We’ve all heard that starting a new birth control or hormone therapy is an inevitable cause of weight gain, even if it is a small number.

It’s unfortunately true that this is a common concern for most people who start taking hormones. It can be confusing to see a number on a scale change, especially if it doesn’t seem like a significant change at first.

Any treatment involving estrogen and progesterone, like birth control and hormone replacement therapy, seem like they should be to blame. But the truth is, the answer is way more complicated.

While progesterone getting most of the blame seems true, that is the oppor-tive of what occurs. When weight gain occurs, it is normally due to something else and the amount of change people see is really due to a number of reasons, not just one single hormone.

What Progesterone Actually Does in Your Body

• One of the most popular hormones outside of estrogen is progeserone. After ovulation, progesterone is needed to modify the uterus for several possible conditions like the fertilization of an egg.
• If an egg is fertilized, progesterone maintains an even more robust lining for the continued development of the embryo.
• Typically, the ovaries are responsible for the production of progesterone, though the placne ock  can assume this role during during a woman’s period of gestation.
• In addition to being naturally occurring, progestins – a synthetic version – are commonly seen in hormone replacement or therapy.
• Because of all this, it is reasonable to conclude that if the body is functioning properly, progesterone must be functioning in a positive way.

Does Progesterone Really Lead to Weight Gain?

• This is what many are curious about. However, there is no cause for concern based on existing data.
• Studies demonstrate that weight gain associated with the use of progesterone is usually very small. In fact, the majority of women who have progestin-based treatment either gain very little weight or gain no weight at all in the long run.
• There is even some data that show no significant weight differences between women with this treatments and women without this treatments.
• Therefore, if you have noticed some weight gain, it is very unlikely that progesterone is the sole cause. It is more of a small factor in a much, much larger scenario.

Why You Might Feel Like You’re Gaining Weight

• Even though progesterone is “not” a weight gain factor, it can alter your body in a way that is misleading.
• The most common cause for this dilemma is water retention. You might experience some bloating or swelling, and this is especially common in the stomach. You might inadvertently gain some weight because of your clothes feeling a little more snug.
• The way we digest food is yet another factor. Your digestion can slow down, which can make fatter uncomfortable for you after a meal.
• Appetite is not an easy thing to manage at all. Some people notice they feel hungrier or experience stronger cravings when they are experiencing a greater concentration of progesterone in their body.
• This is also something a lot of people have felt during a certain time in their cycle. If you find yourself eating more than you would normally expect yourself to, that will definitely add to weight increase over time.

Hormonal Changes

• It is important to note that progesterone acts in tandem with other hormones. Your body is shifting and balancing several other hormones, and the change of one will impact the others and their concentration.
• Take, for example, the transition into menopause. During this time, there is a decrease in the concentration of both estrogen and progesterone.
• Many people report an increase in the weight of their midsection, or a general increase in body fat percentage accompanied by a decrease in their muscle composition.
• Once again, this is not only due to the concentration of progesterone, but also because of the general hormonal impact of the time under consideration.
• In some cases, the use of hormone therapy can help in stabilizing these changes in the some cases, and not rendering them worse.

Other Common Causes of Weight Gain

• In some cases, other factors leading to weight gain can be completely unrelated to an increase in progesterone.
• There are some medical conditions that can lead to conception more than normal. For example, PCOS can lead to a poor handling of insulin by the body, and ultimately lead to an increase in body weight. Problems with your thyroid can also lead to a poor management of your current weight due to a decelerated metabolism.
• In some cases, certain medication can also lead to conception. For example, there have been cases where an individual was on antidepressants, steroids, or blood pressure medication and noted an increase in body weight.
• Stress plays a very important role. If you are constantly stressed, your body starts producing more cortisol. This hormone can stimulate appetite and cause increased fat storage about the mid-section.

Lifestyle Habits Still Matter

• Your daily choices make a huge difference. Things like, how much you exercise, your diet, the quality of your sleep, and stress management are all contributing factors.
• The less sleep you are getting, the more processed foods you’re eating, and the less active you are tends to cause your body to gain unwanted weight. Hormonal involvement makes your body more susceptible to these variables.
• You don’t have to be perfect to achieve your goals. It just takes a few small changes to your daily routines to create a big impact.

Your weight Management Plan

There are many approaches to achieve your weight goals and concerns.

• You can start by staying active. This doesn’t have to be some crazy workout. Everyday stuff like, walking, dancing, and any light exercise are good places to start.
• Your meals should have a food pyramid at the center of them. Focus on quality meals that are as whole as possible and include the appropriate balance of fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins. This doesn’t have to be some tough regimen, just aim to be a little more consistent and balanced.
• Your sleep habits should be just as consistent. Hgetting quality sleep balances your hunger hormones in a way that makes cravings easier to manage.
• Stress, however, is its own beast. Practice self-care when dealing with and managing stress. Spending time with family is a wonderful way to alleviate stress. It can help more than you may realize.
• Rapid, unusual changes in weight should always be reviewed with your provider. They can pinpoint the issue and provide resources to get back on the right track.

The Bottom Line

People often assume that weight gain is due to increased progesterone. This is rarely the cause of weight gain. The changes that most individuals experience are a result of small fluctuations, and are associated with water retention, increased appetite, and changes in the balance of hormones.

It is normal for your body to respond in a unique way, and even to be unexplainable. The most important part is the awareness of changes, and the absence or presence of discomfort.

Weight change is often an undesired outcome of a number of life changes. Consider the weight change relative to the big picture. It’s most often due to multiple factors. Seeking the evaluation of an expert can provide significant reassurance.