Will Bioidentical Hormones Make You Gain Weight?
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For many women considering hormone replacement therapy, unwanted weight gain is one of their main complaints. So, the risk of gaining even more weight as a side effect of hormone replacement therapy is particularly concerning and often deters patients from getting the treatment they need. Board-certified physician and wellness expert Dr. Christy Watson of Body Bar MD understands the complex nature of hormone imbalance and is proud to offer advanced bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN to help patients regain control of their lives and finally feel better than ever. Learn more about hormone replacement therapy here, including what side effects you may expect.
What are the signs of hormone imbalance?
Hormone levels naturally change at various points during every person’s life, including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and more. Additionally, underlying conditions, certain medications, and other factors can impact hormone levels. Because the hormones play such a major role in the regulation of so many important physiologic processes, hormone imbalance can cause a number of frustrating and disruptive symptoms, including:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness (women)
- Loss of bone and/or muscle mass
- Hair loss
- Low libido
What is the best hormonal imbalance treatment?
While synthetic hormone replacement therapy has long been used to treat hormonal imbalance symptoms, Dr. Christy prefers the more efficient and natural benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in the form of BioTE® pellets. Rather than using artificial hormone compounds, BHRT contains plant-based hormones that are structurally designed to mimic the body’s natural hormones. This allows for more efficient absorption and symptom control. Furthermore, the unique BioTE pellet delivery system offers a constant dose of hormones in order to avoid upswings and downswings in a patient’s symptoms.
What are the side effects of bioidentical hormone pellets?
For most men and women, plant-based hormone pellets cause fewer side effects when compared with synthetic hormone replacement therapy. Because BioTE pellets are made from natural substances that mimic the body’s own hormones, patients are typically able to absorb and process the hormones more efficiently and avoid complications, such as adverse or allergic reactions, rollercoaster symptoms, and more. However, there are some potential side effects associated with taking BioTE hormone pellets, many of which can be attributed to the change in hormone levels themselves rather than a reaction to the medication. These may include:
- Weight fluctuation (loss or gain)
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Acne flare-ups
- Unwanted hair growth
- Mood changes
- Spotting or cramping (women)
Again, many of these potential side effects are temporary and often occur as the result of the body adjusting to the sudden increase in hormones. Once the hormone levels reach the normal physiologic range and become balanced, patients will likely notice a dramatic improvement in any side effects they may have been experiencing. Additionally, the innovative BioTE system allows your provider to precisely customize your BHRT plan to ensure you get the most appropriate and effective hormone dose. During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Christy will carefully monitor your hormone levels with blood work and discuss any symptoms or negative side effects you may have. Using this information, Dr. Christy can adjust your BioTE dose accordingly.
Can bioidentical hormones cause weight gain?
Metabolism is one of the many physiologic processes greatly influenced by hormone levels. When a person’s hormones are elevated or too low, he or she can experience unexpected weight loss or weight gain. Additionally, the introduction of hormone replacement therapy can also cause the weight to fluctuate. However, weight gain as a side effect of BHRT is usually a temporary phenomenon related to the sudden change in hormone levels, an inappropriate dose of hormones, or another factor. As a patient’s hormones reach the normal range, he or she will likely be able to return to a stable, healthy weight. In fact, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is actually a highly effective tool for weight loss in certain cases. During your initial consultation for BioTE hormone therapy in Indiana, Dr. Christy will carefully discuss your symptoms and goals – including weight gain and weight loss – to help determine whether BHRT may be right for you.
Regain control of your weight, health, and happiness with BioTE hormone replacement therapy in Terre Haute, IN
Hormonal imbalance can undoubtedly wreak havoc on a person’s overall health, happiness, and day-to-day life. From weight gain to chronic fatigue, the frustrating symptoms of unbalanced hormone levels seem virtually endless. If you are looking for a reliable, effective, and long-lasting hormone solution in Terre Haute or Carmel, IN, call Body Bar MD to schedule your private consultation with sought-after wellness expert and board-certified physician Dr. Christy Watson today. We look forward to helping you get the relief you deserve with BioTE bioidentical hormone replacement therapy!