Hormonal Changes and Rapid Weight Loss

Hormonal Changes and Rapid Weight Loss

Since 2.1 billion people or approximately 29% of the world’s population is overweight or obese, it goes without saying there is high demand for weight loss solutions. At Iowa Weight Loss Specialists, we believe bariatric surgery is by far the most effective treatment for reducing the excess weight.

Because approximately 80% of our bariatric surgery patients are women, this article will focus on hormonal changes to be expected in Women while losing weight rapidly. This topic is important and one that should not be taken lightly.

Did you know that fat cells store estrogen? The excess estrogen associated with obesity is likely responsible for female infertility and irregular menstrual cycles common in this patient population.

The goal of weight loss surgery is to restrict the size of the stomach and reduce daily caloric intake. If the body does not get enough calories from food to support basic daily function (metabolism), it will burn fat which is then converted into fuel that the body needs.

The end goal of weight loss surgery or any diet/exercise plan is to burn fat. Burning fat will reduce estrogen levels in the body which is exactly what happens at the time of menopause in Women.

Common symptoms of reduced estrogen levels include: dry skin, daytime fatigue, night sweats, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, trouble concentrating, memory loss, irritability, dry mucous membranes including eyes/mouth/vagina, worsening depression, and mood swings.

At the one week post-op appointment, we often ask about the above mentioned symptoms with focus on mental health. All of these symptoms are perfectly normal and temporary. As the weight loss slows down after a few weeks/months, the body adjusts to the reduced estrogen levels and symptoms disappear.

The health benefits of weight loss and improved quality of life following bariatric surgery far outweigh the unwanted symptoms that might be present for a few weeks. Look at it as a temporary inconvenience while on the path toward healthy living and the new you.