If you’ve been feeling more tired, less motivated, struggling with weight gain, or noticing changes in your mood or energy—your hormones might be out of sync. What many people don’t realize is that body fat plays a central role in hormone balance, for both men and women.
The truth is: fat isn’t just stored energy—it’s an active endocrine organ. It sends signals to your brain, impacts your metabolism, and influences hormones like estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and insulin.
Here’s how your body fat percentage and fat distribution affect your hormonal health—and how a DEXA scan can help you detect and correct imbalances before they spiral.
How Body Fat Affects Hormones in Both Genders
1. Body Fat Produces Estrogen
- In men: Too much body fat—especially visceral fat—can raise estrogen, lowering testosterone and making it harder to build muscle and burn fat.
- In women: Extremely low body fat can reduce estrogen production, leading to irregular periods, low libido, and even bone loss.
2. Fat Cells Release Inflammatory Signals
Fat tissue releases cytokines and other inflammatory markers that:
- Disrupt insulin sensitivity
- Interfere with cortisol regulation
- Worsen hormonal imbalances over time
3. Visceral Fat Impacts Cortisol and Stress Hormones
High visceral fat is tied to chronically elevated cortisol, which:
- Increases belly fat storage
- Breaks down muscle tissue
- Disrupts sleep, mood, and metabolic rhythm
Hormonal Red Flags by Gender
In Men:
- Low testosterone
- Belly fat that won’t budge
- Fatigue, brain fog, low sex drive
- Muscle loss despite training
- Gynecomastia (fat deposits in chest)
In Women:
- Irregular or missing periods (amenorrhea)
- Fat gain in hips, thighs, or lower belly
- Acne, mood swings, or thinning hair
- PCOS symptoms linked to high insulin and androgens
- Low energy and sex drive
How a DEXA Scan Helps You Identify the Root Cause
Unlike a scale or BMI chart, a DEXA scan gives you a precise breakdown of:
- Total body fat %
- Visceral fat (in grams)—the most hormonally disruptive kind
- Regional fat distribution (abdomen, trunk, limbs)
- Lean muscle mass
- Bone mineral density
You can then link common symptoms to what’s happening inside:
| Symptom |
Possible DEXA Indicator |
| Low testosterone or insulin resistance |
High fat mass + low lean mass |
| Estrogen disruption (esp. in women) |
Very low fat % |
| Chronic fatigue, stubborn belly fat |
High visceral fat |
How to Use DEXA Data to Restore Hormonal Balance
If your DEXA scan shows high visceral fat:
- Prioritize stress management (breathwork, sleep, nature walks)
- Reduce sugar and alcohol intake
- Add Zone 2 cardio and lift weights 3x/week
If your scan shows low muscle mass and high fat:
- Increase protein to ~1g per pound of body weight
- Follow a progressive overload strength program
- Focus on whole foods and fiber to improve insulin response
If your scan shows very low fat (especially for women):
- Eat at maintenance or a small surplus
- Reduce high-volume training
- Add hormone-supportive foods: salmon, seeds, leafy greens, avocado
Track Improvements Every 4-8 Weeks
Use regular DEXA scans to:
- See how lifestyle changes affect hormonal markers like visceral fat
- Monitor muscle gain or fat loss
- Adjust training or nutrition based on how your body responds
- Support long-term hormonal balance and vitality
Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today
Struggling with hormonal symptoms but unsure why? A DEXA scan at KALOS in San Francisco can uncover the connection between your body fat, muscle mass, and hormonal health—so you can take action with confidence.
Schedule your scan today at KALOS—your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.
