What hormone imbalance causes cellulite?

Author: Hester Gulgowski  |  Last update: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Estrogen. Estrogen stimulates fibroblasts to make collagenase which acts on collagen and breaks it down – and so begin the cycle of cellulite formation. Higher levels of estrogen (or poor estrogen metabolism) causes low levels of collagen, and therefore, increases the appearance of cellulite.

Can balancing hormones reduce cellulite?

This imbalance can negatively affect skin texture. Increased estrogen levels may lead to skin defects such as uneven tone and roughness. Women experiencing estrogen dominance might notice their skin feels less firm. The lack of balance can also result in more noticeable cellulite.

What deficiency causes cellulite?

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone levels, can cause dry skin and decreased circulation, both of which can exacerbate the appearance of cellulite [46].

What is the biggest contributor to cellulite?

Weight gain can make cellulite more noticeable, but some lean people have cellulite, as well. It tends to run in families, so genetics might play the biggest role in whether you develop cellulite. An inactive lifestyle also can increase your chances of having cellulite, as can pregnancy.

Does taking progesterone reduce cellulite?

Get tested by your doctor to determine if you have a condition called estrogen dominance. If you are estrogen dominant, you will want to use a topical cream containing the opposing female hormone, progesterone, which may be useful in reducing cellulite. However, progesterone is not considered a cure for cellulite.

Cellulite | Common Causes of Cellulite | Dr. J9 Live

What are signs of low progesterone?

What are the signs of low progesterone?
  • Irregular menstrual periods.
  • Headaches.
  • Difficulty conceiving.
  • Mood changes, anxiety or depression.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Hot flashes.
  • Bloating or weight gain.

What hormone causes inner thigh fat in females?

The main culprit behind weight gain in your thighs is estrogen. This hormone drives the increase in fat cells in females, causing deposits to form most commonly around the buttocks and thighs.

Can cellulite be reversed?

You can't get rid of cellulite. But, it's not harmful to your overall health. You can reduce the appearance of cellulite through a combination of exercise, diet and treatments.

What ethnicity has the most cellulite?

There is also evidence to support roles for both genetic predisposition and ethnicity: although cellulite is seen in women of all races,4 it tends to be more common in white women.

What are the worst foods for cellulite?

The worst foods for cellulite: fried food, sugar, excess fat, excess carbs, food with BPA in it
  • anything with sugar in it.
  • anything with fried/hydrogenated oils in it.
  • any food stored in BPA-leaching containers.

What vitamin breaks down cellulite?

Regarding vitamins, they all have a role to play in cellulite prevention and they can somewhat contribute to its reduction, with perhaps vitamin C (ascorbic acid) being the most important, due to its antioxidant action and its important role on collagen synthesis.

Does high cortisol cause cellulite?

In this regard, it does have an impact on cellulite. Your body produces cortisol under stress, this is why it is commonly known as the stress hormone. Cortisol isn't bad in balance, but in excess, it can be detrimental to cellulite and even your health.

What disease is associated with cellulite?

Cellulite (also known as gynoid lipodystrophy or orange peel syndrome) is one of the most common lipodystrophy syndromes, which affects millions of post-adolescent women. Cellulite is manifested by topographic disorders of subcutaneous tissue such as nodules, edema, and abnormal fibrosis.

Why am I getting more cellulite as I lose weight?

Too much sugar expands fat cells because it gets deposited there. Too much salt can make the appearance of cellulite worse because it causes you to retain fluids. Fad diets and quick weight loss can make your skin looser and actually make cellulite appear — even though you've lost body fat.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

Changes in estrogen levels
  • Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin's surface. ...
  • Mood swings are another effect of low estrogen. You may feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. ...
  • Thinning tissues may cause discomfort. Skin may appear more wrinkled.

How can I stabilize my hormones to lose weight?

Lifestyle choices for balanced hormones and a healthy weight

Eating three to four balanced meals a day that include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. All of these foods will prevent high ghrelin levels, keep ghrelin suppressed for longer, increase GLP1, and stabilize sugar levels and lower insulin.

Why don t the Kardashians have cellulite?

Kim Kardashian has previously denied the existence of cellulite in her bum and thighs, hidden by carefully photoshopped images, which accentuated her shape while minimising the bumps. (And this is the answer to the “How do the Kardashians get rid of cellulite?” question. They don't get rid of it, they photoshop it.)

Does low estrogen increase cellulite?

During menopause, a low estrogen concentration is responsible for increased vascular permeability and decreased vascular tone, which lead to microcirculation impairment and are important factors predisposing to the development of cellulite.

What is the biggest cause of cellulite?

While cellulite tends to increase with weight gain, it can also affect those who are thin. This is because the fat itself is not the primary cause. 4 The main contributing factors of cellulite are things you can't control, including skin structure, hormones, genetics, and age.

How to get rid of jiggly thighs and cellulite?

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate cellulite, a few products and lifestyle changes may help reduce its appearance, including:
  1. Staying hydrated. ...
  2. Maintaining a healthy weight. ...
  3. Using creams or lotions. ...
  4. Taking collagen peptides. ...
  5. Trying massage.

Does retinol help cellulite?

Applying 0.3% retinol cream has been shown to improve the appearance of cellulite. Retinol helps thicken skin, which reduces the dimpling. Such products are applied once or twice a day. Any effect from a retinol cream won't be noticeable for six months or longer.

Does dry brushing help cellulite?

The brushing action is believed to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, which may temporarily minimize the dimpled appearance of cellulite. However, experts say it's essential to maintain realistic expectations, as dry brushing alone may not provide a long-term solution for cellulite reduction.

Why do I suddenly have cellulite on my thighs?

Why Do We Get “Cottage Cheese” or “Orange Peel” Thighs? There's no single answer. Cellulite can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, weight gain, and more. Here's the kicker: even active, healthy women with good diets still experience cellulite.

How to flush out excess estrogen?

Eat a healthy diet: Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet with very little processed sugar can make it easier for your liver to process estrogen. Limit your alcohol intake: Eliminating alcohol or drinking in moderation can help your liver break down estrogen. Reduce your exposure to synthetic xenoestrogens.

What hormone causes saddlebags?

The development of saddlebags is more common among women, in part due to the prevalence of hormonal fluctuations and imbalances. In particular, an excess of oestrogen can lead to weight gain in the bottom and thigh area, which is a common occurrence during pregnancy.

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