What is hormone management?
Hormones are known as chemical messengers, and perform a variety of different functions in the body. When there is a hormonal imbalance, this can cause many different medical issues, which can be effectively treated with hormone management. These issues can include acne, diabetes, infertility, thyroid disease, and obesity.
People who are obese, or who suffer from medical problems related to obesity, may have a hormonal imbalance. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, menopause, and Cushing’s syndrome are hormone-related conditions that can lead to concerns about weight. In such cases, the hormones can begin to affect the mechanisms that signal hunger, leading to excess fat storage and weight gain. This can make it difficult to manage one’s weight with diet and exercise alone, and further supports may be necessary in order to effectively manage weight gain.
Managing hormonal imbalances can be a complex and ongoing issue that requires advice from a trained medical professional. At Essence Healthcare, our doctors are committed to providing individualised care, prioritising your health and well-being. If you are concerned about hormone imbalances, book a consultation and we will help you determine if you require a hormone management plan.
Candidates for hormone management
Weight gain is a complex issue that can be a result of multiple factors. These can include lifestyle and environmental factors such as what you eat, food portion sizes, and activity levels. However, there may be other components, such as a person’s natural metabolism, genetics, hormonal imbalances, and diseases. A doctor will be able to assess your medical health in order to determine the source or cause of your weight gain and recommend the best course of action.
People who carry excess weight, or who are obese, often have hormone levels that promote the accumulation of body fat. When a person gains weight, the systems in the body that regulate the appetite tend to adjust and make the person more prone to overeating, which perpetuates the cycle. On the other hand, adopting a healthier and more balanced diet and exercise routine, over the long term, can help retrain the body to get rid of excess fat and restore the body’s hormones to a healthier level. Therefore, men or women who struggle with weight loss, or who suffer from hormone-related conditions, may benefit from a hormone management plan. This should be prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner who understands your health needs.
How hormone management works
If you believe you may be a candidate for hormone management, you will need to discuss your health with a qualified doctor, such as our staff at Essence Healthcare. We will conduct a blood test and assess your medical history to determine whether your weight gain is a result of hormone-related conditions. You can discuss your concerns with us, as well as your weight management history, in order to help us design a hormone management plan that will best serve your health and weight goals.
Your hormone management plan will be designed with your individual needs in mind, including any related medical issues. A variety of different diseases and health conditions can arise from hormone imbalances, and these may require ongoing support and management. They may include:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Diabetes
- Pituitary disorders
- Hypothalamic disorders
- Adrenal disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Menopause
If you think you may suffer from hormone-related weight gain, our doctors at Essence Healthcare will assess your condition, provide a diagnosis, and help you on the path to hormone management.
Hormone management cost in Melbourne
The cost of hormone management will depend on the methods and medications prescribed by your doctor. You may be prescribed oral medication, injection medication, or changes to diet and lifestyle. A combination of these may be required in some cases. Once we have consulted with you about your health and developed a hormone management plan, we can then provide a cost estimate. During your consultation with us, you will be welcome to raise any concerns or ask any questions about your treatment costs.
What you can expect from your hormone management plan
The treatment of hormone imbalances varies widely depending on the disorder you suffer from, the severity, and other health and lifestyle factors. Hormone replacement therapy often involves the prescription of oral or injection medication. These should be taken for a period of time prescribed by your doctor. For some people, managing hormones may also require changes to diet and lifestyle in order to bring the body’s systems into balance. This may include a diet plan or exercise plan.
The hormones that can be controlled in order to aid weight management include:
- Insulin – the hormone that controls the sugar levels in our blood. Insulin sensitivity tends to be higher in people who are overweight or obese, and managing this can help improve weight loss and reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes.
- Cortisol – this is the body’s stress hormone. Although stress does not directly lead to weight gain, it can lead a person to seek out more calorie-dense foods. If you have high levels of cortisol, we may need to consider stress management techniques when developing your treatment plan.
- Thyroid – the thyroid gland regulates the metabolic processes in the body. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism can lead to weight gain, as well as other symptoms such as fatigue and dry skin. Managing this hormone can therefore help improve weight loss and overall health.
- Ghrelin – this is the hunger hormone. In order to keep your ghrelin levels balanced, it is important to eat adequate amounts of protein, which makes you feel fuller and can therefore aid the weight loss process.
- Estrogen – the female body’s estrogen levels do not cause weight gain. However, overweight or obese adults tend to have higher levels of the hormone, which means this may be a consideration when developing some treatment plans.
- Testosterone – similar to estrogen, testosterone does not directly cause issues with weight. However, there tends to be a correlation between weight gain and lower testosterone levels. Testosterone therapy may therefore aid in a person’s weight loss progress.
Your progress will be monitored, and your hormone management plan may be adjusted over time to encourage the best outcomes. If you are determined to be a good candidate for hormone management medications, a low dosage may be prescribed at first, which can then be increased at a later stage if required.
Your results
A hormone management plan can be a great way to bring your hormones into better balance and improve your body’s overall health. By addressing the root cause of weight gain, hormone therapy can help you achieve better and more efficient weight loss results that help you feel healthy and confident.
Hormone management can be a long-term process that may require a number of techniques to achieve results. Therefore, it may involve being in regular contact with your doctor to monitor your progress and determine which methods work best for you. By managing your hormone levels effectively, you can effectively accomplish your goals whilst prioritising your health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are hormones?
Hormones derive from a system of glands, known as the endocrine system. These glands secrete hormones into our bloodstream, performing many different functions in the body.
How can I prevent hormone imbalance?
Hormonal weight gain is often preventable by making healthy lifestyle choices and being mindful about your daily habits. You can prevent hormone imbalances that lead to weight gain by making sure you get enough exercise, eating a nutritionally balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. Speak to our team at Essence Healthcare for personalised guidance on hormone management.
Are there any side effects?
Since hormones manage many different systems in the body, altering your hormones can have some side effects. It is important to discuss the possible side effects of your hormone management plan with your doctor to ensure you understand the risks involved.
What is the benefit of managing hormones?
Hormone management is often a major part of a person’s weight loss journey. Regulating your hormone levels can help you optimise the systems in your body to get better weight loss results. By optimising your weight loss program, patients can also reduce their risk of weight-related health problems that can develop over time, such as high cholesterol, heart problems, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Why choose Essence Healthcare for hormone management
Hormone management can play an important role in helping a person achieve their weight goals. It looks at the underlying causes of weight gain, getting to the root of the issue and providing a basis for effective treatment plans and results. Here at Essence Healthcare, our dedicated team provide effective hormone management plans, based on the individual needs and health of each patient. We use clinically proven methods to aid the weight management process and help men and women achieve the results they desire. By putting your health at the forefront of your treatment plan, you can achieve long-lasting weight loss results.
Inquire at Essence Healthcare today, or book a private consultation to speak to our qualified medical practitioners.