Estrogen, the female hormone, and…fat accumulation?
sri lanka Estrogen is the main hormone that makes us completely female, affecting our skin, figure, and menstruation. But estrogen also influences our body's fat metabolism.
- During the reproductive years (before menopause): Maintaining normal levels of estrogen helps the body. Fat accumulates in the hip and thigh area. This is characteristic of fat distribution in women. In addition, estrogen also plays a role in... Control your appetite. The body's use of sugar. To return to normal.
- When estrogen levels decrease (during the perimenopausal period or menopause): This is a crucial turning point. When estrogen levels drop significantly, such as during menopause, the body undergoes many changes, including changes in metabolism.
- Abdominal fat accumulation: The pattern of fat accumulation will change. Instead of accumulating in the hips and thighs, it will shift to accumulating in the following areas: "abdomen" In fact, this abdominal fat is unwanted and associated with an increased risk of various diseases.
- Slower metabolism: When estrogen levels decrease, the body's basal metabolic rate (BMR) will... reduce It makes us burn fewer calories, even if we eat the same amount or exercise the same way. We tend to... It's easy to gain weight. Yes
- Changes in appetite: Some patients may find it harder to control their appetite, feel hungry more often, or have increased cravings for sweets.
Let's try to visualize this simply. It's like having a "power-burning factory" in your body that used to work at full efficiency, but when estrogen levels decrease, this factory slows down, leading to an accumulation of more "raw materials (fat)" left over.
Progesterone, the pregnancy hormone, and…water retention?
Progesterone It's another important hormone that works in conjunction with estrogen, especially during the period from after ovulation until before menstruation and during pregnancy.
- Water retention (edema): What patients often feel most clearly from the influence of progesterone is: Edema Yes, this hormone causes the body to retain more sodium and water, resulting in the patient feeling... Swollen, uncomfortable, and slightly weight gain. This is often most noticeable in the period before menstruation.
- It's not actually accumulated fat: The most important thing the doctor wants to tell you is... The weight gain from progesterone during water retention is "not really fat weight." But it's actually the weight of fluids in the body, which will decrease on its own when menstruation starts. Even so, swelling can be uncomfortable and may lead you to believe that the weight gain is permanent.
- Effects on appetite: Progesterone also plays a role in appetite. Some people may experience increased cravings for certain foods, especially in the period before their menstrual cycle.
To compare simply... It's like our bodies have a "reserve water tank." When progesterone levels rise, it's like someone opens a valve to temporarily store more water. When the time is right, the water will be released on its own.
