The Truth About Hormones and Stubborn Weight Gain in Women

As women age, hormonal changes can make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. One of the primary culprits is insulin, but other key hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid hormones also play a significant role. Understanding how these hormones impact metabolism and fat storage can help you take control of your weight and overall health.

1. Insulin: The Fat Storage Hormone

Insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, but when the body becomes insulin resistant (a common issue with age), excess glucose is stored as fat rather than being used for energy. This often leads to stubborn belly fat and difficulty losing weight.

How to Balance Insulin:

• Prioritize protein and fiber-rich foods to stabilize blood sugar.

• Reduce refined carbs and sugar intake.

• Incorporate regular strength training to improve insulin sensitivity.

• Use supplements like magnesium and alpha-lipoic acid to aid glucose metabolism.

2. Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which trigger fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. High cortisol can also increase cravings for sugary and high-fat foods, making weight management even more difficult.

How to Lower Cortisol:

• Get enough sleep (aim for 7-9 hours per night).

• Manage stress through meditation, deep breathing, or gentle movement like yoga.

• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can spike cortisol levels.

• Incorporate adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola to support stress resilience.
  

3. Estrogen: The Shifting Hormone

Before menopause, estrogen helps regulate fat distribution. However, as estrogen levels decline, women tend to store more fat around the midsection rather than hips and thighs. This shift is often why weight gain feels inevitable in perimenopause and beyond.

How to Support Healthy Estrogen Levels:

• Eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) to support estrogen metabolism.

• Avoid endocrine disruptors found in plastics, certain personal care products, and processed foods.

• Consider hormone-supporting supplements like DIM or maca root.

• Engage in regular strength training to help maintain muscle mass and regulate estrogen balance.

4. Thyroid Hormones: The Metabolism Regulator

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can slow metabolism, leading to weight gain, fatigue, and sluggish digestion. Thyroid function often declines with age, making it essential to support optimal thyroid health.

How to Boost Thyroid Function:

• Ensure adequate iodine, selenium, and zinc intake (found in seaweed, Brazil nuts, and shellfish).

• Avoid ultra-processed foods and excessive soy, which can interfere with thyroid function.

• Get regular thyroid checkups to monitor hormone levels.

• Support your thyroid with natural supplements like selenium and L-tyrosine.

5. Leptin & Ghrelin: The Appetite Regulators

Leptin and ghrelin are hormones that control hunger and satiety. As women age, leptin resistance can occur, leading to increased hunger and overeating, while ghrelin levels may rise due to poor sleep, further driving cravings.

How to Balance Leptin & Ghrelin:

• Prioritize high-quality sleep to regulate these hormones.

• Eat nutrient-dense, whole foods to promote fullness.

• Avoid extreme dieting, which can disrupt hunger signals.

Lifestyle and Supplement Support for Hormonal Balance

Balancing hormones isn’t just about diet and exercise. The right supplements can help. I have listed my favorite daily supplements below for you that have really helped me in my journey and make a noticeable difference!

• AG1 Greens $$$ – Supports gut health, inflammation reduction, and stress management. Get it here with a FREE Gift.
  

• BEAM Greens $ – A great option for digestion and detoxification. Save $30 here.
  

• BEAM GLOW $ – A daily wellness essential to aid fluctuating hormones. Save $30 here.
  

• LEAN by Make Wellness $$– A natural metabolism booster (healthy alternative to GLP-1 Shots) that supports insulin sensitivity and fat loss. Shop here.
  

• Plant-Based Chocolate Recovery Shake $$ – Helps muscle recovery and reduces inflammation. Shop here. Use CODE "JILLOSTART15" to save 15% on all products!
  

The Bottom Line

Weight gain with age isn’t just about eating less and moving more—it’s about balancing your hormones. By supporting insulin sensitivity, reducing stress, optimizing estrogen levels, ensuring thyroid health, and managing hunger hormones, you can take back control of your metabolism. Need personalized guidance? Let’s chat! Set up a FREE 45 Minute Consultation with me HERE!