Hormone Imbalances: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Hormone imbalances occur when there are too much or too little of certain hormones in the body. This can negatively affect many aspects of health.
What causes hormone imbalances?
Hormone levels can become imbalanced due to various factors like:
- Stress: Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which can throw other hormones out of balance.
- Poor diet and lack of exercise: Being overweight and inactive affects hormones like insulin, estrogen, and testosterone.
- Thyroid disorders: The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, and when it malfunctions, hormones are disrupted.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the body interferes with endocrine glands and hormone production.
- Medical conditions and medications: Health issues like diabetes or medications can impact hormone function.
What are the symptoms of a hormone imbalance?
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or loss
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Depression and mood changes
- Foggy thinking and trouble concentrating
- Changes in sex drive
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
- Sleep issues
How is a hormone imbalance diagnosed and treated?
If hormone imbalance is suspected, doctors can order blood tests to measure levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid, and testosterone. Targeted treatment aims to bring hormones back into optimal balance. This may include lifestyle changes like nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and natural therapies to support endocrine function. In some cases, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be recommended under a doctor's supervision.
Getting hormones checked and addressing imbalances is important for overall health and preventing future problems. Even small changes can help optimize hormone function and reduce related symptoms.