Teenagers aren´t the only ones with hormones raging through their bodies. Every person – young and old – has a complex array of hormones circulating through his or her bloodstream. Hormones are chemicals that help regulate almost every bodily function, such as digestion, growth and repair of injuries. Too much or too little of a hormone can cause health problems and, sometimes, weight gain.
Nila Vora, M.D., an internist and endocrinologist at the Loyola Primary Care Center at Darien, recommends a hormone check-up for anyone who is overweight or dieting.
The most common hormonal problem that might cause weight gain is hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck, which manufactures hormones that regulate how the body uses and stores energy from food. Not enough thyroid hormone is known as hypothyroidism. It affects about one in 100 people.
People with hypothyroidism often complain that they do not overeat, yet they still put on weight. They may have a stubborn 10 to 30 pounds that they cannot lose. “Thyroid disorder can be very subtle,’ Vora said. There may be no noticeable or only vague symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, a hoarse voice, dry skin and hair, forgetfulness and irregular menstrual cycles. Yet, the disorder easily can be detected by a blood test. Vora recommends adults 40 to 50 years of age have a baseline thyroid function test.
Another hormonal disorder that is tied to weight gain is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It may be the most common hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age. Experts estimate that 6 percent to 10 percent of women have the disease, but many of these women are never diagnosed because PCOS cannot be identified with a single test and may present many different vague symptoms. Women with PCOS may experience weight gain, excessive body hair, acne, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. Diagnosis requires thorough medical history, blood tests for hormone levels and an ovarian ultrasound to detect cysts.
In very rare cases, weight problems can be caused by overactive adrenal glands. The adrenal glands help regulate the body´s energy level and stress. People with this disorder show an unusual pattern of weight gain; they are plump in the face and stomach while their arms and legs stay thin. People also may feel weak and chronically tired, have digestive problems and demonstrate a low tolerance for stress.
While several hormone imbalances can cause weight gain and difficulty losing weight, the interaction between weight and hormones is a “two-way street,’ Vora explained. PCOS is exacerbated by excess weight and possibly may be caused by it. Also, obesity is known to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which is a hormonal problem.
Vora emphasized that crash diets, fad diets and diet pills rarely are effective and may be quite unsafe if the person has a hormonal imbalance. People with hypertension or heart disease need to be careful with over-the-counter diet pills and drinks as they could aggravate the underlying medical problems.
Vora recommended that people who are unhappy with their weight should examine what they eat and their level of exercise, and confirm they have no underlying medical problems. It could be a “very important part of the puzzle,’ Vora said.
To make an appointment with Vora or another primary care physician at Loyola, call (708) 216-8563.
Learn to Manage Stress
Is there anything you can do to cope with stress? Nila Vora, M.D., will lead a workshop to help participants understand how stress negatively impacts health and simple techniques to lower stress levels. It will be held on Wed., April 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Loyola Primary Care Center at Darien. Class size is limited. Call (630) 985-4989 to reserve your space.
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