Hormonal Weight Regulation

Hormone balance is presented as a network state rather than a single laboratory value. Hunger is a physiological hormone-driven signal that cannot be overridden by willpower indefinitely. Sex hormone effects are described as dependent on insulin, cortisol, pregnenolone, liver clearance, gut health, toxin load, inflammation, micronutrients, and neurotransmitters. The four hormones most central to weight regulation are insulin, cortisol, leptin, and growth hormone. The source places cortisol, insulin, and pregnenolone upstream of sex hormones in its hierarchy model. Growth hormone is triggered primarily by fasting and promotes mobilization of stored fat for energy. In leptin resistance, the brain fails to register satiety while simultaneously refusing to release stored fat. Cortisol raises blood sugar in response to psychological stress even when no physical activity consumes it, requiring insulin to bring it back down. Hormone replacement may provide only temporary or incomplete benefits if upstream metabolic problems are not addressed. Bioidentical hormone therapy is presented as potentially useful for some individuals but not universally appropriate.