BHRT and Weight Loss

I’m excited to chat with you about Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy, weight loss and more! I get TONS of questions about this on the daily. I feel that it’s important to uncover the hidden truths + everything you need to know about Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy. And more truth is that this will probably only be part one 😉

Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has gained popularity as a potential solution for hormonal imbalances. However, it’s crucial to understand that this treatment isn’t a magic bullet and requires a nuanced, individualized approach. Let’s explore the key aspects of BHRT and why a cautious, holistic strategy is essential.

Key Considerations for Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy:

Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution: Many of you already know that I don’t believe that one size fits all; and of course this is true here as well! BHRT works differently for each individual. What benefits one person may not work for another.

l> The Hormone-Gut Connection: There’s a strong bidirectional relationship between hormones and gut health. Over the last 20 years I’ve been in practice, I’ve seen many imbalances between the two body systems cause many issues for my female weight loss and fat loss clients. This was a huge struggle for me personally as well. If we’ve recently connected, definitely click here to read more about my story, and how I got down this path.

**The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in hormone metabolism and regulation, while hormones influence gut function and the microbiome composition. This interconnection is absolutely a key component of addressing gut health as part of any hormone balancing strategy.

Nutrition as the Foundation: This has been my approach for almost 20 years! This is why my practice is called “Nutrition the Natural Way.” Why is that important here?! Well, the backbone of steroid hormones is saturated fat, which is primarily found in animal foods. Therefore, ensuring that your diet and macronutrient balance are optimized is essential before considering BHRT. This may involve adjusting your intake of high-quality animal proteins, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense foods to support hormone production and balance.

Struggling to find the right balance of Macros that works for you? This is exactly what I do with my clients in both my 1:1 coaching as well as my group Weight Loss Accelerator program.

> One Step Beyond the Foundation: This is one of the biggest pitfalls I see. It’s vital to optimize not only your individualized approach the Keto and Carnivore Diet, but also to digestion and detoxification. These systems play a crucial role in hormone balance and of course overall well-being.

Risks of Overprescription: Speaking of pitfalls!! Many doctors initially overprescribe hormones, which can paradoxically cause the same symptoms you’re trying to alleviate. Sometimes worse. This can also cause someone to feel great initially and then crash hardcore.

> Hormone Receptor Sensitivity: When hormone levels are chronically low, receptor sensitivity naturally decreases. Introducing too much hormone too quickly can overwhelm these receptors, causing extreme “ feeling hormonal” symptoms. Including weight gain!

The Importance of Slow Titration: Gradually increasing hormone dosages allows the body + the hormone receptors to adjust, helping minimize side effects. This also allows for a more cost effective outcome if you don’t need as much for the same benefits.

> Not a Weight Loss Solution: Contrary to popular belief, BHRT is not a magic solution for weight loss. In fact, it can sometimes lead to weight gain, especially if overprescribed initially or if proper testing and monitoring are neglected. Speaking of which…

Importance of Testing and Monitoring: Regular hormone level testing is crucial both before starting BHRT and throughout treatment. This ensures accurate dosing and allows for timely adjustments. Unfortunately, many doctors and practitioners fail to conduct proper testing before or during treatment, which can lead to suboptimal outcomes.

> Symptom Overlap and Individual Variation: Two people can present with the same symptoms and have completely different lab results and protocol needs. This is because varying hormone imbalances can mimic symptoms presentation. For example, both low and high estrogen levels can cause similar symptoms in some individuals. This highlights the critical importance of thorough testing and individualized rebalancing plans.

Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance:

– Fatigue

– Mood swings

– Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

– Sleep disturbances

– Low libido

– Hot flashes or night sweats

– Depression or anxiety

– Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

– Muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass

– Hair thinning or loss

The Crucial Role of Testing and Monitoring:
Proper testing before and during BHRT is essential for several reasons:
1. It establishes accurate baseline hormone levels.
2. It allows for tailoring the treatment to individual needs.
3. It enables healthcare providers to adjust dosages based on the body’s response.
4. It helps identify and address any imbalances promptly.

Without adequate testing, there’s a risk of creating new imbalances or exacerbating existing issues. This can lead to unexpected outcomes, including changes in weight and body composition.

The Weight Factor!!

It’s important to understand that BHRT doesn’t automatically lead to weight loss. In some cases, it may even contribute to weight gain, particularly if:
– Hormones are initially overprescribed, disrupting the body’s natural balance.
– No baseline testing is done before starting treatment.
– Ongoing monitoring of hormone levels is neglected.

These scenarios can result in hormone imbalances that may hinder weight loss efforts or even promote weight gain! I know it might sound like I keep repeating a few of these points. And that is because I am repeating them 🙂 I want you to really understand the implications when BHRT is not administered correctly.

BIG SIDE NOTE HERE!!!! …Estrogen Balance:

It’s important to note that when it comes to estrogen, balance is key. Having estrogen levels that are too low can be just as problematic as levels that are too high. Both scenarios can lead to a range of health issues:

• Low Estrogen: Can lead to bone loss, vaginal dryness, weight gain, low libido, hot flashes, mood swings, and cognitive issues.
• High Estrogen: May increase the risk of certain cancers, cause weight gain, mood swings, and heavy or irregular periods.

And one significant point about the whole “estrogen is dangerous” thing. Keep in mind that when women are pregnant, estrogen levels sky rocket. Anything is possible, but also keep in mind that pregnancy typically does not lead to Cancer. I also don’t mean to be morbid, just wanting to be real and continue my commitment of always debunking misinformation.

The Path to Successful BHRT:

In conclusion, when considering BHRT, it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who understands the complexities of hormonal health. Just like I’ve been doing for almost 20 years in my practice, they should take a comprehensive approach, considering your entire health picture rather than just looking at hormone levels in isolation.

Remember, the goal of BHRT isn’t to achieve the highest possible hormone levels, but rather to find the right balance that alleviates symptoms and improves quality of life. In summary, this means:

1. Starting with optimizing diet and lifestyle factors.
2. Addressing gut health and nutrient deficiencies.
3. Conducting thorough baseline testing.
4. Starting with low doses of hormones, based on both testing and symptoms. (There’s nothing wrong with taking symptoms into consideration when you have lab work to correlate them with!)
5. Slowly adjusting based on your body’s response.
6. Regular monitoring and testing.
7. Continually reassessing and adjusting the protocol plan as needed.

I can’t say enough that while bioidentical hormone therapy can be a valuable tool for addressing hormonal imbalances, it requires a thoughtful, personalized, and closely monitored approach. It’s not a quick fix for weight issues or other health concerns. But you should not be shocked to hear me say that 😉

By prioritizing overall health, and starting with foundational factors like nutrition and gut health, ensuring proper testing and monitoring, and working closely with a qualified health practitioner, you can maximize the benefits of BHRT while minimizing potential risks and unwanted side effects.

Remember, hormonal balance is just one piece of the overall health puzzle – a holistic approach that includes proper nutrition (with attention to the specific nutrients needed for hormone production), regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep habits is key to achieving optimal well-being. 

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new wellness regimen, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you’re unsure about your current plan.  

Curious as to how I work with clients? Click here to message me, I’d love to chat!

Want to grab my complimentary “Stronger to the Core” Guide? Click here to grab it, and get tons of the best tips, hacks and strategies for weight loss, fat loss, hormone balance and more!

XOXO