When the heatwave comes, you may be tempted to reach for that bottle of water you’ve been hanging on to, or stash a few snacks in the cupboard for when you return from work. But what about those unwanted pounds you’ve been carrying around for ages? Has anything changed in the weight loss world with the advent of hot weather?
It’s true that as summer approaches, your body may start to demand more fuel as you’re faced with an energy-sapping climate. But, as with most things in life, there’s more than one way to achieve your desired results. As well as increasing your activity levels, the heat may be prompting you to experiment with different diets and food regimes. If you’re looking to shed the weight, then the rise in temperature may be acting as a signal to change your approach and start losing pounds. But if you’re struggling with your appetite, the heatwave could be to blame. So let’s examine the link between hormone therapy and weight loss shall we?
Progesterone
If you’re not familiar, progesterone is a hormone that you produce naturally in your body as part of the pregnancy and menopause cycles. However, as with many hormones, it can be altered by medications or supplements. If you’re taking progesterone, then you may notice a difference in your weight. But it may not be in the way you intend it to be. For example, if you’re struggling with weight loss, then taking progesterone may actually cause you to put on weight. So what’s the verdict? Does it help you to lose weight? Let’s take a look.
How Does It Work?
While we don’t know exactly how or why taking progesterone causes weight gain, there are theories that suggest it could increase appetite and block the signals of hunger from being processed by the brain. So if you’re experimenting with weight loss in the summer, then you may want to try a different approach than what your doctor prescribed for you. But if you’re struggling with your eating habits and want to change things for the better, then progesterone may be the answer your body is looking for. We know that the hormone can be used in the treatment of breast cancer and some types of ovarian cancer. But could it be used as a tool for healthy weight loss? We think so.
Does It Work For All Women?
It’s important to bear in mind that progesterone may not be for everyone. As we’ve established, it can cause weight gain in some individuals. So if you’re in the group that experiences positive results from taking the hormone, then it could be the perfect addition to your weight loss strategy during the hot season. But if you’re in the group that experiences negative results from taking progesterone, then perhaps it’s not the right choice for you at all. Although there isn’t a lot of research into the subject, it appears that progesterone may not be safe for individuals who are already at risk for weight gain. In general, studies suggest that it shouldn’t be used by women who are either pregnant or trying to get pregnant, or by those who are breast-feeding. As well, it should be noted that the drug can cause uterine contraction, making it potentially dangerous for those who are taking it on a long-term basis. In other words, if you’re in the habit of producing progesterone as a hormone, then it is vital that you stay away from medications and supplements that affect this particular hormone, as it may have serious repercussions for your health. So if you’re interested in trying out this potentially life-saving drug, then make sure you consult with your doctor before starting any new regimen.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to shed some pounds, then it’s vital that you get the right support from your doctor. If they don’t know much about progesterone and you’re not sure whether or not it’s safe for you to try, then it may be a good idea to leave it out of your regimen and look for something more traditional. However, if your doctor knows how beneficial this hormone can be and has experience with patients who have used it successfully, then it may be time to reconsider your strategy and start taking progesterone. As you’re already aware, the hormone changes as the seasons change, which could mean that you may have to experiment with different dosages or formulae to find the best results for you. But as long as you’re willing to put in the work, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to achieve your desired results. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, the extra weight you’ve been carrying around for years may just be something you’ve finally outgrown.