The Daily Hormone Balance is designed to support overall hormone health by targeting metabolic balance.

<p>The Daily Hormone Balance is designed to support overall hormone health by targeting metabolic balance, rather than just sex hormones. Many common symptoms of hormonal imbalance&#x2014;such as acne, mood swings, low energy, and irregular periods&#x2014;are often linked to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. By addressing these underlying issues, The Daily Hormone Balance helps promote long-term hormone health in a safe and effective way.</p><p><br></p><h3 id="what-the-daily-can-do-for-you">What The Daily Can Do For You</h3><p id="isPasted" style="text-align: center;">&#x2714;&#xFE0F; Activates AMPK Pathways</p><p style="text-align: center;">&#x2714;&#xFE0F; Curbs Cravings</p><p style="text-align: center;">&#x2714;&#xFE0F; Enhances Cellular Energy</p><p style="text-align: center;">&#x2714;&#xFE0F; Supports Glucose Health</p><p style="text-align: center;">&#x2714;&#xFE0F; Hormone Balance for Happier Moods</p><p>&#xA0;<span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="false" style="width: 151px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><a href="https://www.semainehealth.com/products/the-daily" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/8X1Bk7d1qbxKgRm0/hc/g5KDM28kbr69aByw/2025030418-508a8482-de3b-4a5c-b0c1-bac47e46173f-atl-photos-574rev.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner" contenteditable="true">Shop Now</span></a></span></span></p><p data-end="817" data-start="583" id="isPasted"><br>Unlike traditional hormone-balancing supplements that focus on ingredients like black cohosh or maca, The Daily Hormone Balance works by improving <strong data-end="753" data-start="730">insulin sensitivity</strong>. Insulin resistance is a common issue that can contribute to:</p><ul data-end="1068" data-start="818"><li data-end="840" data-start="818">Breakouts and acne</li><li data-end="889" data-start="841">Irregular menstrual cycles and PCOS symptoms</li><li data-end="940" data-start="890">Mood changes, including anxiety and depression</li><li data-end="967" data-start="941">Fatigue and low energy</li><li data-end="1068" data-start="968">Chronic inflammation, which impacts long-term health</li></ul><p><br></p><h3 data-end="60" data-start="0" id="isPasted">How The Daily Hormone Balance Supports AMPK Activation</h3><p data-end="387" data-start="62">The AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway is a key regulator of metabolism, energy balance, and&#xA0;hormonal health. When activated, AMPK helps the body:<br><br data-start="225" data-end="228">&#x2705; Burn fat for energy<br data-start="253" data-end="256">&#x2705;&#xA0;Improve insulin sensitivity (important for hormone balance)<br data-start="321" data-end="324">&#x2705; Regulate blood sugar levels<br data-start="357" data-end="360">&#x2705; Reduce inflammation</p><p data-end="606" data-start="389">Since insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction are major contributors to hormonal imbalances like PCOS, acne, and irregular periods, supporting AMPK activation can be an effective way to restore balance.<br><br>The Daily supports AMPK activation through key ingredients like berberine, magnesium, zinc, and grape seed extract, which help improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support metabolic balance. By enhancing AMPK function, The Daily promotes better energy levels, hormone regulation, and overall metabolic health.</p><p data-end="606" data-start="389"><br></p><h3 data-end="1248" data-start="1203" id="isPasted"><strong data-end="1246" data-start="1210">Key Ingredients &amp; Their Benefits</strong></h3><p data-end="1381" data-start="1250">The Daily Hormone Balance contains <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/pages/clinical-trials" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong data-end="1318" data-start="1285">clinically backed ingredients</strong></a> that work together to support metabolic and hormonal health:</p><table data-end="2100" data-start="1383"><thead data-end="1422" data-start="1383"><tr data-end="1422" data-start="1383"><th data-end="1406" data-start="1383"><strong data-end="1399" data-start="1385">Ingredient</strong></th><th data-end="1422" data-start="1406"><strong data-end="1419" data-start="1408">Benefit</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody data-end="2100" data-start="1462"><tr data-end="1611" data-start="1462"><td><strong data-end="1504" data-start="1464">B-complex vitamins (B1, B6, B9, B12)</strong></td><td>Supports mood stability, reduces inflammation, and ensures adequate folate levels if pregnancy occurs.</td></tr><tr data-end="1689" data-start="1612"><td><strong data-end="1622" data-start="1614">Zinc</strong></td><td>Improves insulin sensitivity and helps reduce acne.</td></tr><tr data-end="1765" data-start="1690"><td><strong data-end="1705" data-start="1692">Magnesium</strong></td><td>Supports blood sugar regulation and heart health.</td></tr><tr data-end="1859" data-start="1766"><td><strong data-end="1781" data-start="1768">Berberine</strong></td><td>Helps with insulin resistance and supports PCOS symptom management.</td></tr><tr data-end="1958" data-start="1860"><td><strong data-end="1884" data-start="1862">Grape Seed Extract</strong></td><td>Antioxidant support for metabolic health and hypertension management.</td></tr><tr data-end="2100" data-start="1959"><td><strong data-end="1978" data-start="1961">Passionflower</strong></td><td>Helps reduce anxiety and mood swings related to hormone fluctuations.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br></p><h3 id="supporting-long-term-hormonal-health">Supporting Long Term Hormonal Health</h3><p>The Daily Hormone Balance isn&#x2019;t a quick fix, it&#x2019;s designed to support long-term metabolic and hormonal health. While you will likely notice notice changes in energy levels and mood within a few weeks, The Daily really shines when you&apos;ve been taking it for 2-3 months. Consistent use alongside healthy lifestyle habits helps optimize results, making it easier to balance hormones naturally over time.&#xA0;<br><br><br><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="false" style="width: 122px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/products/the-daily" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/8X1Bk7d1qbxKgRm0/hc/g5KDM28kbr69aByw/2025030418-fb776733-4e60-4e04-8642-ffa74a140a8e-atl-photos-574rev.png" style="width: 102px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner" contenteditable="true">Shop Now</span></a></span></span></p>

Can The Daily help with hormone imbalance?

Could sugar be wreaking havoc on your hormones?

<div itemprop="articleBody"><p>Could sugar be wreaking havoc on your hormones? When we think of consuming a diet high in sugar and high-carb foods, weight gain is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, beyond basic metabolic health, these dietary choices can impact our hormones &#x2013; playing a part in estrogen dominance, irregular menstrual cycles, and PMS.&#xA0;</p><p>Let&apos;s delve deeper into the intricacies of blood sugar balance to see how we can use the interaction between the glycemic response and hormones to our advantage to optimize hormonal health and &quot;un-hate your hormones&quot;!&#xA0;</p><h2 id><br></h2><h2 id="the-basics">The Basics</h2><p>Before we dive in, let&apos;s cover the basics:</p><ul><li><strong>Hormones:</strong> are chemical messengers that relay information and control the physiological responses in the body. Hormones are responsible for your metabolism, menstrual cycle, reproduction, immune function, sleep-wake cycle, stress response and more.&#xA0;</li><li><strong>Blood sugar:</strong> glucose (a simple sugar) is the body&apos;s main source of energy. Glucose is converted into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which fuels your body&apos;s cells. Some glucose that is found in your bloodstream comes from our food, but the body can make glucose from glycogen stores through gluconeogenesis if needed. When in need of energy, your body will first use up any glucose available in the blood before turning to glycogen stores. Recent research has found that blood glucose (aka blood sugar) levels should optimally stay between 72 mg/ dL - 110 mg/ dL. This low glycemic variability creates less stress on the body and is optimal both short-term and long-term.</li></ul><h2 id="-1"><br></h2><h2 id="how-blood-sugar-impacts-hormonal-health">How Blood Sugar Impacts Hormonal Health</h2><p>There are several ways that imbalanced blood sugar can impact your hormonal health:</p><ol><li><strong>Insulin resistance:</strong> Chronically elevated blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance, which can disrupt the balance of other hormones in the body. Insulin is a hormone that facilitates the uptake of circulating blood glucose &#x2013; distributing glucose to insulin-dependent cells and tissues. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, higher levels of circulating insulin in the blood can cause the production of excess androgens. As androgens are a precursor to estrogen, this can contribute to estrogen dominance and hormonal issues such as PCOS. In addition, insulin resistance can impact progesterone, leading to menstrual cycle irregularities and infertility. Testosterone can also be elevated in women due to insulin resistance. Elevated testosterone symptoms in women can include acne, hair growth, and menstrual cycle irregularities.</li><li><strong>Stress and cortisol:</strong> Chronic stress can also disrupt blood sugar balance and therefore impact hormone levels. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise and affect other hormones including thyroid hormone and sex hormones. A simple hack to reduce cortisol daily? Stop <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnfZPWvJ93U/">drinking your coffee on an empty stomach in the morning</a>!&#xA0;</li><li><strong>Menopause:</strong> Hormonal changes during menopause can also affect blood sugar balance. As women age, our bodies become less sensitive to insulin, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. It&apos;s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage blood sugar levels during and after menopause for optimal hormonal health!</li><li><strong>Inflammation:</strong> Chronic inflammation, often associated with high blood sugar levels, can also impact estrogen levels. Inflammation alters estrogen metabolism in the body, leading to imbalances in hormone levels. This can have implications for reproductive health and overall well-being. By adopting an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle, you can support healthy blood sugar and hormone levels.</li></ol><h2 id="-2"><br></h2><h2 id="dietary-and-lifestyle-changes-to-support-healthy-blood-sugar--hormones">Dietary and Lifestyle Changes to Support Healthy Blood Sugar &amp; Hormones</h2><p>Balanced blood sugar is vital for optimizing overall metabolic health &#x2013; contributing to more energy, reduced sugar cravings, reduced inflammation, longevity, and balanced hormones.&#xA0;</p><p>Here are a few simple dietary and lifestyle changes that you can make to optimize blood sugar, support healthy hormones, and therefore feel your best!</p><ol><li><strong>Get enough sleep - more sleep = less inflammation!</strong> Prioritize quality sleep as it helps reduce inflammation and supports hormonal health. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine by reading before bed and avoiding screen time. Herbal teas like chamomile can promote better sleep quality!</li><li><strong>Manage stress through exercise:</strong> Engage in regular physical activity that brings you joy. Exercise not only helps lower cortisol levels but also releases endorphins and boosts serotonin, improving mood and overall well-being.</li><li><strong>Eat a blood sugar-balanced diet:</strong>Incorporate healthy fats, fiber, and protein into your meals to support balanced blood sugar. Pairing carbohydrates with fiber, fat, or protein slows down their digestion, preventing glucose spikes and stabilizing blood sugar levels. A few of our favourite snack combinations for balanced blood sugar are:&#xA0;<ul><li><a href="https://nomz.com/blogs/journal/macadamia-cookie-dough-bites">macadamia cookie dough bites</a></li><li><a href="https://nomz.com/blogs/journal/high-protein-chocolate-fruit-dip">high protein chocolate fruit dip</a></li><li><a href="https://nomz.com/blogs/journal/high-protein-green-smoothie-without-protein-powder">high protein green smoothie (without protein powder)</a></li><li><a href="https://nomz.com/blogs/journal/macadamia-cookie-dough-bites">Learn</a><a href="https://nomz.com/blogs/journal/5-simple-hacks-to-optimize-blood-sugar">&#xA0;5 simple hacks to optimize blood sugar here</a>, and stock up on blood sugar-balanced organic snacks here (they taste like a fudgy brownie and are good for your hormones - you can&apos;t go wrong)!&#xA0;</li></ul></li><li><strong>Supplement with natural remedies</strong> - say goodbye to your mood swings, cravings, uneven skin, and low energy in the past with hormone-free, vegan, non-GMO natural supplements from Semaine. Formulated for real humans &#x2013; <a href="https://www.semainehealth.com/collections/period-health/products/semaine">PMS &amp; Period Support</a> will help you have the best period imaginable, while <a href="https://www.semainehealth.com/collections/period-health/products/the-daily">The Daily</a> will provide stabilized mood and energy, and <a href="https://www.semainehealth.com/collections/peri-menopause/products/menopause-essentials">Menopause Essentials</a> will help you to keep your cool &#x2013; mentally and physically!</li></ol><h2 id="a-holistic-approach">A Holistic Approach</h2><p>By understanding the link between blood sugar balance and hormonal health, you can make informed choices to support your well-being. Balanced blood sugar levels play a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance and overall metabolic health! Incorporating dietary and lifestyle changes can help optimize blood sugar levels, promote balanced hormones, and contribute to your overall health and vitality.</p></div>

Can The Daily help balance my blood sugar?

From our skin to our mood and even our blood sugar levels, balanced hormones are vital for our well-being.

<p id="isPasted">Balanced hormones are vital for our menstrual health, but they affect many other areas of our lives. From our skin to our mood and even our blood sugar levels, we must have a good understanding of how they all work together.</p><h3 id><br></h3><h2 id="the-hormones-we-dont-tend-to-think-about">The Hormones We Don&#x2019;t Tend to Think About</h2><p>We tend to only think about hormones when we&#x2019;re considering sex hormones&#x2014;like estrogen and testosterone&#x2014;but hormones are critical to how our bodies work and affect everything from mood, to energy to even our skin. The rise and fall of our sex hormones during our menstrual cycle, grab most of our attention in health class, but just as important are the hormones that control how we process food and create energy&#x2013;insulin. And because how we eat has changed so much in the past hundred years, we&#x2019;re much more likely to have imbalanced insulin.</p><p><br></p><h2 id="our-hormones-and-the-fuel-that-is-sugar">Our Hormones and the Fuel that is Sugar</h2><p>Hormones help our body work properly, and one of the most critical aspects is making sure that all of our cells have enough energy to keep operating. Whether it is cells in our heart that we need to keep it pumping, or neurons we need to fire in our brain, we have to have the right amount of energy. Too little and our cellular batteries begin to turn off, but too much and they can overheat and start to damage themselves. The most important hormone that helps regulate the amount of energy available is called insulin.</p><p>Insulin helps control the amount of sugar floating around in our blood, and how our cells manage it. If we regularly have excess sugar floating around in our blood, we keep making insulin to try to tell our cells to use the sugar. This is a bit like turning up the radio louder and louder. It works for a bit, but over time the cells go deaf, and this is called insulin resistance. Eventually this can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer, but in the short term this can even affect our skin, mood, and other hormones.</p><p><br></p><h2 id="how-sex-hormones-affect-insulin">How Sex Hormones Affect Insulin</h2><p>Estrogen&#x2019;s main purpose is to regulate the reproductive system, but it also helps&#xA0;<a class="fr-green" href="https://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/68/2/291">optimize insulin activity</a>. Most who are pre-menopausal will produce enough estrogen to control insulin resistance, but as you age your levels of estrogen will decrease. With this decrease, we are opened up to higher risks for type-2 diabetes, so making sure we&#x2019;re aware of this can be vital to preventing this during our menopausal years. Replacing the lost estrogen through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be a conversation to have with your doctor.&#xA0;</p><h3 id="-1"><br></h3><h2 id="how-our-hormones-affect-our-skin">How Our Hormones Affect Our Skin</h2><p>We think about skincare when it comes to lotions or creams we put on the surface, but if you struggle with dry and flaky or oily, acne-prone skin, this may be a good indicator of a deeper&#xA0;<a class="fr-green" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11705091/">hormonal issue</a>. &#xA0;We might think of eating junk food and blame a breakout on the burger and milkshake we just ate, but the effects of junk food aren&#x2019;t just from the grease itself, but also how it affects hormones that sense energy&#x2013;namely insulin. &#xA0;For example, if you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you&#x2019;re much more likely to have hormonal acne or cystic acne. You&#x2019;re also much more likely to have insulin resistance. Amazingly, if you have PCOS and you fix the insulin resistance, you also<a class="fr-green" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6561710/">&#xA0;eliminate the breakouts and acne</a>. And this is one big reason that eating &#x201C;cleaner&#x201D; often helps with acne or breakouts.&#xA0;</p><p><br></p><h2 id="hormones-role-in-our-mood">Hormones Role in Our Mood</h2><p>We think of our sex hormones as being our primary mood regulators, but imbalances in our metabolic hormones (think insulin) can also be critical. If you are insulin resistant, you are more likely to be depressed. And helping reduce the level of insulin resistance can help improve mood and<a class="fr-green" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24862430/">&#xA0;produce antidepressant effects</a>.</p><p>Of course, sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are some of the most powerful mood regulators. Estrogen helps to increase serotonin and modifies the production and the effects of endorphins&#x2014;the &#x201C;feel-good&#x201D; chemicals in our brain. When this&#xA0;<a class="fr-green" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4391691/">drops off</a> during menopause to roughly 10% of what it was pre-menopause, it can lead to depression. Progesterone is another key player in our mood regulation helping us feel more calm and relaxed. Low levels manifest in symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and the feeling of being frazzled. On the other hand, extremely high levels could lead to depression. Progesterone has a similar effect on our brain as alcohol and sleeping pills.</p><p>Making sure these two hormones are balanced will give us the best chance of having a&#xA0;<a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/you-re-not-crazy-your-mood-fluctuates-with-your-cycle">steadier mood</a>.</p><p><br></p><h2 id="lifestyle-changes-we-can-make">Lifestyle Changes We Can Make</h2><p>What we eat has a big impact on how our body produces insulin and regulates blood sugar. Simple carbohydrates, like bread, pasta, cakes, and cookies can cause spikes in insulin production and if our bodies aren&#x2019;t able to respond to it correctly, we can develop insulin resistance. This can throw our hormones out of balance and contribute to high blood sugar. Since insulin and sex hormones work in harmony together, it&#x2019;s essential to keep them all in check.</p><p><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness/getting-started-safely/blood-glucose-and-exercise">Exercise</a> is a great regulator of blood sugar as well. It increases insulin sensitivity and allows your muscles to use the glucose for energy during or after activity. When you are active regularly, it can lower something called A1C which tells you how much sugar has been in you blood over the past 3 months. Try to get in some blood pumping workouts 3 times per week for best results.</p><p><br></p><h2 id="we-can-help">We Can Help!</h2><p>We&apos;ve struggled with decades of sugar crashes, random breakouts and the mood swings. That&apos;s why we want you to help you balance out your hormones and help you keep healthy blood sugar levels. While hormonal imbalances may be common, they shouldn&#x2019;t be normalized, and they don&#x2019;t have to be swept under the rug. Instead of enduring mood swings and break-outs, you can take back control!</p>

Balanced hormones affect more than just our cycles

If you’re gaining weight for no obvious reason, it could be linked to hormone fluctuations.

<p id="isPasted">If you&#x2019;re gaining weight for no obvious reason, it could be <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/hormonal-weight-gain-5224852">linked</a> to <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/hormones-in-our-30s-40s-and-50s">hormone fluctuations</a>. These can occur due to <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/healthy-aging-with-our-hormones">age</a>, menopause, or a medical condition. Changes in hormone levels can affect major body functions, including the way you gain and lose weight.</p><h2 id><br></h2><h2 id="how-can-i-spot-signs-of-hormonal-weight-gain"><strong>How can I spot signs of hormonal weight gain?</strong></h2><p>If you&#x2019;re noticing some unwanted extra weight and haven&#x2019;t drastically changed your diet or exercise routine, keep an eye out for these <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/hormonal-weight-gain-5224852">symptoms</a> that may point to your hormones being the culprit.</p><ul><li>A thirst that isn&#x2019;t satisfied even when you drink water</li><li>Frequent urination</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Frequent sweating and/or tremors</li><li><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/the-connection-between-hormonal-health-and-your-gut">Constipation</a></li><li>Irregular menstrual cycles</li><li>Depression</li><li>Irregular heartbeat</li><li>Acne</li><li>Insomnia</li><li>&#x201C;Brain fog,&#x201D; or an inability to think clearly</li></ul><p>The areas affected by hormonal weight gain may look different depending on where you are in your life. For example, premenopausal people tend to gain weight around the hips and thighs and postmenopausal people will gain it in the belly area.</p><h2 id="-1"><br></h2><h2 id="which-hormones-cause-weight-gain"><strong>Which hormones cause weight gain?</strong></h2><p>There are <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/hormonal-weight-gain-5224852">five hormones</a> that may be causing you to gain weight despite your best efforts to keep it off. Some may seem obvious, while others may be closer to having a &#x201C;silent but deadly&#x201D; reputation.</p><ol><li><em><strong>Estrogen</strong></em>. The key role of estrogen is to regulate the menstrual cycle, but it can affect other body systems. Having too much or too little estrogen isn&#x2019;t a direct link to weight gain, but the imbalance can hurt the body&#x2019;s ability to manage certain systems normally, which could lead to weight gain.<br><br><ul><li style="font-size: 16px;">Energy expenditure</li><li style="font-size: 16px;">Metabolism</li><li style="font-size: 16px;">Food intake</li><li style="font-size: 16px;">Body fat distribution</li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/inflammation-101">Inflammation</a></li></ul></li></ol><ol start="2"><li><p><em><strong>Insulin</strong></em>. Insulin&#x2019;s job is to help cells in your body absorb glucose from your blood. If you&#x2019;ve developed insulin resistance, your body can&#x2019;t make good use of the <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/balanced-hormones-affect-more-than-just-our-cycles">insulin</a> produced and blood glucose levels increase. This results in the body sending excess glucose to fat cells, resulting in weight gain. Even if you don&#x2019;t have type 2 diabetes, you could still have insulin resistance which makes the hormone less effective. Chat with your doctor about testing your insulin if you suspect you may have developed insulin resistance.</p></li><li><p><em><strong>Leptin</strong></em>. This hormone helps control appetite and satiety, aka when you feel full. Its job is to alert the brain when energy stores in the liver and body fat decline. Leptin levels increase with the amount of body fat, but there is evidence that some obese people may be resistant to leptin. Leptin resistance or having too little leptin can interfere with the benefit it provides:</p><ul><li style="font-size: 14px;"><p style="line-height: 1;">Regulating food intake and body weight</p></li><li style="font-size: 14px;"><p style="line-height: 1;">Promoting an appetite suppressant</p></li><li style="font-size: 14px;"><p style="line-height: 1;">Controlling energy expenditure</p></li></ul></li></ol><ol start="4"><li><em><strong>Cortisol</strong></em>. Produced by the adrenal glands, it is the stress hormone that controls the processes linked to our &#x201C;fight or flight&#x201D; response. It also helps regulate blood sugar, metabolism, sleep cycles, and inflammation&#x2014;talk about responsibility! Higher than normal levels of cortisol are linked to abdominal obesity. When your body maintains high cortisol levels for a perceived threat, your body performs the following processes that can increase weight gain:<br><br><ul><li>I<span style="font-size: 16px;">ncrease in appetite to maintain calories</span></li><li style="font-size: 16px;">Cravings for carbohydrates or sugar for fast energy</li><li style="font-size: 16px;">The desire to binge eat</li><li style="font-size: 16px;">Difficulty maintaining a regular exercise regimen</li></ul></li></ol><ol start="5"><li><em><strong>Ghrelin</strong></em>. Also known as the &#x201C;hunger hormone,&#x201D; ghrelin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract. It also tells the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, which destroys fat tissue and supports muscle growth. (We&#x2019;ll take more of that, thanks!) Those who are obese typically have lower ghrelin levels than thin people but may be more sensitive to it. This suggests that the hormone may help in regulating weight, rather than weight gain. Ghrelin sensitivity could lead to overeating.</li></ol><h2 id="-2"><br></h2><h2 id="conditions-that-may-cause-hormonal-weight-gain"><strong>Conditions that may cause hormonal weight gain</strong></h2><p>If you have any of the <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/hormonal-weight-gain-5224852">conditions</a> below, it&#x2019;s possible they could be linked to your weight gain. If you&#x2019;re concerned about gaining weight due to your condition, chat with your healthcare professional to decide on a strategy that&#x2019;s best for you.</p><p><em><strong>Endometriosis</strong></em>. While a direct link between <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/endometriosis">endometriosis</a> and weight gain hasn&#x2019;t been found, having excess estrogen can lead to the following factors linked to weight gain:</p><ul><li>Abdominal bloating</li><li>Fluid retention</li><li>Increased appetite</li></ul><p><em><strong>PCOS</strong></em>. Weight gain and obesity are common among those with <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/pcos-deep-dive">PCOS</a> versus those who do not have it. A large amount of this weight gain is associated with the hormonal abnormalities of the condition that can trigger insulin resistance, a known risk factor for obesity.</p><p><em><strong>Hypothyroidism</strong></em>. This condition develops due to the thyroid being under-active and not being able to produce enough thyroid hormone. Without enough of the hormone, you may develop a modest amount of excess weight. There is some thought, however, that the condition is secondary to obesity. For people treated for this problem, researchers reported a decrease in lean body mass, as opposed to fat mass. Controlling thyroid hormone levels caused a release of excess water, which implies that weight gain may be caused by water retention.</p><p><em><strong>Insomnia</strong></em>. Classified as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting productive sleep, insomnia can be either a temporary or long-term condition. Causes include stress, irregular sleep habits, depression or other emotional disorders, inactive lifestyle, or travel across time zones. Symptoms of other conditions, like night sweats in menopause, can also cause insomnia. Research has shown that people who don&#x2019;t get enough sleep are prone to weight gain. Sleep loss is linked to the following factors that can cause excess weight:</p><ul><li>Insulin sensitivity</li><li>Lower levels of leptin</li><li>Higher levels of ghrelin</li><li>Higher levels of inflammatory markers</li><li>Salt retention</li></ul><p><em><strong>Menopause</strong></em>. The hormonal shift that takes place during menopause triggers changes that make weight gain common. The effects of low estrogen levels in menopause that contribute to weight gain include:</p><ul><li>Decrease in lean body mass</li><li>Slower metabolic rate</li><li>Need for fewer calories to maintain a normal weight</li><li>Body fat redistribution, with more in the abdominal area</li><li>Sleep disruptions</li><li>Genetic factors may also play a role, if your parents or other close relatives carry extra weight around the abdomen, you&#x2019;re more likely to</li><li>Other factors, such as lack of exercise, unhealthy eating, and not enough sleep&#x2014;those who don&#x2019;t get enough sleep tend to snack more and consume more calories</li></ul><h2 id="-3"><br></h2><h2 id="ways-to-manage-hormonal-weight-gain"><strong>Ways to manage hormonal weight gain</strong></h2><p>As you can see, hormonal weight gain has a lot of possible causes, so if you&#x2019;re struggling with it, you are not alone!</p><p>It&#x2019;s important to identify which hormones are <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/hormonal-weight-gain-5224852">affecting</a> your weight first. If you have an imbalance caused by an underlying condition, getting the correct diagnosis and treatment is key. Generally speaking, any weight loss goal requires some lifestyle changes. Consider the following strategies:</p><ul><li>A change in <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/food-for-happier-hormones">diet</a> to reduce calories</li><li>A daily program to maintain activity levels</li><li>Behavior strategies to encourage commitment</li><li>Adequate nightly sleep</li></ul><p>If you&#x2019;ve been through menopause and want to <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menopause-weight-gain/art-20046058">prevent</a> weight gain, consider adopting the habits below:</p><p><em><strong>Get active</strong></em>. Physical activity, both aerobic and strength training, can help shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so if you increase muscle mass, you&#x2019;ll burn calories more efficiently.</p><p><em><strong>Eat a little less</strong></em>. To maintain your current weight in your 50s, you may need about 200 fewer calories per day than you did in your 30s and 40s. If you want to lose weight, you might consider cutting additional calories. Talk to your medical professional to ensure you&#x2019;re still getting adequate calories and nutrition.</p><p><em><strong>Consider your sweet tooth</strong></em>. In the average American diet, added sugars account for nearly 300 calories a day. Try to avoid added sugars in things like sauces, beverages, and snacks. They often lurk in unsuspecting places.</p><p><em><strong>Limit alcohol</strong></em>. The average glass of wine has 125 calories, hard liquor ranges between 90-100 calories, and mixed drinks jump as high as 500+ calories! If you&#x2019;re looking for an easy way to shave calories without cutting out snacks, this is it.</p><p><em><strong>Get support</strong></em>. If you surround yourself with friends and family who support your efforts to eat healthily and increase your physical activity, it&#x2019;ll be easier to stick to it.</p><p>In addition to the diet and lifestyle changes you can make; you can also support your hormones with Semaine supplements!</p><p><br><a href="https://www.semainehealth.com/collections/hormonal-balance/products/the-daily"></a></p><h2 id="isPasted">Semaine Supplements That May Help You!</h2><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.semainehealth.com/collections/hormonal-balance/products/the-daily"><span style="font-size: 18px;">The Daily Hormone Balance</span></a><span style="font-size: 18px;">&#xA0;</span></p><p>Happier, healthier hormones and fewer cravings&#x2014;which will help stabilize blood sugar levels&#x2014;with the added bonus of smoother skin and more stable moods.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.semainehealth.com/collections/hormonal-balance/products/menopause-essentials"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Menopause Essentials</span></a><span style="font-size: 18px;">&#xA0;</span></p><p>Bring a natural balance back to your hormones as your body changes and experience fewer hot flashes and night sweats, more stable moods, and better sleep.</p><p>Fluctuations in weight are normal throughout our lifetimes for a number of reasons. Hormones can play a major role in weight gain and loss. Focusing on your hormonal health can be a great way to also address weight concerns and get your system back to functioning in a healthier way.</p>

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