Take back control and slim down.
As women, we know that our hormones can all too often be the culprit behind a variety of issues. Whether it’s breakouts you can’t believe you’re still having or that bloat that seems to always pop up at the most inconvenient times, they can certainly cause us grief. As you’d imagine, those pesky hormones can also be behind weight gain and the inability to lose weight.
You’ll be astonished to learn that hypothyroidism is now approaching epidemic proportions among perimenopausal women, and most women go undiagnosed. In the full update of my bestseller Before the Change, you’ll uncover updated and expanded discussions of the gluten–thyroid connection, the role of bile, how thyroid function relates to hormonal imbalances, why your doctor can’t tell you what’s wrong, and what you can do to keep your thyroid in tip-top shape.
Discovering the Source
You can often trace the source of hypothyroidism to a nutrient disruption (especially iodine) or to an autoimmune disease. In the case of an autoimmune disorder, it means the body is somehow “attacking” its own thyroid tissue, which is primarily an immune problem, not a thyroid problem. The most common of these autoimmune diseases is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Interestingly, the group of people most likely to develop Graves’ are women in perimenopause. Unlike Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Regardless, the overstimulation inherent in Graves’ disease can exhaust the thyroid and ultimately lead to hypothyroidism.
Thyroid issues typically go undiagnosed, particularly when a doctor relies solely on a standard test of TSH and T4 levels. Why? The line between a normal and an underactive thyroid is very fine indeed. And many physicians are reluctant to order a complete thyroid panel, relying instead on a single TSH blood test to make their diagnosis.
Other Common Culprits Behind Excess Fat
Excess fat on the body can also be driven by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). A helpful remedy to combat it is to lower testosterone by either progesterone supplementation or saw palmetto. Supporting the adrenals with adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola (like Rosavin Plus from Ameriden) can also help.
If you’re perimenopausal and are noticing fat buildup around the hips, thighs, and the upper part of your arms, this may be due to estrogen dominance. At least four hours of exercise each week can lower estrogen dominance, as can dietary fiber. As noted by the late Dr. John M. Ellis, vitamin B6 reduces levels of estrogen dominance due to its ability to elevate levels of progesterone.
Insulin resistance could also be to blame for those pounds. When the body is stressed, insulin levels decrease and cells become less responsive to its actions, raising blood sugar levels and, over time, contributing to insulin resistance. Lower stress levels with meditation, yoga, or any activity or hobby that brings you joy. It can be tough in our fast-paced world, but you must think of your health each time excessive stress creeps up. Exercise is fantastic for reducing insulin resistance as well, so get moving and discover your favorite activities of choice.
The Next Step
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by possibilities, I’m here to guide you. Before the Change offers practical, time-tested solutions to restore your body to a place of hormonal harmony, and give you back your life—and your waistline.
Preorder sales are happening now. With your order you’ll gain access to three FREE bonus gifts. We’re also offering a FREE Peri Protocol Cookbook that includes recipes you and your loved ones—perimenopausal or not—will absolutely adore.
