Hormones play an essential role in our body as chemical messengers, affecting many different processes. An imbalance of your hormones might cause weight gain or lifestyle complications if not appropriately regulated. Hormonal imbalances may be to blame for a range of unwanted symptoms from fatigue or weight gain to itchy skin or low mood.
Levels of hormones naturally fluctuate at various life stages, most noticeably during puberty and in women during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
What is important is to notice these symptoms and get them checked so you can receive appropriate treatment to restore balance and good health.
Here are 8 signs of hormonal imbalance to look out for:
Mood Swings
Estrogen, a hormone primarily found in females, impacts brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which plays a role in regulating mood. Variations in estrogen levels can result in conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or feelings of depression during perimenopause (the stage prior to the cessation of periods) and menopause.
Heavy or Painful Periods
When experienced alongside symptoms like abdominal discomfort, frequent urination, lower back pain, constipation, and painful intercourse, these could be indicators of fibroids. Fibroids are benign growths that form in the uterus or its surrounding areas. Although their precise cause remains unknown, they are believed to be influenced by estrogen levels, with a potential increased risk associated with a family history of the condition.
Low Libido
Women experiencing perimenopause or menopause often encounter a decrease in libido caused by declining levels of estrogen and testosterone (despite being typically associated with males, women also possess testosterone). Additional menopausal issues like night sweats, fatigue, low mood, and anxiety can also influence one's sexual activity.
Insomnia and Fatigue
In the phases of perimenopause and menopause, there is a gradual decline in estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries. These hormones typically aid in promoting sleep. Decreasing estrogen levels may additionally lead to night sweats, disrupting your sleep patterns and contributing to feelings of fatigue and decreased energy levels.
Unexplained Weight Gain
Several hormone-related conditions can be attributed to weight gain, such as
•hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism
•polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone-related issue characterized by small cysts forming on the ovaries
•menopause, which induces hormonal shifts that increase the likelihood of abdominal weight gain
Skin problems
Persistent adult acne might indicate low estrogen and progesterone levels alongside elevated androgen hormones, serving as a potential indicator of polycystic ovary syndrome. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause can lead to itchy skin, while dry skin may signify symptoms related to menopause or thyroid irregularities.
Headaches
Headaches are commonly experienced by numerous women as a result of hormonal fluctuations occurring during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, which may lead to hormonal imbalances.
Vaginal Dryness
A decline in estrogen levels, particularly during the perimenopause and menopause, is the primary cause of vaginal dryness. Additionally, changes in hormone levels due to contraceptive pill usage or antidepressant medications can also contribute to this issue.
Hormonal imbalance can start as early as your mid-30’s causing a variety of complications, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Talking with a Body Tonic provider as soon as you notice any changes in your body or energy levels is a key step in treating a hormonal imbalance early.