More about the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Weight Loss
One of the reasons that people put on weight is because of hormonal imbalances. Unbalanced hormones can also make losing weight much harder as well as cause a multitude of other symptoms. But, did you know that HRT and weight loss often go hand in hand?
As we age, our bodies start producing less of many of our vital hormones. This leaves patients with complaints that can include:
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Inability to lose weight despite diet and exercise
- Decreased motivation
- Hot flashes
- Decreased libido
- Decreased memory
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Dry skin
- Low energy
How are HRT and Weight Loss Related?
It’s quite possible that your weight problems are not your fault. It could very well be hormonal issues! If you have been doing the right things to lose weight, yet have not realized the results, it is possible that hormonal factors are preventing you from losing weight. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for weight loss benefits may solve the mystery that is preventing you from getting to and staying at a healthy weight.
Hormonal imbalances may go undetected or you may not realize that your symptoms are directly related to hormones.
Renewed Vitality Can Help!
Our providers at Renewed Vitality will have an initial 1-hour consultation with you. During this consultation, we will go over your medical history, your current symptoms, and your health goals. We will then provide you with a comprehensive lab order. This will give you a view of your overall health in general, and will also show areas that need improvement. We take the time to get to know YOU, and the lab work helps us determine a customized treatment program based on your needs.
Are you interested in learning more? Our patient coordinator can answer all of your questions and explain our programs.
Call us at 214-740-4703, or fill in the form below and we will contact you.
Additional benefits of hormone balancing can include:
- Increased libido
- Locating imbalances within the body that affect weight loss and the ability to lose weight
- Enhanced memory
- Stronger immune system
- Reduced depression symptoms
- Rejuvenated skin
- The ability to gain lean muscle mass and lose fat
- Less joint pain
- Less frequent hot flashes and/or night sweats
- More Motivation
- More energy
Having your hormones properly balanced and at their correct levels can have many benefits including easier weight loss and helping to prevent future weight gain.
Key Hormones Involved in HRT for Weight Loss
Thyroid
Thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland in the front of the neck. It’s regulated by the pituitary gland. The thyroid hormone is often referred to as the “master hormone.” It is a metabolic hormone regulating temperature, metabolism, and cerebral function.
The thyroid also acts as the “gas pedal” since it has a direct impact on metabolism and energy levels.
Thyroid hormone helps remove toxins and chemicals, increases fat breakdown, and reduces cholesterol levels and body weight. Think of the thyroid hormone as the overseer of the body, telling the other organs to get to work!
Our providers understand how to accurately test and treat thyroid disorders. We test six different functions of the thyroid hormones. Rather than using the conventional wide “normal” reference range, we provide a personalized treatment plan to help you feel your best.
Testosterone
Men and women both produce much less testosterone as part of the aging process. Low levels of testosterone can cause weight gain, specifically around the abdominal area. Low levels can also cause a decrease in muscle mass and bone density.
Testosterone replacement therapy helps to decrease amounts of fat and flab and enables you to have more endurance when exercising. Additionally, your body will have improved sensitivity to insulin.
Some studies have shown that low levels of testosterone are related to depression, osteoporosis, declined libido, and an increase in total body fat mass. Additionally, the New England Journal of Medicine published an article that showed that women who were receiving testosterone therapy were able to lose 2 times more body fat and gain more muscle mass compared to women receiving a placebo.
DHEA (de-hydro-epi-an-dros-ter-one)
DHEA is one of the most abundant hormones in the body. It also functions as a precursor hormone, which means that other hormones are produced from it. Among its many functions, it is an essential component in many of the body’s metabolic functions. It promotes an anabolic (protein-building) state, which increases the breakdown of fat. It also increases strength, energy, and libido.
Cortisol
Adrenal function is another critical element in maintaining health. Optimal adrenal health enables your body to handle stress. Adrenal glands move us into fight or flight mode which helps us cope with dangerous or stressful situations. In the days of the cavemen, this helped them survive. But, in today’s stressful world, the adrenals can get worn out because many of us are chronically stressed. Insufficiency can have a plethora of side effects, including causing the body to store extra fat, especially around the abdominal area.
Estrogen
Low levels of estrogen can also cause you to put on extra weight. Supplementing your estrogen can help you to lose weight and reduce fat accumulation. It can also help to increase your energy levels.
Insulin
Insulin Resistance is a condition that occurs over time. It happens when the cells in the body become “resistant” to insulin. As a result, glucose is unable to enter the cells effectively and blood sugar levels stay high in the bloodstream. The pancreas goes into overdrive and 
produces more and more insulin in order to move the glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells where it’s needed.
When someone is Insulin Resistant, insulin levels rise in the bloodstream and can be up to 5 to 7 times higher than they should be. This has adverse effects on the metabolism, inhibiting the body’s ability to break down fats.
Insulin Resistance usually occurs in people who are obese, but it also occurs in people whose weight is in the normal range, depending on their diet and lifestyle. The common denominator is that fat accumulation is concentrated around the abdomen.
Insulin Resistance creates a vicious cycle and if not managed correctly, can quickly spiral into more serious problems. The cells that need glucose become starved of energy while glucose in the bloodstream stays elevated because there’s no place for it to go. Higher insulin levels signal the body to store fat, especially around the abdominal area. This fat (also called visceral fat) is especially dangerous because it causes the liver and other organs to become fatty and inflamed.
Visceral fat also causes Insulin Resistance, so it becomes a “chicken and the egg” situation since Insulin Resistance also causes this belly fat to accumulate.
I had no idea that hormone replacement using bioidentical hormones would make sure a drastic difference in my quality of life. I am able to sleep well. The unrelenting fatigue that I battled is gone.
I gradually started losing weight, when before this I could not get the scales to budge (except in the wrong direction) despite dieting and exercise. I just feel so much better and am able to do so much more and enjoy life again.
Thank you Dr. Spurlock and Renewed Vitality!” – Debbie B
The HCG Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program
Our clinic also offers the Vitality HCG diet program. The program combines the use of hormone-balancing Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), and a short-term, low-calorie diet. The Vitality Diet is one of the most comprehensive and effective diets on the market.
This program lasts for 45 days. It includes:
- Initial hour-long medical consultation
- Comprehensive lab interpretation
- Follow-up medical consultation
- Fat-burning HCG hormone injections
- Vitality Diet cookbook
- Slim Shot Injections (optional)
- Appetite suppressants (optional, as needed)
If you are interested in doing the Vitality Diet, we recommend that you complete the diet program first, and once finished, come back and see us for a comprehensive wellness and hormone appointment.
You can read more about our diet program here.
Free Phone Consultation with our New Patient Coordinator
Renewed Vitality is a place of hope. Our knowledgeable providers are experts in their field and take the time to find the underlying causes of hormonal imbalances and illness. We will work with you using proven, scientific-based technology, in a warm and compassionate environment, to help you restore your health so that you can live a life of vitality and wellness.
Please contact our New Patient Coordinator for your Free Phone Consultation. She can answer any questions or concerns that you may have and give you additional information about our providers, our protocols and fees, what is covered by insurance and what is not, and any other details you may need. She can also get you booked for your first appointments if you decide we are a good fit for you. There are no obligations to book an appointment. Please call 214-740-4703 to learn more, or complete the form below, and we will contact you. We would love to hear from you!