Hormonal Imbalance in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hormones greatly influence your general health. Therefore, many symptoms could indicate a hormone imbalance as a result. In addition, many conditions can be addressed to correct hormonal imbalances.

Glands create chemicals called hormones in the endocrine system. Hormones are transmitted to tissues and organs through the bloodstream, giving them instructions on what to do and when.

A hormonal imbalance can impact numerous body functions because hormones are crucial for controlling the majority of critical bodily processes. Hormones assist in regulating:

• Blood sugar increases
• General development and growth
• Menstrual cycles
• Metabolism
• Sexual activity
• Mood and amount of stress
• Sleep
• Both men and women can be impacted by insulin, steroids, growth hormones, and adrenaline imbalances.

While males are more prone to encounter testosterone levels, females may also experience imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance can change depending on whether the damaged gland is damaged and whether the person is a female or a male.

Women

The following symptoms appear more commonly in women:

• Back or stomach pain during infertility and menstruation
• Broken bones
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Excessive hair growth, or hirsutism
• Insomnia
• Minimal sex drive
• Mood swings
• The irregular cycle of the menses
• Unjustified weight gain or loss

Males

Males with low testosterone levels frequently experience the following symptoms:

• Erectile dysfunction is caused by a decline in sexual function (ED)
• Loss of muscle tone, thinning hair, and slowing hair growth are all symptoms of chest pain.

Signs in Children

During puberty, children begin to produce sex hormones. Many kids who undergo delayed puberty will eventually go through conventional puberty, but some may develop hypogonadism.

People with hypogonadism may encounter the following:

• Lack of bulk growth in the muscles
• A voice that lacks depth, scant body hair development, poor penis, and testicular growth,
• Increased arm and leg length in comparison to the body’s trunk, gynecomastia, delayed menstruation, undeveloped breast tissue, and a constant growth rate

Acne and Menstruation

Sebaceous glands in the skin can overproduce oil, which can result in acne. In addition, this extra oil has the potential to block pores and draw microorganisms that worsen skin inflammation.

The hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone affect the sebaceous glands in a person’s skin. These are a few ways that these hormones may affect acne:

• Dermatologists advise hormone testing for patients with acne and additional symptoms, including irregular periods and excessive body or facial hair.
• Increasing progesterone levels probably contribute to pregnancy-related acne, though it is unclear how.
• One of the most frequent causes of acne is the menstrual cycle. For many people, acne appears the week before their period and then goes away.
• Post-menopausal acne in women can occur, and variations in estrogen and progesterone levels may be to blame.
• Sebum (oil) production is regulated by testosterone. If it is too much, it could clog pores and cause acne.

Androgens and Acne

Acne is a result of androgens overstimulating the oil glands.

Acne is prevalent throughout puberty in children of both sexes because of elevated androgen levels. However, early in one’s 20s, androgen levels normally start to decline.

Weight Gain

Hormones are fundamental to metabolism and your body’s capacity for energy utilization. Therefore, hormonal disorders like Cushing syndrome can bring on obesity and overweight.

Cortisol levels in the blood are elevated in people with Cushing syndrome. As a result, appetite rises, and fat is stored.

If the disease is severe, hypothyroidism can also result in weight gain.

During menopause, there may be slight hormonal abnormalities. Many people put on weight during this phase because their metabolisms slow down. You might discover that despite eating and exercising, as usual, you continue to gain weight.

The underlying problem must be treated to reverse weight gain caused by a hormone disorder.

Hair Loss

Most hair loss is inherited and unrelated to hormonal changes, including male pattern baldness. However, hormonal alterations and imbalances can occasionally result in transient hair loss.

This is frequently associated with the following:

• Hair loss can also result from the overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormones.
• Pregnancy, delivery, and the beginning of menopause.

Causes

There are numerous potential causes of hormone imbalance. Depending on which hormones or glands are impacted, they may vary.

Hormonal imbalance is frequently brought on by

• Whether benign or malignant, hormone therapy medications treat cancers, including chemotherapy.
• Eating disorder
• Trauma or stress injury
• Although some of the following conditions may initially be brought on by hormonal imbalances, having these conditions can also result in additional hormonal abnormalities:
• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes insipidus, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or an underactive or overactive thyroid, as well as thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, and hypogonadism
• Low amounts of cortisol and aldosterone result from Cushing syndrome, also known as high levels of cortisol congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
• Addison’s illness

Tests and Diagnoses

There isn’t a single test that can be used to assist doctors in identifying a hormonal imbalance. Make an appointment with your doctor for a physical examination to get started.

Be prepared to outline your symptoms as well as the time frame in which they have developed. Bring a list of all the prescription drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking right now.

Your physician might inquire about things like

• How frequently do you feel the symptoms?
• Does anything help you feel better?
• Have you lately gained or lost weight?
• Do you feel more anxious than usual?
• You last had a period when?
• Do you intend to become pregnant?
• Do you struggle to achieve or keep an erection?
• During intercourse, do you experience vaginal dryness or pain?

Blood Test

Your doctor will send a sample of your blood to a lab for analysis. The majority of hormones can be found in the blood.

A doctor can order a blood test to examine your thyroid and the quantities of estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol in your body.

Pelvic exam

Your doctor may do a Pap smear on your uterus to check for any suspicious lumps, cysts, or tumors.

Your doctor might examine your scrotum for tumors or other anomalies if you have testicles.

Ultrasound

A piece of ultrasound equipment uses sound waves to see into your body. For example, doctors may ask for an ultrasound to obtain photos of the uterus, ovaries, testicles, thyroid, or pituitary gland.

Natural Remedies – Changes in Lifestyle

The following lifestyle modifications could help lessen the likelihood and signs of hormone imbalances:

• Keeping a healthy body weight
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet, frequently exercising, and maintaining good personal hygiene by washing the face, neck, back, and chest with OTC acne washes, rinses, and prescription acne treatments or gels for mild to moderate acne.
• Avoiding hot weather, spicy, rich, or hot foods and beverages, and other hot flash triggers
• Reducing and controlling stress
• Practicing yoga and meditation
• Minimising intake of sugary and refined carbs
• Eschewing boxed food
• Using glass containers to store and heat food and drink in place of old non-stick frying pans

Frequently Asked Questions