By Bob Otieno
A woman in labour goes through untold ordeals but when she finally delivers the baby, the feeling is unsurpassed by anything else in the world.
However gratifying pregnancy might be, the post pregnancy period is when a woman has to deal with multiple issues such as weight, mood swings and endless other conditions. Of these, the relationship between hormones and weight loss is of particular interest to her.
It is common knowledge that hormones are the main cause for the changes that take place in the human body; especially post pregnancy fluctuating hormones, which can result in multiple problems.
Active hormones
At such a time, a woman experiences high and low levels of hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, thyroid and androgens. Mainly, it is the overactive thyroid; a condition known as hyperthyroidism, that causes excessive weight loss in women after pregnancy.
It is important to understand that the body has gone through pregnancy and requires five to six months to get back to its normal self. This is a time when a woman would likely experience weight loss or weight gain.
A good diet, moderate physical activity and regular breast-feeding are three important components to ensure hormone related weight loss is normal post-pregnancy.
Hormones are produced by the pituitary gland and the production of thyroid hormones result in the unexplained weight gain or weight loss. Hyperthyroidism needs to be dealt with in a medically approved manner to deal with weight loss during pregnancy. This can be treated by regular medical help.
Breastfeeding influences hormones and weight loss after pregnancy:
Ensuring that hormones do not influence drastic weight gain or weight loss, post-pregnancy is very important for the health of the women who have delivered.
Women need to take breastfeeding seriously to ensure they are not plagued by hormone related weight loss. Breastfeeding not only keeps issues of weight at bay, but also assists women in preventing risks such as the metabolic syndrome, post-partum bleeding, diabetes and other such conditions.
