How Hormones Affect Your Metabolism

Hormones are your body’s messengers, and when it comes to metabolism, they run the show. They affect how you burn calories, store fat, manage hunger, and deal with stress. At Empire Endocrinology, we explore how these hormones impact your health—and how to bring them back into balance.

What Are Hormones and Why Do They Matter
Hormones are chemicals produced by endocrine glands that regulate body processes—including metabolism, or how your body turns food into energy.

Key Hormones That Impact Metabolism:
Insulin – Regulates blood sugar and fat storage
Leptin – Controls feelings of fullness
Ghrelin – Triggers hunger
Cortisol – Manages stress and fat distribution
Thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) – Control your metabolic rate
Estrogen & Testosterone – Influence fat storage and muscle mass

Hormones That Influence Weight
1. Insulin: The Fat Storage Hormone
Produced by the pancreas, insulin helps move sugar from your blood into cells. Too much can lead to insulin resistance, increasing belly fat and diabetes risk.

2. Leptin: The Satiety Signal
Made by fat cells, leptin tells your brain you’re full. In obesity, leptin resistance can confuse your brain—so you feel hungry even when you’re not.

3. Ghrelin: The Hunger Hormone
Your stomach releases ghrelin before meals to make you hungry. In some people, ghrelin stays high even after eating—leading to overeating.

4. Cortisol: The Stress Hormone
High stress = high cortisol. This increases cravings and promotes visceral fat (around your organs), which is harder to lose.

5. Thyroid Hormones: The Metabolic Switch
Too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) slows metabolism, causing fatigue and weight gain. Too much (hyperthyroidism) speeds things up, leading to weight loss.

6. Estrogen & Testosterone
Low estrogen (e.g., after menopause) can lead to belly fat. Low testosterone in men can reduce muscle mass and slow metabolism.

Lifestyle Habits to Balance Hormones (And Accelerate Weight Loss)
Studies have shown a correlation between weight fluctuations and abnormal hormone levels. Weight gain and hormone imbalance can feed off each other. Excess fat tissue can affect normal hormone production. 

Eat Smart
Implement a whole food diet, prioritizing lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Limit processed foods that are often filled with additives and excess sugar that are known to cause inflammation and disrupt healthy hormone production.

Move More
Exercise is known to improve insulin sensitivity and lower cortisol

Start by adding low intensity cardio to your daily routine by taking a walk outside or simply finding a parking spot further from your destination.
Regular steady-state cardio combined with weekly strength training increases muscle and bone density which has been proven to boost metabolism.

Prioritize Sleep
Poor sleep can increases ghrelin, decreases leptin, and raises cortisol.
It is important to regularly aim for 7-9 hours of interrupted sleep to allow your body to rest and recover overnight.

Manage Stress
Chronic stress can impact hormone production, which has the potential to increase appetite, cause uncontrollable sugar cravings, and may train your body to regulate your heightened emotional state with a calorie-filled reward for a temporary mood boost.
Instead you can try to redirect your stress response by adding meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or journaling to your routine.

Final Takeaway
Weight management isn’t just about willpower—it’s deeply influenced by hormones. Understanding and managing these hormones can help you reach your weight and wellness goals.
At Empire Endocrinology, we provide expert guidance to help you decode your hormones and optimize your health.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Please speak with your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.