Hormone levels play a direct and indirect role in how the body utilizes and stores fat.  Estrogen, dominant in the first half of your cycle, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. Higher levels of estrogen are associated with increased carb burning, which is why I often incorporate carb cycling in this phase of my cycle  Progesterone, on the other hand, exhibits distinct fat burning qualities. Research indicates that progesterone may enhance lipid metabolism, promoting the breakdown of fat for energy.  Listen along as we break down other hormones including testosterone and cortisol and how to manage expectations for your body.  Timestamps:  00:50 Female body is designed to store fat 01:24 Different hormone challenges  2:00 Expectations of your body  2:17 Vehicle analogy  4:43 Hormones and how they burn fat  4:55 Estrogen, carb burning & carb cycling  5:24 Progesterone, fat burning, thermogenic properties 5:53 Testosterone, muscle building  6:14 Cortisol, stress response and hunger/fullness  7:14 Hormone testing  7:22 Leveraging your hormones for fat burning  8:55 DUTCH hormone testing info   DUTCH Test: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/