Unable to lose weight? Take these 6 hormone tests NOW

Are you trying every trick in the book to lose weight but still haven't managed to budge an inch? Well, this may be especially difficult if you are a woman. That's because studies have shown that you will be more vulnerable to low metabolism and hormonal changes throughout various phases of your life.

And, it is these hormones that will play an important role in weight control.

In fact, several endocrinologists and hormonal experts have also reiterated this fact. In the US-based expert endocrinologist, Dr. Scott Isaacs' book, Hormonal Balance, he points out that, in many cases, the basis for dieting falls short because it often does not include hormones as a component of weight issues.

So if you are also struggling with weight control issues, it is best to get a few hormone tests done immediately. We recommend the following 6 as a must.

6 hormone tests you should take now if you're unable to lose any weight

#1 Thyroid

A recent study conducted by the Indian Thyroid Society revealed that one in every 10 Indian suffered from hyperthyroid (caused by abnormal production of hormones). It is hyperthyroidism that is responsible for imbalance in hormones and weight gain, especially among women.

If you notice fatigue, weight gain, dry skin or even acne, and constipation; then it is time to get tested. Remember that the thyroid hormone affects the metabolic rate, which in turn leads to weight gain.

#2 Insulin

The Insulin hormone also plays a very important role in weight control. It basically produces beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for the regulation of fat and carbohydrates in our body. So naturally, if you have high levels of insulin (also called insulin resistance), you are likely to experience some major weight gain.

By getting this test, you ensure better knowledge of sugar levels in your body and can learn to bring them under control gradually.

Continue reading to know more about the other important hormonal tests you should take immediately.

#3 Cortisol

Another test that you must consider is the cortisol test. It is basically a hormone that is released when we are stressed or extremely sleep deprived. An elevated level of this particular hormone can lead to major weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. So you may have noticed men who have pot bellies and are often too stressed or sleep deprived, it is the cortisol that creates this problem.

Imbalance in this hormone, therefore, triggers food cravings and you end up munching food that you would otherwise avoid.

#4 Oestrogen

The female sex hormone is also responsible for that unwanted weight gain. How, you may ask! Well, during the menstrual cycle the oesterogen levels in our body drop. This leads to unwanted fat accumulation and weight gain. Plus, the fat cells in our body are also known to contain oestrogen and convert calories into fat, leading to that weight gain.

Dr. Isaacs explains that "what estrogen can do is improve vitality and insulin resistance, two key factors in battling the bulge." He also states that studies confirm that women who take estrogen have more muscle and less fat than those who do not.

#5 Progesterone

When you hit menopause, there is likely change that level of progesterone in your body will decrease. This leads to water retention and bloating and then makes your body feel fuller and heavy.  In his book The Cortisol Connection, Dr. Shawn Talbott says, "because one of the primary roles of cortisol is to encourage the body to refuel itself after responding to a stressor, an elevated cortisol level keeps your appetite ramped up—so that you feel hungry almost all the time."

#6 Testosterone

Increased testosterone in a woman's body is a result of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). They decrease muscle mass and this in turn leads to weight gain, growth in manly features like facial hair, menstrual disorders, skin problems like acne and in some cases even infertility.

According to Dr. Malcolm Carruthers in his book Testosterone Revolution, "weight gain which doesn't respond to diet is one of the most common and demoralizing effects of this condition."

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(Image courtesy: healthcarerenaissance)