Written by Smith Jonathan - February 10, 2023
Taking bioidentical hormones can lead to weight gain, but the amount, duration and types of hormones will vary for each individual. Depending on your medical history and current health status, you may be able to take certain types of bioidentical hormones without gaining weight, or even lose some pounds. For those who are already prone to weight gain, hormone replacement therapy may not be the best option.
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the ones produced in our bodies and have been used for years as an alternative to synthetic hormone therapies. While they have many benefits such as reducing symptoms of menopause and potentially reversing aging effects, they must be taken with care as they can affect your metabolism.
Bioidentical hormones can increase your body's metabolic rate, causing you to burn more calories than normal. This is because hormones are chemical messengers that regulate a variety of bodily processes including digestion. When these chemical messages become imbalanced due to taking bioidenticals, it can lead to weight gain in some individuals. Furthermore, an increase in appetite could cause you to consume more calories and lead to a larger waistline if not offset by increased physical activity or eating healthier foods.
Yes - while many people experience weight gain while taking bioidenticals, others report success in losing weight while on this form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It all depends on what type of hormone and how much you are taking as well as other factors such as diet and exercise habits. Generally speaking however, when using higher doses of estrogen-based hormones (estradiol), individuals may tend toward more fat storage than with other forms like testosterone-based therapies (testosterone enanthate).
Are There Steps I Can Take To Minimize My Weight Gain From Bioidenticals?