Can't Lose Weight? Could It Be Your Hormones?

Dr. Erin Hendriks • October 14, 2023

How Hormones Impede Weight Loss

Losing weight can be challenging; for many women, it can feel like an uphill battle. Despite rigorous diets and exercise routines, some women may find it incredibly difficult to shed those extra pounds. While various factors are at play regarding weight loss, one often overlooked aspect is the influence of hormones, especially in females.

Understanding Female Hormones

Estrogen and Weight: Estrogen is responsible for maintaining the menstrual cycle and plays a role in fat distribution. Estrogen levels can affect fat storage and metabolism. Women may notice weight gain during menopause when estrogen levels decline. This hormonal shift can lead to fat redistribution, often accumulating around the abdomen.

Progesterone and Menstrual Cycle: Progesterone is another essential female hormone that helps prepare the body for pregnancy. Progesterone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. Some women experience water retention and increased appetite during the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle), making weight loss more challenging.

Insulin Resistance: Although not exclusive to females, insulin plays an essential role in regulating blood sugar, and insulin resistance can lead to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Insulin resistance is a condition where cells don't respond appropriately to insulin, and can raise blood sugar levels and increase fat storage. This condition is more common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting their ability to lose weight.

Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism, an under-active thyroid, is more prevalent in women and can slow down metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, can lead to unintended weight loss.

Cortisol and Stress: Cortisol is a hormone produced during times of stress. Cortisol can increase appetite, especially for sugary and fatty foods, and chronically elevated levels can result in weight gain, especially around the abdomen.

What Can You Do?

While hormonal factors can impede weight loss for some women, it's essential to remember that this is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some steps you can take to address hormonal imbalances and support your weight loss journey:

Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you suspect hormonal imbalances are affecting your weight, consult a healthcare provider who fully understands how to test your hormone levels and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes. At Elle MD, we offer comprehensive hormone testing if we suspect hormonal imbalance may be impeding weight loss.

Balanced Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and lean protein. This can stabilize blood sugar levels and support hormone balance.

Regular Exercise: Incorporate regular movement into your routine. Exercise can help regulate hormones, improve metabolism, and aid in weight loss.

Stress Management: Engage in regular stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, journaling, or deep breathing to keep cortisol levels in check.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalances, such as menopausal symptoms.

While hormones can play a significant role in weight loss for women, it's essential to remember that they are not the sole determinants of your ability to shed pounds. A holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and, when necessary, medical intervention can help you overcome hormonal obstacles on your weight loss journey.

References:

Kapoor E, Collazo-Clavell ML, Faubion SS. Weight Gain in Women at Midlife: A Concise Review of the Pathophysiology and Strategies for Management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017 Oct;92(10):1552-1558. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.08.004. PMID: 28982486.
Hirschberg AL. Sex hormones, appetite and eating behavior in women. Maturitas. 2012 Mar;71(3):248-56. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.12.016. Epub 2012 Jan 26. PMID: 22281161.

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Meet the Drs.

Dr. Hendriks and Dr. Castillo MacKenzie are board-certified physicians, female, specialized, with over 10 years of experience.

Elle MD started after practicing in a traditional primary care setting together for over a decade. We grew frustrated with the current healthcare model, which places no emphasis on addressing the root cause of chronic disease. A lot of times, conventional care doesn’t even promote overall wellness!

We founded Elle MD in Royal Oak, MI, with a vision of providing this care in a compassionate and personalized way.

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Why The Fasting Mimicking Diet Is Worth Considering in the New Year

By Dr. Erin Hendriks • December 13, 2025

The fasting mimicking diet has gained momentum for its potential to improve metabolic health, support healthy aging, and even influence cellular regeneration. While human studies are still relatively small and short-term, the data so far is compelling. Here’s what the research says—and what it doesn’t—about this periodic 5-day, low-calorie, plant-forward diet. Metabolic & Cardiovascular Benefits One of the most well-studied areas of the fasting mimicking diet (FMD) is metabolic health. In a randomized trial of 100 healthy adults, three monthly cycles of a 5-day FMD led to: Decreased body weight Lower trunk and total body fat Reduced blood pressure Reduced IGF-1 (a hormone associated with aging and cancer risk) Participants at higher baseline risk saw even stronger improvements. A follow-up analysis of 71 participants found additional benefits: Lower BMI Reduced fasting glucose Decreased triglycerides Lower total and LDL cholesterol Reduced C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation) Higher blood levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) have been linked to increased cardiometabolic disease risk. A study in healthy volunteers found that the fasting mimicking diet cut TMAO levels by about 50%, reduced IGF-1, and improved insulin sensitivity. Bottom line: Even in generally healthy adults, periodic FMD cycles appear to improve several markers of metabolic and cardiovascular health. Effects in Type 2 Diabetes Some of the most promising findings come from people with type 2 diabetes. A recent 12-month randomized controlled trial in primary care found that monthly 5-day FMD cycles: Reduced the need for glucose-lowering medications Improved HbA1c Enhanced glycemic control in over half of the participants—compared to only 8% in the control group This is early but encouraging: the fasting mimicking diet may support better glycemic control while reducing medication burden—when used under medical supervision. Autophagy & Cellular Health Another exciting area of FMD research involves cellular cleanup and repair. A pilot randomized trial found that FMD increased autophagic flux—your body’s ability to recycle damaged cellular components. Participants also showed: Lower fasting glucose Higher ketone levels Reduced HOMA-IR (a calculated score used to estimate insulin resistance) Both low- and high-protein versions of FMD triggered autophagy at a molecular level, though the low-protein version led to higher ketone production. This suggests FMD may help activate longevity-linked pathways involved in cellular renewal. Longevity & Cognitive Effects Long-term animal studies point toward broader systemic benefits. In mice, repeated FMD cycles: Extended lifespan Reduced cancer incidence Promoted hippocampal neurogenesis (hello, brain health) Improved cognitive performance Enhanced stem cell regeneration across multiple organ systems A 2024 study in aging mice showed that FMD also improved gut health, boosted beneficial species like Lactobacillus johnsonii, reduced anxiety behaviors, and supported cognitive function. While animal data doesn’t automatically translate to humans, it provides a strong scientific rationale for ongoing human trials. Body Composition & Metabolic Preservation Compared to traditional calorie restriction, FMD has some advantages: Better preservation of lean mass Less reduction in basal metabolic rate Similar weight loss results without slowing metabolism A high-protein version of FMD has also been explored, showing selective reductions in visceral fat, improvements in heart rate variability, and increased microbiome diversity. Takeaway The fasting mimicking diet is one of the most intriguing and well-researched nutrition interventions in the longevity space. Early data support benefits in metabolic health, cardiovascular markers, type 2 diabetes, cellular repair, and even cognitive performance. But like all emerging therapies, it requires more rigorous long-term study. If you’re considering FMD, especially if you have chronic medical conditions or take prescription medications, it’s essential to do so under the guidance of a clinician trained in metabolic and nutritional interventions. If you’re considering trying the fasting mimicking diet yourself, you can order the ProLon FMD kit here: ORDER: The Fasting-Mimicking Diet References: Wei M, Brandhorst S, Shelehchi M, Mirzaei H, Cheng CW, Budniak J, Groshen S, Mack WJ, Guen E, Di Biase S, Cohen P, Morgan TE, Dorff T, Hong K, Michalsen A, Laviano A, Longo VD. Fasting-mimicking diet and markers/risk factors for aging, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Sci Transl Med. 2017 Feb 15;9(377):eaai8700. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aai8700. PMID: 28202779; PMCID: PMC6816332. Videja M, Sevostjanovs E, Upmale-Engela S, Liepinsh E, Konrade I, Dambrova M. Fasting-Mimicking Diet Reduces Trimethylamine N-Oxide Levels and Improves Serum Biochemical Parameters in Healthy Volunteers. Nutrients. 2022 Mar 5;14(5):1093. doi: 10.3390/nu14051093. PMID: 35268068; PMCID: PMC8912301. Van den Burg EL, Schoonakker MP, van Peet PG, van den Akker-van Marle EM, Lamb HJ, Longo VD, Numans ME, Pijl H. Integration of a fasting-mimicking diet programme in primary care for type 2 diabetes reduces the need for medication and improves glycaemic control: a 12-month randomised controlled trial. Diabetologia. 2024 Jul;67(7):1245-1259. doi: 10.1007/s00125-024-06137-0. Epub 2024 Mar 28. PMID: 38546821; PMCID: PMC11153305. Espinoza SE, Park S, Connolly G, Qi W, Zhang N, Semwal M, Li Y, Lauzon M, Salmon AB, Hsu W, Wei M, Musi N. Effect of fasting-mimicking diet on markers of autophagy and metabolic health in human subjects. Geroscience. 2025 Dec 11. doi: 10.1007/s11357-025-02035-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41372565. Burns L, Cooper S, Sarmad S, Funke G, Di Mauro A, Gaitanos GC, Tsintzas K. Effects of fasting-mimicking diets with low and high protein content on cardiometabolic health and autophagy: A randomized, parallel group study. Clin Nutr. 2025 Sep;52:299-312. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2025.08.004. Epub 2025 Aug 6. PMID: 40816210. Brandhorst S, Choi IY, Wei M, Cheng CW, Sedrakyan S, Navarrete G, Dubeau L, Yap LP, Park R, Vinciguerra M, Di Biase S, Mirzaei H, Mirisola MG, Childress P, Ji L, Groshen S, Penna F, Odetti P, Perin L, Conti PS, Ikeno Y, Kennedy BK, Cohen P, Morgan TE, Dorff TB, Longo VD. A Periodic Diet that Mimics Fasting Promotes Multi-System Regeneration, Enhanced Cognitive Performance, and Healthspan. Cell Metab. 2015 Jul 7;22(1):86-99. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.05.012. Epub 2015 Jun 18. PMID: 26094889; PMCID: PMC4509734. Wang Q, Xu J, Luo M, Jiang Y, Gu Y, Wang Q, He J, Sun Y, Lin Y, Feng L, Chen S, Hou T. Fasting mimicking diet extends lifespan and improves intestinal and cognitive health. Food Funct. 2024 Apr 22;15(8):4503-4514. doi: 10.1039/d4fo00483c. PMID: 38567489. Sadeghian M, Hosseini SA, Zare Javid A, Ahmadi Angali K, Mashkournia A. Effect of Fasting-Mimicking Diet or Continuous Energy Restriction on Weight Loss, Body Composition, and Appetite-Regulating Hormones Among Metabolically Healthy Women with Obesity: a Randomized Controlled, Parallel Trial. Obes Surg. 2021 May;31(5):2030-2039. doi: 10.1007/s11695-020-05202-y. Epub 2021 Jan 9. PMID: 33420673. Burns L, Cooper S, Sarmad S, Funke G, Di Mauro A, Gaitanos GC, Tsintzas K. Effects of fasting-mimicking diets with low and high protein content on cardiometabolic health and autophagy: A randomized, parallel group study. Clin Nutr. 2025 Sep;52:299-312. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2025.08.004. Epub 2025 Aug 6. PMID: 40816210.