Lifting Weights is Hormone Therapy (And Why It’s Not Just About Muscle)

We often think of the gym as a place to change how we look. We go to build muscle, lose fat, or change our shape.
But what if the most profound changes happen where you can't see them?
At Brooktree, we view the body as a system, not just a sculpture. A recent breakdown by Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos highlighted a truth we prioritize with every client: Strength training isn't just for aesthetics. It is, quite literally, hormone therapy.
If you have been struggling with mood swings, fatigue, or the transitions of perimenopause, the solution might not be more cardio or a stricter diet. It might be picking up a weight.
Here is how strength training acts as a powerful lever for your hormonal health.
1. It Creates "Peace" Between Estrogen & Progesterone
Hormonal imbalances often stem from "estrogen dominance," where the body holds onto excess estrogen. Strength training helps your body clear that excess naturally, allowing progesterone to do its job.
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The Result: Less PMS, fewer mood swings, and a more stable, rhythmic cycle.
2. It Manages Insulin (Your Energy Currency)
Think of muscle as a suitcase for glucose (sugar). The more lean muscle you have, the more space you have to store energy safely without spiking your blood sugar.
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The Result: Better brain function, consistent energy all day, and regulated appetite. This is data-backed optimism in action.
3. It Builds Resilience Against Stress (Cortisol)
This is about your nervous system. When you lift weights, you are teaching your body how to handle physical stress in a controlled environment. This builds "nervous system resilience."

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The Result: You don’t burn out as easily. You can handle the stress of daily life without staying chronically inflamed.
4. It Naturally Optimizes Testosterone
Yes, women need testosterone too. It is the driver behind confidence, mental sharpness, and libido. Strength training is a proven way to boost these levels naturally without creating imbalances.
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The Result: Feeling sharper, more confident, and more vital.
5. It is the Best Defense for Perimenopause
As we enter our 40s, estrogen and progesterone naturally start to decline. This is where we focus on Healthspan—your quality of life as you age. Strength training prevents muscle loss (sarcopenia), supports bone density, and stabilizes mood during these transitions.
The Bottom Line
You do not need to "grind" or destroy yourself in the gym to get these benefits. In fact, that can backfire. You need consistency. You need a rhythm.
Hormone balance doesn't happen by accident; it happens by design.
Ready to Engineer Your Healthspan?
At Brooktree Consulting, we don't guess—we build protocols based on your bio-individuality. We help you integrate sustainable nutrition and movement habits that support your hormones, not fight against them.
If you are ready to fine tune your healthspan—let’s talk.
Schedule Your Discovery Call with Kurt: Learn More About Brooktree
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