The cellulite, women’s sworn enemy! Indeed, 90% of women carry lipodystrophy – the scientific term for orange-peel skin – compared to just 2% of men. Could this glaring injustice be explained by our hormonal system?
Which hormones are involved in cellulite?
Cellulite is an almost exclusively female concern. The reason: our natural, intrinsic predisposition to carry children. The female body, which has 25% body fat (compared to 15% in men), is designed to store energy — since it may need reserves during pregnancy and the breastfeeding that follows.
- Oestrogens
To do this, female hormones — known as oestrogens — play a central role. They boost fat storage in the lower parts of the body, where most adipocytes (fat cells) are concentrated: the stomach, buttocks, hips and thighs. This is what leads to the appearance of adipose cellulite.
- Progesterone
As an added bonus: a second female hormone, progesterone, disrupts veno-lymphatic circulation as it fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle. Why? Because it prompts the body to retain water and sodium. Water retention sets in — and it’s more common in women than in men for an anatomical reason: the shape of adipocytes. In men, they are small, tightly packed and vertical. In women, they are larger and diamond-shaped, meaning water can become trapped between cells and cause circulatory issues. The result: water retention and aqueous cellulite.
- Testosterone
Male testosterone, on the other hand, does not encourage fat storage. Cellulite in men is rarely hormonal in origin and is usually adipose in nature. Simply put, if a man has cellulite, it tends to be the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.
When does cellulite appear?
Every hormonal shift in a woman’s life can trigger the development of cellulite. The main hormonal fluctuations occur:
- During adolescence, when the menstrual cycle begins
- Before each period – known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- When taking an unsuitable contraceptive (pill combined oestrogen-progestogen)
- During pregnancy and the breastfeeding that follows
- During the perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause)
- At the menopause, which marks the permanent end of periods
These phases trigger rises and falls in oestrogen and progesterone production. As a result, the body — a finely tuned machine — responds by storing fat and water.
Are hormones the sole cause of cellulite?
Hormonal changes are partly responsible for the development of cellulite in women. However, it is also linked to:
- Genetics: the number and size of adipocytes are closely tied to genetic makeup. The same applies to veno-lymphatic insufficiency.
- Lifestyle: a diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats, combined with a sedentary routine, encourages not only fat and toxin build-up, but also water retention.
- Certain health conditions: chronic stress, depression, thyroid dysfunction, PCOS…
What can you do to reduce the appearance of cellulite?
First and foremost, it’s about accepting that cellulite is almost inevitable. It’s impossible to “control” your hormones.
That said, several steps can help:
- Book a check-up with your gynaecologist: if your body’s hormonal fluctuations are having a significant impact on your wellbeing beyond cellulite, a consultation with your gynaecologist may be worthwhile.
- See a vascular specialist: if you suffer from veno-lymphatic insufficiency that causes significant discomfort in your daily life — heavy legs, oedema, tingling sensations — a consultation with a vascular doctor may be recommended.
- Rethink your diet: rebalance your eating habits by cutting back on sugar, saturated fats, excess salt, stimulants and alcohol. Focus on healthy fats, fibre (fruit and vegetables), complex carbohydrates and staying well hydrated.
- Get moving regularly: consistent physical activity helps build muscle mass that burns fat (muscles demand energy) and stimulates the veno-lymphatic pump. Exercise is also great for your mood.
- Prioritise quality sleep : avoid smoking, which is harmful to the venous system; listen to your body’s need for rest, as stress raises cortisol levels — the stress hormone responsible for loss of skin elasticity.
- Give yourself a helping hand : building an anti-cellulite routine with regular massages and draining treatments (capsules, tea) can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
