Hormones and cellulite: what’s the connection?

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? Oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone: here’s the role each hormone plays, the stages of life when cellulite tends to appear, the other factors at play and the everyday habits worth adopting.

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 and cellulite

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 and cellulite in men

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 your 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 storage but also water retention.
• Certain health conditions: chronic stress, depression, thyroid dysfunction, PCOS…

Hormonal cellulite: what can you do to reduce its appearance?

First and foremost, it’s about accepting that cellulite is almost inevitable. It’s impossible to “control” your hormones.

That said, several steps can be taken:

• 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’re experiencing 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 with water.
• Get moving regularly: make physical activity a consistent habit to build muscle mass and keep your legs moving. Exercise is also great for your mood.
• Prioritise quality sleep: avoid smoking and listen to your body’s need for rest.
• Complete your routine: regular massages have a natural place in an anti-cellulite routine. If you wish, Cellublue also offers capsules and a tea, alongside a balanced lifestyle.

Related articles

• The 3 types of cellulite: how to identify them?
• Cellulite During Pregnancy: Causes & Solutions
• Cycling and cellulite: indoor and outdoor routines

Useful categories: All About Cellulite.