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Overview

Although the exact cause of cellulite is unknown, there are several factors that seem to increase an individual’s risks. Age, genetics and lifestyle factors all play a huge role in creating cellulite. Overall, an estimated 90 percent of women will have cellulite at some point in their lives.

Can Birth Control Pills Cause Cellulite to Form?
Does Birth Control Pills Cause Cellulite?

Cellulite typically appears after puberty. If women have managed to avoid it in their youth, they may develop cellulite during pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause. Due to these factors, many experts have speculated about the role that hormones play in the creation of cellulite.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite was not mentioned in any medical literature until the 1920s. Until the 1950s, it was thought to be a normal part of the aging process. In modern times, many women want to avoid obvious signs of aging like wrinkles or cellulite. To do this, they must understand how cellulite is created.

There are several layers of tissues and dermis beneath the top layer of skin. Muscle, skin and fat is held together by connective fibers. If these fibers weaken due to age or low collagen production, they will allow fat to squeeze through.

This can be worsened if the woman has poor blood circulation. When the blood cannot effectively remove toxins and fat, it allows subcutaneous fat to bunch up under the skin. If this is combined with weakened connective fibers, it creates an environment where cellulite is likely.

The majority of people who suffer from cellulite are women. Although men can develop it as well, this normally only occurs if they are overweight, androgen-deficient or have a hormonal imbalance. Scientists think that hormones play a role in how cellulite develops. Extreme hormonal changes during the teenage years, pregnancy or menopause seem to create a trigger for the formation of cellulite. Collagen is also structured differently in women.

It tends to be less able to hold fat and is weaker than the collagen in males. In addition, women have a higher ratio of alpha to beta receptors. Since alpha receptors are responsible for triggering fat storage, it is easier for women to accumulate fat.

Estrogen and Cellulite

When estrogen is present in higher levels, it can cause the woman to build fat. Due to this, women tend to have a higher fat ratio than men. Sudden decreases in estrogen can also cause problems. As women get older, estrogen levels drop drastically.

This leads to lower blood circulation and collagen levels. Since collagen is required for skin elasticity, it makes the top layer of skin looser. Over time, this can increase the appearance of cellulite.

Due to these hormonal changes, birth control pills cause cellulite. Most pills are either progesterone only or a combination of estrogen and progesterone.[1] Although both types can heighten fat storage and cellulite, the pills with estrogen are worse.

They artificially change the body’s hormonal chemistry by preventing the egg from being released from the ovaries. In many ways, it makes the body not become pregnant by tricking it into thinking that it is already pregnant. This hormonal change can lead to increases in fat deposits which can transform into cellulite over time.

Treatments to Reduce Cellulite

Remedies

Treatments to Reduce Cellulite

There are many different treatment options available for reducing cellulite. Unfortunately, no treatment is completely effective over the long term. Most women will want to choose a treatment that is inexpensive, carries low risks and can be done at home. Out of all the available treatments, diet, exercise and anti-cellulite creams seem to be most effective.

Lifestyle changes should encompass a variety of factors. Exercise can help boost blood circulation and break down fat deposits. For the speediest results, individuals should use cardiovascular exercise to improve their cardiovascular system. Strength training exercises should also be done to help improve muscle tone and the elasticity of the skin.

In addition to exercising, diet and medication changes are reasonably effective. A balanced diet can help to smooth out the hormones and promote weight loss. Likewise, switching to a birth control method that does not affect estrogen levels can reduce cellulite. Any medication changes should always be done in consultation with a doctor.

To improve results, using an anti-cellulite cream that has high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, like Life’s butter, each day can be an effective treatment method. Cellulite creams are designed to improve blood flow, release toxins and breakdown fats. They are simple to use at home and are far cheaper than liposuction or mesotherapy.

In addition, they carry very few risks compared to medical treatments. Studies have shown that solutions that contain 0.3 percent retinol can visibly reduce cellulite within six months. Other ingredients like caffeine or L-carnitine can significantly improve the appearance of cellulite. To keep cellulite at bay, these cellulite creams must be used regularly. There are no cures for cellulite, so any treatment process has to be maintained in order to keep cellulite levels low.

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Melissa Feldman

Melissa Feldman is an independent research writer living in Toronto, Canada. She has professional experience as a researcher, and educa