If you’ve been struggling with hormonal weight gain, it’s more common than you think. Many people notice weight changes they can’t explain, especially during times like perimenopause, menopause, after pregnancy, or with conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues. It’s frustrating when diet and exercise aren’t enough. But there is good news: acupuncture may help support your hormones and help your body regulate weight in a more natural way.
Curious if acupuncture could help with hormonal weight gain? Book a free consultation, reach out with your questions, or check out our reviews to see how we have supported others.
Hormonal Weight Gain: What’s Really Going On?
Hormones play a big part in how your body stores fat, uses energy, and feels hunger or fullness. When these hormones get out of sync, you may notice weight gain, even if your habits haven’t changed. This is what we call hormonal weight gain. It can show up as weight around the belly, hips, or thighs. You might also notice bloating, tiredness, mood changes, or poor sleep. These signs all point to hormone shifts, not just changes in food or activity.
Some common hormone-related causes of weight gain include:
Menopause and perimenopause: Estrogen drops, leading to fat changes
Thyroid issues (like hypothyroidism): Slows metabolism
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Impacts insulin and testosterone
Postpartum changes: Hormones adjust after birth
Stress: Raises cortisol, which affects fat storage
You don’t have to check every box to be dealing with hormonal weight gain. Often, it’s a mix of things happening over time. This is why a whole-body approach, like acupuncture, can help.
Read our blog “Natural Relief for Hormonal Disorders in Women” to learn more about how acupuncture can help.
The Role of Acupuncture in Hormonal Regulation
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that uses very thin needles placed at specific points on the body. These points help improve blood flow, calm the nervous system, and signal the brain to release helpful hormones.
Here’s how acupuncture may support hormonal health:
Improves circulation to hormone-producing organs (like ovaries, thyroid, and adrenal glands)
Reduces stress by calming the nervous system, lowering cortisol
Supports sleep and mood, both linked to weight and hormone balance
Regulates appetite by affecting hunger and fullness signals in the brain
By working with your body, not against it, acupuncture helps support natural hormone patterns. This can make it easier for your body to shift how it stores and burns fat.
Wondering how acupuncture supports hormones through all life stages? Read our blog “Acupuncture and Hormone Balance at Every Life Stage” to learn more.
What the Research Says About Acupuncture and Weight
You may be wondering: what does science say about acupuncture and hormonal weight gain?
Here’s a look at some research:
- A 2018 systematic review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that acupuncture helped reduce body weight, BMI, and body fat in people with obesity. The authors noted that acupuncture may work in part by influencing hormone-related pathways in the brain.
In women with PCOS, this study found that acupuncture reduced body mass index (BMI), improved hormone levels, and enhanced menstrual cycles.
Another study found that acupuncture lowered insulin and leptin levels, hormones involved in appetite and fat storage, and helped participants lose weight and reduce BMI compared with sham treatment.
While more research is still needed, these studies show that acupuncture is a promising tool. It’s not a quick fix or a weight loss “treatment,” but it may help the body reset more naturally, especially when hormones are involved.
Why Hormonal Weight Gain Is Often a Symptom, Not the Root Problem
Many people try to treat weight gain with strict diets or intense workouts. But when hormones are involved, that approach often doesn’t work, and can even make things worse. Hormonal weight gain is usually a sign that something deeper is happening in the body. It may be linked to chronic stress, poor sleep, irregular periods, mood changes, or ongoing fatigue. Treating just the weight doesn’t get to the root of the issue.
At our clinic, we take the time to understand what’s really going on. That’s where acupuncture comes in. It helps the body return to a healthier rhythm, rather than only focusing on the number on the scale.
Want to get the most out of your acupuncture sessions? Read our blog “Post-Acupuncture Dos and Don’ts” to learn how simple steps can support your healing.
How We Support Hormonal Weight Gain in Our Clinic
At Monica Patt Acupuncture, we work with people who are tired of feeling stuck. They’ve tried many things but still deal with weight changes, mood swings, and hormone-related symptoms.
Here’s what our approach looks like:
1. Full health intake
We look at your whole story, not just the weight. We ask about your period history, sleep, stress, digestion, and energy levels. This helps us see what’s really going on.
2. Acupuncture sessions
We use gentle, personalized acupuncture treatments to support circulation, improve hormone signals, reduce stress, and help you sleep better. Many clients feel relaxed and grounded after sessions.
3. Lifestyle and food support
We may offer guidance on supporting your hormones through small shifts in daily habits. These changes often feel doable rather than overwhelming.
4. Tracking progress over time
This is a journey, not a one-time fix. We check in often, listen to your feedback, and adjust care as needed.
This whole-body approach helps us treat the root cause, not just the symptoms. Instead of chasing short-term fixes, we focus on long-term support for your hormones, metabolism, and overall well-being. Over time, this often leads to more lasting shifts in weight, energy, and how you feel in your body.
Who Might Benefit from Hormone-Supportive Acupuncture?
If you’re dealing with hormonal weight gain, you may be a good fit for acupuncture if:
You’ve gained weight without major changes to diet or activity
Your weight gain started around perimenopause, postpartum, or a stressful life event
You have PCOS, thyroid conditions, or irregular periods
You feel tired, bloated, or emotionally off, along with weight changes
Diets and workouts haven’t worked, and you’re looking for a different way
If any of that sounds like you, acupuncture may help your body regulate itself in a gentle and natural way. Many of our clients tell us they feel more at ease in their body, have fewer cravings, and sleep better, even before the weight begins to shift.
Feeling worn down by stress? Read our blog “Acupuncture for Hormone Balance: A Natural Approach to Stress Relief” to see how acupuncture can help.
Hormonal Weight Gain Doesn’t Have to Be a Life Sentence
Hormonal weight gain can feel confusing and unfair. But it’s not about lack of willpower. It’s your body’s way of asking for support. Acupuncture gives your body that support, from the inside out. It helps restore rhythm, improve hormone function, and reduce the stress that can throw everything off.
Let’s talk about what might be behind your hormonal weight gain and explore how acupuncture can support your body. Book a consultation with our Edmonton clinic and take the first step toward feeling more like yourself.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Acupuncture is a safe, natural therapy that may support hormonal health and help with symptoms such as hormonal weight gain. At Monica Patt Acupuncture, we take a whole-body approach and often work alongside other healthcare providers to support your long-term health and well-being.