Do Low Oestrogen Levels Cause Weight Gain?

There a few reasons why oestrogen levels might drop (more on that later) but to most common time is around menopause. Is there a link between low oestrogen levels and weight gain? If so, why? And most importantly what can you do about it?

Is There a Link Between Oestrogen Levels and Weight Gain?

The short answer is yes. Research shows that the average weight gain during perimenopause is 1.5kg, and the average weight gain during menopause is 10kg. That’s a pretty startling figure. That’s not to say all this weight gain is caused by oestrogen levels (more on that later). But it’s definitely a contributing factor.

There is one type of oestrogen in particular, estradiol, that decreases during menopause. And estradiol’s job is to help regulate your metabolism and body weight. So a decrease in that is therefore often linked with weight gain.

In addition to this oestrogen helps to control your body’s hunger signals. So if these signals are somewhat compromised there is an increased likelihood of excess calorie consumption.
And simply from personal experience working with all different types of clients over the last 17 years, women at the time of menopause struggle to lose weight the most. It’s harder and slower for them than anybody else. That unfortunately is the truth.

What Else Causes Low Oestrogen Levels?

1/ Post Birth

Oestrogen Levels stay low after childbirth and whilst breastfeeding. Not a great time for it from a weight loss perspective, as a lot of women really struggle with body image during this time. But if this is you, it’s important to remember this change is temporary, and there are still lots of thing you can do to help shift the weight (which I will come on to.)

2/ Ovary Removal

If for whatever reason you have to have both ovaries removed you will go through sudden menopause regardless of your age.

3/ Turner Syndrome

This is a genetic condition when a female only has 1 X chromosome. A person with this condition will usually undergo oestrogen therapy.

What Can You Do About It?

If this is you, it’s absolutely fine to feel a little hard done by. It’s harder for you to lose weight than other people. That sucks and it’s important to validate those feelings. However if you want to move forward and get results it’s important to focus on what you can do to help yourself. And as I’m about to explain there is still plenty of hope and lots you can do to lose weight. Don’t fall into the ‘woe is me, nothing will ever change’ trap. Because if you tell yourself that, low oestrogen levels or not, nothing will change.

On a more practical levels depending on your specific situation your doctor may be able to treat the root cause of the issue. Oestrogen therapy is an option for some people.

Your other options are the same as any other person looking to lose weight. My blog is literally loaded with tips to do this. But in a nutshell you need to be following a calorie controlled diet so that when combined with your exercise regime you are creating a calorie deficit. In addition eating predominantly fresh, unprocessed foods, and drinking plenty of water are key.

And actually loss of muscle mass is arguably the biggest reason why people gain weight as they get older. And oestrogen levels are irrelevant to this. I have a separate blog on this topic, but regular resistance training and adequate protein intake are key to help maintain muscle mass. And if you are able to do this you are arguably still in a better position to lose weight than someone who isn’t going through the menopause but has a low muscle mass.

Conclusion – Do Low Oestrogen Levels Cause Weight Gain?

As I said earlier the answer to this question can certainly be yes. At least it’s harder to lose weight/ keep it off. But this certainly doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Oestrogen levels are one of many factors than control your weight. And the good news is all the others are totally in your control. So if you can get those areas sorted you can and will still lose weight. It may be slightly slower than someone who doesn’t have low oestrogen. But don’t let this negatively affect your mentality. Yes its rubbish it’s slower for you, but you can still do it. So make it happen!