Posted on June 12, 2014 by Kate Halsall

It’s hard to know where to start with this! If I start to talk about Menopause, I’ll lose the boys. If I start to talk about middle age spread and everything slowing down after 40, I run the risk of insulting some people whilst at the same time losing the youngsters! So here’s the deal, there are Hormonal Replacement Treatments for men and women. They are used to treat Oestrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone imbalances, and there are a number of potential side effects which we could discuss. But in this industry our clients predominantly want to know: does HRT cause weight gain?

Everything I have read on this topic stresses that there is no scientific proof of HRT and weight gain, or for that matter, HRT and weight loss. The treatment could trigger your hunger hormones (there are hormones for everything!), but it’s how you deal with this trigger which is crucial. Body fat being stored on the abdominal area, whilst being linked to Oestrogen and Progesterone imbalance, is actually more to do with Insulin and Cortisol levels and their impact on fat metabolism. Ultimately your existing lifestyle, weight and activity levels prior to taking HRT will impact weight gain.

So here are some things that may help you to fight an increase in body fat, regardless of your age:

Get your Biosignature done
If you’ve ever had your body fat measured by one of our trainers, you will know that we measure specific sites as they can identify hormone imbalances i.e. testosterone levels, insulin resistance, cortisol production, raised levels of oestrogen and so on. We are looking at weight and body fat distribution, and from this can then help to identify how to get a better balance of certain hormones to help you towards your goals. We do this through dietry and exercise advice, so why not book in for an MOT?

Watch your food
Avoid products which contain high amounts of Oestrogen or can boost Oestrogen levels. We know that too much Oestrogen can slow down the fat burning machine that your body is, and can actually store fat more as a result. So limit dairy, some soy products, alcohol, caffine, processed and refined food. Instead eat a low carb diet which contains lots of cruciferous veg eg broccoli and cabbage.

Look after your digestive system
High fibre, and gut friendly probiotic foods will help remove excess Oestrogen.

Exercise
The more active you are, the better metabolism you have, the stronger your bones are, and the healthier you will be.

Further Reading:

http://antiageingdoctor.com/2012/11/01/weight-loss-your-oestrogen-levels/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1177239/Fighting-mid-life-flab-We-reveal-hormonal-truth-middle-age-spread.html
http://www.ion.ac.uk/information/onarchives/autumnbiosignature-modulation-weight-loss-through-hormone-balance