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The Daily Insight

Does low estrogen make you gain weight?

Author

Ava Mcdaniel

Updated on February 18, 2026

For women, a specific estrogen hormone called estradiol decreases at menopause helps regulate metabolism and body weight. The lower the levels of estradiol may cause weight gain.

How do you fix low estrogen weight gain?

To balance estrogen levels naturally and prevent the weight gain that happens with an estrogen imbalance, you'll want to do the following:

  1. Commit to a regular exercise routine. ...
  2. Eat your fiber. ...
  3. Eat veggies in the cruciferous family. ...
  4. Reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors.

Which hormone causes weight gain?

Estrogen, the female sex hormone, can cause weight gain whether it's extremely high or extremely low. Some ways to manage your estrogen are to get plenty of fiber in your diet, eat more cruciferous vegetables, exercise more frequently, and add flaxseeds to your diet.

What does estrogen do to your weight?

One form of estrogen called estradiol decreases at menopause. This hormone helps to regulate metabolism and body weight. Lower levels of estradiol may lead to weight gain. Throughout their life, women may notice weight gain around their hips and thighs.

Is estrogen responsible for weight gain?

02/6Estrogen

ESTROGEN: It should be noted that both low and high levels of estrogen can lead to weight gain. Overproduction of estrogen by the ovarian calls or eating food rich in estrogen can cause high estrogen levels. A healthy body produces desired amount of insulin and keeps blood sugar levels in check.

Low Estrogen & Weight Gain - The Hidden Link

How do I know if I have low estrogen?

Telltale indicators of low estrogen include hot flashes and missed periods. But some of these symptoms can also occur as a result of other conditions, including thyroid problems. To determine the cause of low estrogen, a doctor may do a blood test to check hormone levels.

Will taking estrogen reduce belly fat?

Because estrogen affects how your body distributes fat, low estrogen levels can contribute to gaining fat in your belly area. However, estrogen replacement therapy can help your body redistribute this fat to different areas on your body, rather than your abdominal area.

Can estrogen cause belly fat?

Menopause

Studies published by the National Institute of Health have shown that menopause and weight gain are related. A significant change in hormone levels, especially the decreased production of the hormone estrogen, can result in excess abdominal fat.

What hormones help you lose weight?

Researchers say fat hormones, such as leptin and adiponectin, are of interest because they may aid in promoting long-term weight loss.

What hormone causes weight loss in females?

The hormone leptin is produced by fat cells and is secreted into our bloodstream. Leptin reduces a person's appetite by acting on specific centres of their brain to reduce their urge to eat.

How can I stop hormonal weight gain?

Additionally, improving dietary choices, increasing physical activity, getting more sleep, managing stress levels effectively, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol are all ways to decrease and avoid hormonal weight gain.

What happens when you start taking estrogen?

Soon after beginning hormone treatment, you will notice a decrease in the number of erections you have; and when you do have one, you may lose the ability to penetrate, because it won't be as firm or last as long. You will, however, still have erotic sensations and be able to orgasm.

How do you balance estrogen?

Replacing a diet high in red meat and processed and refined foods with a Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, legumes, and fish may help you manage your estrogen levels.

What does low estrogen feel like?

Low estrogen can affect your body in various ways, depending on where you are in terms of your sexual development. Low estrogen: May delay puberty, slow or prevent sexual development. Occurs in perimenopause and menopause, often leading to painful sex, lower sexual desire and hot flashes.

How can I test my estrogen levels at home?

Estrogens can be tested in blood, urine, or saliva. Blood or urine is usually tested in doctor's office or lab. Saliva tests can be done at home.

How can I replace estrogen naturally?

7 Ways You Can Boost Estrogen Naturally

  1. Phytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones. ...
  2. B Vitamins. ...
  3. Vitamin D. ...
  4. Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus) ...
  5. Boron. ...
  6. Black Cohosh. ...
  7. Evening Primrose Oil.

What can I take for estrogen?

Herbal supplements

  • Black cohosh. Black cohosh is a traditional Native American herb that has historically been used to treat a variety of conditions, including menopause and menstrual issues. ...
  • Chasteberry. ...
  • Evening primrose oil. ...
  • Red clover. ...
  • Dong quai.

Will hormone replacement help me lose weight?

Conclusions: Combined hormone replacement therapy not only prevented weight-gain, but favored weight-loss by significantly increasing lipid oxidation after 3 months of treatment. It also favourably influenced the insulin response, plasma lipids and energy expenditure.

How can I increase my leptin levels to lose weight?

Load up on these nine foods to lower your body's triglycerides levels so that can help leptin work more effectively in your body:

  1. Berries. Replace sugary treats with fruit in its natural form. ...
  2. Unsweetened Beverages. ...
  3. Healthy Oils. ...
  4. Vegetables. ...
  5. Legumes. ...
  6. Lean Meat, Poultry, and Fish. ...
  7. Whole Grains. ...
  8. Salad Greens.

What does low estrogen do to the belly?

Estrogen deficiency can also impair the action of insulin, making it harder to regulate blood sugar and leading to increased hormonal belly fat and abdominal weight gain.

Why am I gaining weight in my stomach?

There are many reasons why people gain belly fat, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Improving nutrition, increasing activity, and making other lifestyle changes can all help. Belly fat refers to fat around the abdomen.

What causes sudden belly fat in females?

Common reasons you may be gaining weight in your stomach include: Poor diet: Eating a diet high in sugar, carbs, and saturated fat but low in protein can cause you to pack on pounds around your middle. Junk food slows down your metabolism and affects your overall health.

Does estrogen make you hungry?

Sex hormones play essential roles in the regulation of appetite, eating behaviour and energy metabolism and have been implicated in several major clinical disorders in women. Estrogen inhibits food intake, whereas progesterone and testosterone may stimulate appetite.

Should I take estrogen pills?

If you're younger than age 45, you need enough estrogen to provide protection against the long-term health effects of estrogen deficiency. If you have lasting menopausal symptoms that significantly impair your quality of life, your doctor may recommend longer term treatment.

Does estrogen cause water retention?

High estrogen and low progesterone levels can lead to water retention and bloating. Estrogen often acts as a fluid retaining hormone, while progesterone is a natural diuretic. Therefore, when these hormones are thrown off balance, you may notice bloating.