When looking to improve strength, energy and weight loss, you want to make sure these 7 hormones are working with you, not against you. Having underlying hormone imbalances will make it more challenging than it needs to be to achieve the lean body that you want. If you have been eating clean and exercising but not seeing the expected results, chances are these 7 hormones need to be investigated.

Which hormones affect your weight most?  

Human Growth Hormone: As we age human growth hormone (HGH) will decline. This is associated with low testosterone in both men and women, brittle bones, and faster aging. On the other hand having adequate HGH levels tends to be associated with vitality, energy, more muscle and better sex drive. Females should not worry about getting “big and bulky.” In fact, having more lean muscle means you will burn more calories even at rest!

 

Insulin: If you are the type to graze on foods all day or are consuming a high carbohydrate diet, chances are your insulin levels are high. Elevated insulin has negative consequences such as inflammation and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, making weight loss difficult. Insulin also impacts sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. If insulin is high it stimulates estrogen and lowers progesterone as well as blocks the progesterone receptors. This can manifest as Infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, resistant weight loss, PMS, and other hormone health conditions.

 

Thyroid Hormone: Hypothyroidism is not as uncommon as you may think. In fact, if you have been restricting calories and carbohydrates for years, you may be experiencing the symptoms of hypothyroidism. It is often not enough to only test TSH. To get a clear picture of what is going on consider these additional lab tests, click here. Symptoms of sluggish thyroid include weight gain, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, joint/muscle pain, and mild depression. If this sounds like you, then your thyroid may be underactive and throwing off your weight loss efforts.

 

Cortisol: Cortisol is your stress hormone. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol and catecholamines. Your body cannot tell the difference between stress from work or kids or a real life and death situation. Over time elevated cortisol will cause you to store fat around your midsection. It will also increase your appetite and cravings for sugary, fatty foods. Cortisol is complex and only knowing your AM cortisol does not give a clear enough picture of your cortisol levels throughout the day.

 

Ghrelin: aka the “hunger hormone,” When imbalanced,  ghrelin can have you reaching for unhealthy snacks regularly. When you don’t get enough sleep, your ghrelin levels will increase and you will feel hungrier all day. Talk about a recipe for disaster. You should not have to use superhuman willpower to get through a day of clean eating.

 

Adiponectin: Adiponectin is less talked about but essentially this hormone reduces inflammation and burns fat (how awesome is that!) Adiponectin is produced and released from our fat cells and helps us burn fat by improving insulin sensitivity. How can I boost this hormone you ask? By consuming adequate protein, the right types of healthy fats, and doing strength training exercise.

 

Androgens: Hormones that fall into this category are testosterone, DHEA, and androsterone. While often thought of as male hormones, these are also important to women’s health. DHEA is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone and has an extensive benefit list. It is known to support the immune system, sleep, muscle growth, fat loss, and counteract the negative effects of cortisol. It also is known for anti-aging effects, libido and enhancing motivation. To boost DHEA without supplementing try meditation, exercise, have orgasms, sleep, and manage your stress. There are supplement options available but caution as taking too much can trigger hair loss, anger, acne, facial hair and deepening voice in women.

DHEA is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone and has an extensive benefit list. It is known to support the immune system, sleep, muscle growth, fat loss, and counteract the negative effects of cortisol. It also is known for anti-aging effects, libido and enhancing motivation. To boost DHEA without supplementing try meditation, exercise, have orgasms, sleep, and manage your stress. There are supplement options available but caution as taking too much can trigger hair loss, anger, acne, facial hair and deepening voice in women.

Testosterone is produced by the ovaries in women as well as the adrenal glands. When your body is under more stress (mental-emotional, underlying gut infections or food sensitivities, over exercising etc), it will produce cortisol at the expense of testosterone as well as other sex hormones. Low testosterone in males and females has been associated with low mood, low motivation, weight gain, osteoporosis and heart disease.

What are the signs of an underlying hormone imbalance?

The biggest sign of underlying hormone imbalances is when clients tell me they have been eating “clean” and exercising but are not seeing the results they expect. Other signs would other associated conditions such as acne, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, mood changes, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome or holding more weight in certain areas like the abdomen or upper thighs. For a more detailed look at common signs of estrogen dominance, and low progesterone download my FREE hormone balancing guide. Click here.

What to do next?

Sleep, resistance training exercise, carb cycling, and intermittent fasting all have evidence to support their role in producing healthy hormone levels. In addition, eating enough of the right foods will help your hormonal output in a big way. Many women are actually not eating enough and this can negatively affect your long-term weight loss efforts. If you are concerned, or suspicious of a hormone imbalance, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider to do some testing such as the DUTCH test. If addition if you noticed yourself agreeing to the information above I would highly recommend my Wild Side Wellness program.

What is the Wild Side?

If you frustrated, busy and just want to know exactly what to do fix your hormones, lose some weight, and increase your energy,  without wasting your time, I have created the program for you.  I am passionate about supporting high-achieving women to create a healthy gorgeous body they love, so they can really show up bigger in their industries. I have developed the exact program you need to take to create the body you want, experience more energy and increase your confidence while you do the things you do. I am here today to give you permission to put YOU back on your schedule. I am actually going to give you the step by step, even if you already know what do to.

I am passionate about supporting high-achieving women to create a healthy gorgeous body they love, so they can really show up bigger in their industries. I have developed the exact program you need to take to create the body you want, experience more energy and increase your confidence while you do the things you do. I am here today to give you permission to put YOU back on your schedule. I am actually going to give you the step by step, even if you already know what do to.  The next program begins October 16th. The value of this program is $497 but I am giving it to you, today for only $199. Spaces are limited and you must register before October 16th to receive this offer. This program will not be offered at this price again. Click here to learn more and purchase.