 50ng/ml, up to 100ng/ml (125-250nmol/L). Please see the Vitamin D council website. Oestrogen and a lack of vitamin D cause insulin resistance, this also causes us to gain weight. For more info please see our page on Insulin Resistance. If you should consider progesterone, the range I recommend is 100-200mg/day, dependant on symptoms. But before you start it please read our page on Oestrogen Dominance. Take care Wray
Jan 01, 2011
Progesterone and weight loss by: Shari
It could absolutely be due to your hormones. I have never had weight issues until I had low progesterone levels. Now that I am using enough progesterone, I am noticing that the weight is starting to come off rather easily. I know how frustrating this is and hope this helps you. Make sure you are using enough progesterone or it won't help at all.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition marked by recurring seizures. We are not here to discuss the complex subject of epilepsy and epilepsy treatments in general, but specifically catamenial epilepsy…
Are you considering coming off HRT (hormone replacement therapy) drugs, or perhaps worried about withdrawal symptoms? Many women face this challenge, and it can feel daunting. The good news is, with t…
Uterine fibroids are benign growths of connective tissue and smooth muscle that develop predominantly in the uterus. They affect 15–20% of reproductive-age women, and up to 70–80% of women by the age…
Did you know that your heart health is deeply connected to your hormones—and that progesterone plays a crucial protective role? For years, the focus has been on cholesterol and blood pressure, but res…
Although this web site is not intended to be prescriptive, it is intended, and hoped, that it will induce in you a sufficient level of scepticism about some health care practices to impel you to seek out medical advice that is not captive to purely commercial interests, or blinded by academic and institutional hubris. You are encouraged to refer any health problem to a health care practitioner and, in reference to any information contained in this web site, preferably one with specific knowledge of progesterone therapy.