Help! I Look like a Pear!

Help!  Why am I suddenly shaped like a Pear?
I'm not eating any differently! I look down and see a Pooch!

Is this you?  Are you yearning to get rid of this unwanted fat? Friends, you are not alone.  In fact, this tummy pooch is epidemic!  Let's get educated and "bare arms" against this insidious enemy

Ladies, I field these "weight gain" calls on a daily basis. Women who call me are complaining about 2 things:
 1) a weight gain of between 10-40 pounds, (yes, I'm not kidding and I'm sure many of you are sadly nodding in agreement...up to 40 pounds!)
2) the change in the shape of their bodies. You ask, what is going on?  You describe it as a "spare tire" or, in today's jargon, a "muffin top" You have new fat accumulated around your stomach, buttocks and thighs!  Somehow this might be easier to take if it was evenly distributed over your entire body.   Instead, you have pants that don't fit, zippers left undone and are investing in tunic tops and SPANX is the new Wall-Street darling.

WHAT'S GOING ON?  It's HORMONAL! 
We have already discussed estrogen dominance causes (see my last blog).  It causes WEIGHT GAIN!

Here is the sad truth in a nutshell:

When hormones become unbalanced and estrogen dominance occurs, the average man or woman may add 1-2 pounds per year between ages 35 and 55. This weight goes right around the middle and can be almost nuclear as far as losing the weight until hormones are balanced.

Excess estrogen (estrogen dominance caused when progesterone is low)

• Causes abdominal tissues to retain water and causes BLOATING. When you are menstruating, this bloating occurs right around the menstrual cycle. When you no longer have periods and are not producing progesterone, the bloating will be a constant problem.
• Estrogen prompts your body to CONVERT CALORIES INTO FAT instead of using them for energy.
• Estrogen dominance causes the fat to be stored IN THE ABDOMINAL AREA. Abdominal fat is a sign that the body's internal hormonal ratio of progesterone to estrogen is disturbed.

WHAT'S ELSE IS GOING ON?  Could it be my thyroid?  YES! It's all related!

Thyroid is negatively affected when progesterone is low.  

Studies reveal that estrogen dominance can cause an increase in thyroid binding globulin, placing the thyroid into a sluggish state. Of course, the thyroid gland affects metabolism and when it is not working properly, all of your dieting and exercise will be futile.

I always tell women that Thyroid and Progesterone are Best Friends; The Thyroid gland needs you to have your progesterone/estrogen balanced to keep your metabolism strong.

ANOTHER THING:  WHY AM I CRAVING SUGAR?

The Answer Is: Estrogen dominance can cause insulin to be released more often than it is needed due to a condition called insulin resistance. This extra release of insulin causes the body to crave sugar. As you know, these cravings can be uncontrollable in nature. No matter how hard you try, you find yourself eating when you are not hungry, and you cannot stop your brain from demanding that you consume something sweet.

Solution: Progesterone balances estrogen and regulates the release of insulin. Did you know that insulin spikes cause the body to store fat?  Are you getting the total picture? 

It is ALL PREVENTABLE with hormone balance!

WHY DO I HAVE TO LOOK LIKE THIS PEAR?

Estrogen levels impact where the body distributes fat. Estrogen is made and maintained by abdominal fat so fat cells accumulate around the abdomen when you are estrogen dominant It is a very vicious cycle. Fat cells make estrogen and, in turn, the estrogen tells your body to store fat. Without balancing your hormones, you will NOT break the cycle no matter how hard you diet or exercise!

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON?  NATURAL PROGESTERONE!  A very simple, inexpensive investment!

You can lose that Muffin Top!  Why  Natural Progesterone Your Answer:

• Progesterone encourages the body to use calories for energy (it is thermogenic). (Without enough progesterone, the body is compromised in its ability to metabolize calories)
• A metabolic response is triggered at the cellular level that will allow weight loss to occur
• It acts as a natural diuretic, reducing bloating
• Insulin release is regulated, reducing food cravings and normalizing blood sugar
• Progesterone counterbalances cortisol (the stress hormone) which also tells the body to store fat. (Your "pooch" can be caused by exposure to high rates of cortisol!)
• Progesterone occupies receptor sites and protects you from the effects of xenoestrogens (counterfeit hormones that cause a buildup of toxins in the fat cells, especially around the middle!)
• Hormone balance helps keep serotonin at normal levels. Serotonin helps the body control appetite, food cravings and binge eating.

WHAT IS THE DOSE?

Get yourself a good natural progesterone crème and use as follows:

Menstruating Women:  1/4 tsp twice daily day 12-26 of the menstrual cycle
Non-menstruating Women: 1/4 tsp for 25 days each month.  Take a 5 day break.

HERE'S WHAT WOMEN ARE SAYING ~ you CAN lose that Abdominal Fat, too!

"Okay, Barbara, sounds Great. Where do I find a good crème?  Do I need a Doctor's appointment?"

If you have a doctor who is working with you with your bio-identical hormones, he or she can certainly write you a prescription for progesterone.  (Be sure it is progesterone and NOT a synthetic progestin)  However, you can also purchase natural progesterone
over-the-counter.  Look for a crème containing 1000 mg of progesterone in a 2 ounce jar.  Simply use as directed.
For my personal recommendation, visit www.bhnformulas.com

Questions?  email me at:  drbarbara@askdrbarbara.com
I welcome hearing from you!

P.S. MEN CAN HAVE ESTROGEN DOMINANCE WEIGHT GAIN, TOO
                   We will discuss that at a future date
                   OR call for a copy of my men's information packet  877-539-6200