Understanding Hormonal Patterns and Weight Gain in Women Over 40

Added: Jan 16, 2024

Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Levels

Dr. Romm explains that insulin resistance is a common thread and a common denominator in the hormonal patterns associated with weight gain in women. Insulin resistance occurs when blood sugar levels start to rise, leading to higher insulin levels and increased body fat storage, particularly in areas such as the arms and back. She emphasizes the importance of stabilizing blood sugar levels and recommends consuming adequate protein to help lower blood sugar levels and stabilize insulin levels. Additionally, she highlights the role of protein in promoting satiety and muscle building, which is crucial for metabolic health.

Estrogen Dominance and Fiber Intake

Estrogen dominance is another key hormonal pattern that contributes to weight gain in women. Dr. Romm explains that estrogen dominance can lead to symptoms such as breast tenderness and increased fat storage in the hips and thighs. She emphasizes the importance of consuming adequate fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fiber, to support gut health and promote the metabolism and elimination of estrogen metabolites. Cruciferous vegetables and omega-9 fats, found in foods such as avocados and olive oil, are also recommended to help metabolize estrogen effectively.

Toxic Load and Hormonal Imbalance

Dr. Romm discusses the impact of toxic load on hormonal balance and metabolic health. She explains that exposure to various chemicals, such as BPA, BHT, and organophosphates, can lead to estrogen dominance and disrupt hormone levels. These toxins can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to hormone imbalances and contributing to conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and precocious puberty. She emphasizes the importance of reducing toxic exposure and supporting the body's detoxification processes to maintain hormonal balance.

The Superwoman Phase and Lifestyle Factors

Dr. Romm identifies the Superwoman phase as a particularly challenging time for women, characterized by high levels of stress and multiple responsibilities, including family, career, relationships, and aging parents. She highlights the impact of lifestyle factors such as over-exercising, excessive alcohol consumption, poor sleep habits, and erratic eating patterns on hormonal balance and metabolic health. These habits can exacerbate hormone imbalances and contribute to weight gain, particularly during the perimenopausal phase.

The Impact of Stress on Hormonal Balance

Dr. Romm emphasizes the role of stress in disrupting hormonal balance and metabolic health. She explains that chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which in turn can affect thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, and overall metabolism. Stressful habits, such as late-night work, excessive caffeine consumption, and inadequate sleep, can further exacerbate hormonal imbalances and contribute to weight gain.

Fasting and its Impact on Health

Dr. Romm raises concerns about the overuse of fasting, particularly among women in the perimenopausal phase. She explains that fasting can exacerbate blood sugar instability, leading to reactive hypoglycemia and metabolic rate reduction. She advises against prolonged fasting for women with shifting hormones and high stress levels, as it can disrupt blood sugar regulation and lead to weight gain in the long term.

She recommends a balanced approach to eating, with a focus on consuming 20-30 grams of protein every 4 hours to stabilize blood sugar levels. She also highlights the role of emotions in driving hunger, emphasizing the need for emotional support and stress management in maintaining a healthy diet.

The Impact of Emotions on Health

Dr. Romm discusses the connection between emotions and physical health, citing Chinese medicine's perspective on how emotions can affect organ function. She explains that chronic emotional states, such as anger, grief, and anxiety, can lead to high cortisol levels, impacting the body's ability to regulate hormones and metabolism. She emphasizes the importance of addressing emotional burdens and finding healthy coping mechanisms to support overall well-being.

Her Personal Journey and Approach to Medicine

Dr. Romm shares her personal journey from being an emergency room doctor to becoming a holistic medicine practitioner. She emphasizes the need to merge eastern and western medicine to provide a comprehensive approach to health. She advocates for addressing core health issues and tailoring interventions to individual needs, rather than relying on quick fixes or band-aid solutions.

Overuse of Supplements and Medications

Dr. Romm highlights the overuse of supplements in the wellness space, cautioning against relying on them as a cure-all for health issues. She discusses the trend of overhyping certain supplements, such as colostrum, probiotics, and natural weight loss alternatives, without considering the individual's core health issues. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the cost and benefit of supplements and medications, particularly in relation to gut health and overall well-being.

She also addresses the overuse of glp1 agonist medications for weight loss, highlighting the potential risks of gastroparesis, mental health issues, and the need for a balanced approach to their use. She advocates for using these medications for individuals in a disease state, while cautioning against their use as a cosmetic solution for those with minimal health issues.

The Impact of Medications on Hormones

Dr. Romm also expresses her concerns about the impact of certain medications on hormone balance. She mentions that some medications can lead to muscle wasting and unhealthy weight loss, which can have long-term negative effects on the body. She advocates for a more holistic approach to managing hormonal health, focusing on lifestyle changes and natural remedies rather than relying solely on medication.

Body Composition and Hormones

Dr. Romm highlights the importance of understanding body composition and its relationship to hormone balance. She encourages her patients to focus on maintaining a healthy percentage of body fat and skeletal muscle. She advises against obsessing over weight as a number and instead recommends tracking inches and focusing on building muscle through activities like yoga, Pilates, and light weight training.

The Hormonal Journey Through Life

Dr. Romm discusses the hormonal journey that women go through at different stages of life, starting from adolescence. She emphasizes the need to address hormonal imbalances early on and provides guidance on how to support hormonal health during different phases, such as the teenage years, early adulthood, and the reproductive years. She also stresses the importance of understanding the connection between hormones and mental health, as well as the impact of hormonal changes on overall well-being.

Practical Tips for Hormone Balance

Dr. Romm offers practical tips for supporting hormone balance, including setting aside 10 minutes in the morning for meditation and planning meals to ensure adequate protein intake. She also advises against consuming alcohol regularly and encourages individuals to let go of negative self-talk, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.

Personal Self-Care Routine

Dr. Romm shares her personal self-care routine, which includes dedicating time in the morning for quiet reflection, journaling, meditation, or listening to a sound bath. She emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and peaceful start to the day to set the tone for overall well-being. Additionally, she advocates for writing positive affirmations to counter negative self-talk and promote a healthy mindset.