At Liquid Mobile, we often hear concerns from women who wonder if taking progesterone will lead to weight gain. Some have even stopped taking it out of fear that it could be causing them to put on pounds. But according to Dr. Daved Rosensweet, founder of Brite, and one of the nation’s top hormone care experts, weight is a complex issue and progesterone isn’t the problem.
The Real Issue: Hormone Decline
“The theory is, you don’t gain weight from the hormones,” Dr. Rosensweet says. “You gain weight when you lose hormones.”
Hormones are deeply connected to how your body produces energy and burns calories. When hormone levels drop, your metabolism slows. Instead of efficiently converting food into energy, your body starts storing it as fat.
How Does Progesterone Support Metabolism?
Progesterone plays a direct role in supporting a healthy metabolism. When women ovulate mid-cycle, their body temperature increases slightly. This temperature shift is due to a surge in progesterone, which helps activate thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones regulate how efficiently your body burns energy.
“If you want to be alive, vigorous, passionate, and run marathons, you need good thyroid function,” Dr. Rosensweet explains. “Progesterone facilitates that action.”
When the body produces the right amount of progesterone, metabolism improves and energy production increases.
Why is Balance Important for Progesterone?
Too much or too little progesterone can throw things off. Dr. Rosensweet emphasizes the importance of hitting the “sweet spot” with hormone care. It’s not enough to simply relieve symptoms. Proper testing, like 24-hour urine hormone testing, ensures that hormone levels are optimized for both symptom relief and metabolic support.
What Causes Weight Gain?
It’s also important to recognize that weight gain has many contributors. A lifetime of poor nutrition, exposure to toxins, chronic stress, and aging all play a role. When someone reaches midlife and notices unwanted weight gain, hormones may be part of the story, but they are rarely the whole story.
Optimizing Hormones Is Just One Piece
Hormone optimization is one important part of a broader wellness strategy. You also need to eat well, move regularly, manage stress, and sleep properly. If any one of those factors is off, it can make weight loss more difficult.
The Bottom Line: Progesterone Isn’t the Enemy
The bottom line is this: progesterone, when properly balanced, can actually help support a healthy metabolism. If you’ve been afraid to go back on progesterone because of weight concerns, it may be time to revisit the conversation with a provider who specializes in advanced hormone care.
If you’re ready to take a deeper look at your hormones and how they may be affecting your weight, Liquid Mobile is here to help.
Call 855-954-7843 to learn more or book your hormone replacement therapy consultation today.