Easier Ways To Lose Weight With Estrogen Problems

Women experience a number of surges and recessions when it comes to the hormones in their bodies. Estrogen surges during both puberty and pregnancy and then begins to subside come time for menopause. During times of estrogen peaks and valleys, you may find it more difficult to lose weight or you may notice that you gain weight more easily. By addressing your hormonal issues as part of your health and fitness routine, you can get back on track and lose weight while feeling better.

Weight Lifting

Hormonal changes paired with aging can cause you to lose muscle mass. When you lose muscle mass, your body simply burns less calories than before, due to a sluggish metabolism. In order to reignite your metabolism for more effective calorie-burning, weight lifting should be added to your daily routine. You needn't pump iron to get results. Instead, resistance training or using your body as weight can help you gain muscle while targeting problem areas. As your body produces less estrogen, you may be more prone to bone weakness, but you can protect your bones and strengthen them using low-impact resistance activities.

Binge Prevention

An unexpected increased appetite can often accompany a sudden influx of estrogen as your body prepares to store fat and calories in key places around your body. Because of this, you may find yourself especially susceptible to binge eating and temptation at certain points throughout the day. Instead of reducing the amount of calories you eat and starving yourself, spread your caloric intake evenly throughout the day to ensure that your appetite doesn't get the best of you. Instead, eat five or six small meals made up of protein and complex carbohydrates, and give yourself time to eat mindfully so your brain gets the message when you're satiated.

Daily Cardio

You simply cannot lose weight without getting at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity per day. Menopausal women are the least likely to exercise, not due to hormonal issues but due to lifestyle choices. This can be especially detrimental when dealing with an increased appetite, fatigue and sluggish metabolism indicative of menopause or even pregnancy. By scheduling 30 minutes of cardio exercise each day, you burn calories to ensure that your estrogen issues don't leave a lasting impression on your body.

Medical Attention

At certain times, medical intervention must be used when your body produces too much or too little estrogen. As a teen, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control in order to regulate estrogen production in the event of irregular periods, weight gain, menstrual pain and even acne. When entering menopause, your doctor may prescribe progesterone cream in order to supplement your body's release of estrogen to avoid some of the common symptoms of menopause, such as weight gain, hot flashes and irritability.