Extra kg from COCs
Extra kg from COCs - why?⠀
Gynecologists expertly claim that the use of oral hormonal contraception does not significantly affect changes in weight. Is this true?⠀ ⠀ At the very beginning of taking combined oral contraceptives (COCs), weight may increase by 2-3 kg. This sometimes happens for a number of reasons. But sometimes the increase is greater ⠀⠀ Why - says our gynecologist. ⠀ ⠀⠀ A slight weight gain is possible when taking both monophasic and biphasic COCs. New generation contraceptives contain a small dose of hormones. The smaller the dose, the fewer side effects.⠀ ⠀⠀ All this can also be said about other hormonal contraceptives, such as patches or implants.⠀ ⠀⠀ Progestogens, which are administered intravenously according to certain schemes, are especially distinguished among all, so they can already cause significant weight gain. But this is a special case and has nothing to do with tablets at all. ⠀ ⠀⠀ If you are gaining weight while taking oral contraceptives, then the reason for this may be: ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ - Incorrect eating habits + increased appetite. It's likely that before you took oral contraceptives, your diet was high in saturated fat, simple sugars, and overly processed foods, and it had no effect on your figure. With the use of COCs, appetite increases, but the habit of eating the same foods remains. In this case, weight gain is inevitable. Start monitoring what you eat and in what quantities. ⠀⠀ -Water retention in the body, that is, swelling. Water retention is promoted by gestagen (usually the second component in the COC). An increased amount of salt in food can have an effect. Regulate the amount of salt in your diet. Edema is often similar to excess weight; edema is usually added to body weight from 1 to 4 kg of water.⠀ ⠀⠀ - Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system. If all previous causes are absolutely excluded, you need to pay attention to the condition of the thyroid gland. It may also be: hair loss, decreased brain activity, drowsiness. While taking COCs, this problem may become stronger and the weight gain will accelerate.⠀ ⠀⠀ -The drug is not suitable for individual hormonal levels. But even with this development of events, the weight should not increase by more than 3-4 kg.⠀ ⠀ And remember, no matter how your neighbor praises the drug you are taking, this does not mean that it will suit you! Specialist consultation required!⠀
———————————⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ We are waiting for you for consultations and procedures at Newmed MC!
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels.
If you are overweight or even “lean fat,” which means visceral fat accumulates around your organs, this means your body’s glucose regulator insulin is out of balance, making it difficult for you to lose weight.
If you also like to eat sweets during the day, your insulin works overtime to try to get rid of sugar in your blood. The remaining excess sugar is stored as fat.
The habit of eating processed foods, alcohol abuse and artificially sweetened drinks can also lead to insulin resistance.
How to normalize insulin resistance?
- Check your blood sugar regularly
- Exercise 4 hours a week
- Avoid alcoholic beverages, late night snacks, processed foods, artificially sweetened foods
- Consume more green leafy vegetables, seasonal vegetables (4-5 servings per day) and seasonal fruits (3 servings per day)
- Include nuts, olive oil, fatty fish, and flaxseeds to improve omega-3 fatty acid levels
- Focus on low-calorie foods (2000 – 2200 calories per day) that are rich in nutrients
- Drink 3-4 liters of water per day
Estrogen
This is a very important hormone for women. Both high and low estrogen levels can lead to excess weight.
Elevated estrogen levels often occur due to excess production of this hormone by ovarian cells, which is associated with eating foods containing estrogen. This is primarily the meat of animals that are fed steroids, hormones and antibiotics that mimic estrogen.
When estrogen levels rise, the cells that produce insulin are stressed. This in turn leads to the body's resistance to insulin. Glucose levels rise, leading to weight gain.
Another case may be that premenopausal women have lower estrogen levels and the ovarian cells produce less of this hormone.
To get enough estrogen, the body begins to look for other cells that produce estrogen, and this source becomes fat cells. The body turns all energy sources into fat to replenish glucose levels. The result is often excess weight, especially in the lower body.
How to maintain estrogen levels?
- Avoid eating prepared meat products (sausages, sausages)
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Get regular physical activity. You can try yoga to relieve stress.
- Include more fiber-rich foods, fresh vegetables and fruits in your menu
Melatonin
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, which helps maintain circadian rhythms, in other words, sleep and wake-up times.
Melatonin levels increase from evening to late night and decrease in the morning. When you sleep in a dark room, melatonin levels rise and body temperature drops. At this time, growth hormone begins to be produced, helping your body repair itself, improving your constitution, helping build lean muscle mass, and increasing bone density.
When your circadian rhythm is disrupted and you don't get enough sleep, stress levels increase, leading to weight gain caused by inflammation.
How to increase melatonin levels?
- Sleep in a dark room
- Try to sleep 7-8 hours a day
- Don't eat late at night
- Turn off all gadgets before going to bed
- Eat more almonds, cherries, cardamom, coriander and sunflower seeds as they contain melatonin
Leptin
Under normal circumstances, the hormone leptin tells you when you are full and should stop eating.
But by overeating sugar-rich foods such as candy, chocolate, fruits, and processed foods, excess fructose is converted into fat, which is stored in the liver, stomach, and other parts of the body.
Now the fat cells begin to produce leptin, and the more sugar you consume, the more leptin is produced. The body becomes less sensitive to leptin, and the brain stops receiving signals that you are full. This often leads to excess weight.
How to lower leptin levels?
- You need proper rest. Research has shown that lack of sleep can lower leptin levels, causing the brain to miss signals that it's time to stop eating. Sleep 7-8 hours a day.
- Eat every 2 hours.
- Avoid sugary processed foods, eat no more than 3 servings of fruit per day, dark leafy vegetables and healthy snacks
- Remember to drink water, as dehydration can also make you feel hungry.
Testosterone
Testosterone helps burn fat, strengthens bones and muscles, and improves libido. Women also produce small amounts of it, but stress and age reduce the level of this hormone.
At the same time, low testosterone levels lead to osteoporosis, loss of muscle mass, obesity and causes depression.
This can increase stress and inflammation levels in the body and lead to fat accumulation.
How to balance testosterone levels?
- Check your testosterone levels
- Include more fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as flaxseeds, prunes, pumpkin seeds, whole grains
- Exercise to boost testosterone levels and speed up your metabolism
- Take Vitamin C, Probiotics, and Magnesium to Prevent Constipation
- Limit alcohol consumption as it harms the liver and kidneys
- Zinc and protein-rich foods also increase testosterone levels
