12 Common Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
Hormones are chemical “messengers” that regulate the operation of virtually all of the body’s cells and organs. It is natural for hormone levels to fluctuate at various points during a person’s life, such as adolescence, before menstruation, during pregnancy, and throughout menopause and andropause (male menopause).
Additionally, stress, environmental factors, some medicines, and health problems or illnesses may also affect hormone levels. So, when a person is experiencing physical, mental, emotional or sexual problems it is often the result of an underlying hormone imbalance.
In this article the hormone experts at SottoPelle in Phoenix, AZ list 12 of the most common signs that you may be suffering from a hormone imbalance or deficiency.
#1. Hormone Imbalance & Weight Gain
During the hormonal changes of menopause or andropause, a person often gains weight. When a man experiences declining testosterone (“Low T”) his levels of female hormones and male hormones often become out of balance and he will develop an excess of female hormones. And, female hormones are responsible for storing excess fat around the belly and in the breast area.
In women, during menopause, low estrogen levels promote fat storage in the belly area as visceral fat, which is linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems
Additionally, increased levels of the hormone leptin can stimulate appetite. Similarly, thyroid hormone deficiency can cause the body’s ability to burn calories to slow down.
#2. Hormone Imbalance & Unexplained Weight Loss
The thyroid gland is involved in regulating the pace at which your body converts food (calories) to fuel (energy). When your body produces an excess of thyroid hormones your weight may actually decrease. Always notify your doctor for blood work, if you’ve dropped 10 pounds or more without increasing your exercise or altering your diet. It could be the sign of a serious hormone imbalance, or another illness or disease.
#3. Hormone Imbalance & Irregular Menstruation (Periods)
Menstrual periods are typically between 21 and 35 days in length for most women. If yours does not come at the same time each month, does not last about the same length of time every month, or if you are skipping periods, it may indicate that certain hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are either too high or too low.
For women in their 40s or early 50s, the explanation for declining female hormones is typically perimenopause. However, irregular menstrual cycles may also be a sign of other underlying health issues or hormone disorders – such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
#4. Hormone Imbalance & Sleep Disorders
If you’re not getting enough sleep or your sleep does not leave you sufficiently rested, a hormone imbalance may be at work. Progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries, aids in the ability to get restful sleep. When levels drop during your menstrual cycle or due to menopause, for instance, a woman may have difficulty sleeping. Low estrogen levels may also result in hot flashes and night sweats, which can also make it difficult to get the rest you need.
#5. Hormone Imbalance & Skin That Is Dry
Hormonal deficiencies may dehydrate the skin and other tissues in the body, like the vaginal walls. Female hormones support the collagen and hyaluronic acid production that plumps and hydrates skin. So, hormone imbalance or decline can cause skin to gradually thin and be unable to retain as much moisture as it once did. Alternatively, a thyroid hormone deficiency may be underlying suddenly dry skin.
#6. Hormone Imbalance & Concentration / Memory Issues
The precise mechanism by which hormones affect the brain is still not completely understood – but scientists do know that fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels may make the brain feel “foggy” and impair your memory.
Problems with attention, mental clarity and memory are particularly prevalent during perimenopause and menopause. However, they may also be a sign of other hormonal disorders, such as a thyroid illness.
#7. Hormone Imbalance & Lack of Energy / Exhaustion
Fatigue is a frequent sign of hormonal imbalance. Progesterone in excess may cause sleepiness – while a deficiency of testosterone (Low T) can result in a lack of energy. Additionally, if the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone, it may tank the body’s metabolism and deplete vitality.
#8. Hormone Imbalance & Night Sweats
Waking up covered in sweat can be the result of an estrogen deficiency. This is why many women have nocturnal sweats as they enter menopause. Other hormonal imbalances, such as the thyroid which helps regulate body temperature, may also contribute to night sweats.
#9. Hormone Imbalance & Mood Swings or Depression
According to researchers, hormone imbalances or rapid fluctuations in their levels may contribute to depression or erratic swings in moods and emotions. This is because estrogen has an effect on important neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate happiness – such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. However, other hormones that follow the same pathways as neurotransmitters can also contribute to a person’s feelings as well.
#10. Hormone Imbalance & Hair Loss
When estrogen levels fall, other hormones in the body, such as testosterone, become more active. As a consequence, hair loss can occur in men and women. This may occur during the hormone fluctuations of pregnancy, causing hair thinning condition called Telogen Effluvium. In women, hair loss is also often a side effect of menopause and can also occur shortly after starting birth control tablets.
#11. Hormone Imbalance & Vaginal Dryness
If your vagina feels dry or itchy – or painful during intercourse – low estrogen levels may be to blame. The female sex hormones aid in the retention of moisture and assist in maintaining strong, healthy vaginal tissue. If your estrogen levels fall as a result of menopause or other hormone imbalance, it may result in a decrease in vaginal secretions as well as laxity (looseness).
#12. Hormone Imbalance & Loss of Sex Drive
Many people think that a loss of sexual drive is a natural part of aging. But it doesn’t have to be! Decreased libido is typically the result of declining sex hormones – especially during menopause or andropause.
Although most people think of testosterone as a male hormone, it is produced by female bodies as well. If the testosterone levels are lower than normal, a person may have a decreased interest in sex. Additionally, in men “Low T” can also contribute to the inability to achieve and maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction or “ED”).
Thankfully, hormone replacement therapy can restore both libido and sexual performance, as well as sexual enjoyment and satisfaction in most women and men!
Hormone Imbalance Treatment | Phoenix
The good news is that safe, convenient and highly effective bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can restore male and female hormone balance – relieving virtually all of the above uncomfortable symptoms.
And BHRT hormone imbalance treatment not only alleviates these symptoms, it can also decrease a man or woman’s risk of certain serious physical and mental illnesses and diseases. Recent studies have shown that hormone replacement therapy may help prevent bone fractures caused by osteoporosis, lower chances of dementia, and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and more.
If you are interested in learning if you may have a hormone imbalance, schedule an appointment with the providers at SottoPelle in the Phoenix, AZ area today. Thorough bloodwork can identify your hormone imbalances – and a customized hormone replacement plan can be put in place to help restore your body to optimal balance and functioning.
If you live outside of the greater Phoenix area, you can also find a provider in your area who is highly trained in hormone replacement using our Physician Finder HERE.
Hormone Imbalance Treatment: (323) 986-5100
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. While the benefits of hormone replacement are well documented through clinical research, we are not representing that hormone therapy is a “cure” for any disease. Only your treating physician can determine if hormone replacement may be a beneficial part of your healthcare regimen, based on your age, overall health, risk factors, and lifestyle.
