Hormone Cream & Weight Loss

There are many hormone creams on the market that promise weight loss. The most common hormonal cream available for weight loss as of 2010 is progesterone cream. Perhaps the primary reason this is so popular is that it can be bought over the counter at most drug stores. However, this cream only works on women who have gained weight suddenly due to perimenopause and menopause. If you see weight gain despite a good diet and regular exercise, chances are you are approaching or already undergoing menopause.

How the Cream Works

Over-the-counter progesterone creams help menopausal women balance out their hormonal levels, Dr. Frederick R. Jelovsek writes for the Women's Health Resource website 1. Progesterone is one of the major female hormones, and menopause will often throw off a woman's levels of progesterone due to the many hormonal changes in the body during this time. Since progesterone helps regulate many bodily processes, unbalanced levels of this hormone can often lead to sudden weight gains in women. Therefore, re-balancing hormonal levels through the use of progesterone hormone creams has been found to help women lose weight. The basic function of progesterone is not only to balance hormonal levels, but also to counteract excess production of estrogen in the body during menopause.

How to Select the Correct Hormone Cream

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While there are many different forms of over-the-counter progesterone creams women can use for weight loss, some supplements, such as health foods and natural herbal supplements, also use progesterone 12. The creams generally use progesterone that is naturally manufactured from sources, such as soy and yams. Select a progesterone cream that provides complete information about its ingredients; it should also note how much progesterone it contains. Consult your doctor before using any such cream or taking supplements of any kind.

How to Apply the Cream for Weight Loss

Ideally, you will find instructions on how to lose weight through the cream on the packaging or in an enclosed instruction manual. Follow the instructions precisely, making any adjustments necessary for your age and weight. For losing weight, apply the cream on your chest, shoulders, arms, even the entire upper body. Remember that if you apply the cream anywhere near your liver, it will get absorbed by the liver faster and filtered out of the body without having much, if any, effect.

What Experts Say

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According to Catherine Rollins, the founder and CEO of the Natural Progesterone Advisory Network website, progesterone will "regulate sodium imbalance inside a woman's body, correct fluid retention and help you eliminate excess fluid from the body." She adds that some women stop using their cream once they gain a bit of weight because they mistakenly think that the progesterone is the cause, when it definitely is not 2.

Temporary

Keep in mind that menopause is a temporary phase and that you will likely return to your regular weight eventually. While hormonal creams can help you lose weight, side effects may vary; speak with your doctor before using any hormone cream.