Hormones and Cellulite
Hormones are responsible for the development of cellulite. In women cellulite first develops during periods of hormonal changes or imbalances such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, premenstrual syndrome and the initial months on birth control pills. Cellulite can appear in women anytime after they begin menstruation showing that female hormones must be involved. Why are hormones responsible for cellulite? Hormones regulate the changes in blood flow, lymphatic drainage, fat and connective tissue, all of which play a role in the formation of cellulite. Vitamins cannot play the role of hormones or growth factors. At the present time only vitamins are used in cosmetics, but by using growth factors or hormones in skin care, improvements can be made for the treatment of cellulite and stretch marks. Why female hormones are responsible for cellulite Female hormones influence how fat is deposited and responsible for the anatomical differences in the skin's structure. Estrogen (oestrogen) is the main factor involved in the initial dysfunction, aggravation and persistence of cellulite. A malfunction in the production of hormones during the menstrual cycle can initiate cellulite. Hormonal changes can lead to an imbalance and a condition called estrogen dominance. Estrogen is the primary cause of cellulite as estrogen weakens the connective tissues and underlying tissues in the skin. This means that fall cells are not contained within fat chambers and fat cells move up into the dermis causes lumps and bumps. Female hormones cause retention of liquids and accumulation of fat in certain regions of the body, commonly the thighs and buttocks. This is because estrogen increases capillary permeability causing fluid leakage and consequentially water retention or 'damage' in cellulite areas. When blood vessels are damaged microcirculation in the skin is damaged contributing to the formation of cellulite. Fat cells are highly stimulated by the female hormone estrogen, specifically 17-beta-estradiol to store fat and not use it as energy. This leads to increase in fat and subsequently cellulite in these common areas of the body. Estrogen interacts and influences other hormones including insulin, the catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), cortisol and thyroid hormones. During puberty estrogen causes fat cells to increase in size (but not in number). Estrogen is a protective hormone that carries waste products (toxins) away from our reproductive organs to other parts of the body. Toxins are stored in fat cells. Some estrogen is made in fat cells. Therefore the more fat cells you have the larger amount of estrogen you are producing. Estrogen is made in fat cells by metabolising other hormones originating in the adrenal glands e.g. Cortisol. Over the counter supplements that reduce excess estrogen. Estrogen Levels after the Menopause and how it can effect Cellulite Levels of estrogen fall dramatically at menopause and this has many consequences. The advantages of using estrogen to thicken skin and recondition it in the menopausal phase are well known. At this time only photoestrogens can be used in cosmeceuticals. However, as photoestrogens stimulate estrogen receptors they should not be used in patients with breast cancer. Although at menopause the ovaries dramatically decrease their production of estrogen, fat tissue becomes the predominant source of estrogens. Can stress cause cellulite? Stress of any kind activates cortisol release. Cortisol promotes fat storage just beneath the skin's surface, in the subcutaneous layer. Excess cortisol could be the reason for fat deposition in problem areas where diet and exercise can't help. Cortisol is controlled by the pituitary gland peptide hormone, ACTH (AdrenoCorticoTropicHormone). ACTH is in turn controlled by the hypothalamic peptide, CRF (Corticotropin Releasing Factor) under nervous control. ACTH alone controls cortisol by controlling movement of calcium into the cortisol secreting cell. Excess cortisol in the body has many consequences, it inhibits collagen production plus all protein synthesis, causes muscle wasteness and increases estrogen production. Cortisol lowers progesterone levels by inhibiting progesterone production by the ovaries. Cortisol levels can also contribute to diarrhoea. When stressed the body will produce high levels of cortisol that inhibits progesterone production by the ovaries. This reduction in progesterone production can cause estrogen dominance. Hypercortisolism = excessive levels of cortisol in the blood leading to Cushing's Syndrome Cushing's Syndrome: caused by the excess production of cortisol by the adrenal glands (opposite disorder is Addison's disease). Stretch marks are a symptom of Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome can be treated with: Aminoglutethimide (brand name Cytadren). An adrenal steroid inhibitor. It works by blocking the production of a variety of hormones including glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, estrogens and androgens (including testosterone). If is often used by body builders to lower cortisol levels plus estrogen levels. It inhibits the enzyme desmolase needed for the synthesis of cortisol. Cortisol is required by the body to regulate blood pressure and the immune system. It keeps blood sugar levels normal and is essential for a normal response to stress. Estrogen Dominance When hormones are out of balance, a consequence of an excess amount of estrogen in the body can occur. People who experience bigger fluctuations in hormones during their menstrual cycle are more likely to develop cellulite and estrogen dominance. Estrogen stimulates fat storage and increases capillary permeability which reduces microcirculation and causes water retention. Estrogen dominance is common in early perimenopuase. Estrogen dominance can be treated with Progesterone supplementation by controlling unopposed estrogen. The best way to supplement progesterone is by a natural progesterone topical cream. It prevents the symptoms of PMS that are caused by excess estrogen: bloating, irritability, anxiety, breast tenderness and migraine. Supplementation with progesterone also tones down heavy periods and eases painful periods. Thyroid Hormones Thyroid hormones are responsible for controlling our metabolism. The production of thyroid hormones can be influenced by many factors including other hormones. Anything that causes adrenal stress such as caffeine will upset thyroid levels. Excess cortisol in the body blocks the conversion of thyroid hormones and decrease levels. Excess estrogen combined with low progesterone can decrease thyroid hormone levels. Poor nutrition will not provide the nutrients needed to synthesis thyroid hormones, selenium, folic acid and iodine are especially important.
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