In a previous article, I talked about how food can trigger hormonal imbalance in women. This time, we will look at the hormonal imbalance symptoms and how we can recognise them.
According to Medicalnewstoday, hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little hormone in the bloodstream. They have an important role in our bodies, so even a slight imbalance can have a serious impact on our overall health.
Hormones can help to regulate:
- metabolism
- blood sugar
- growth
- reproductive cycles and sexual function
- general growth and development
- mood and stress levels
- blood pressure
Hormonal imbalance symptoms:
In women, the symptoms include:
Mood swings
Estrogen may affect mood. However, hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough hormones is a common hormone disorder that can affect mood. Often supplements and changes in lifestyle can balance this issue.
If you haven’t done it already, try stress management, avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugar.
If you want to take some supplements, I highly recommend going with a trusted brand. They are various choices now and it can be difficult to choose the right one. However, try and ask for recommendations or if you have already one you know well, stick to it. Otherwise, I suggest you this brand.
Constipation or diarrhea
One of the most common hormonal imbalances that lead to constipation is hypothyroidism. If the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, the bowels don’t move.
Hormones influence gut function through the microbiome and bacterial system in our intestines. This is why a hormone imbalance can lead to bloating, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea.
Irregular menstrual cycle
Most women’s periods come every 21 to 35 days. A period is considered irregular when it occurs less than 24 days apart or more than 38 days apart.
Conditions and factors that can cause hormone imbalance and affect the menstrual cycle include:
- thyroid problems
- diabetes
- eating disorders
- stress
- PCOS
- medication
Infertility
Hormonal imbalances are the leading cause of infertility in women. Disorders like PCOS and anovulation can be the result of a hormone imbalance in women.
Disturbances to the balance of hormones in the body, such as too much production of prolactin, thyroid hormones or adrenal hormones.
If you are interested in finding out more about infertility and how it is diagnosed, read this.
Abdominal cramps or back pain during menstruation
Women are twice as likely to get abdominal pain. The reason might be the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Insomnia
Hormone imbalance can affect the quality of sleep. Fluctuations of thyroid, testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, melatonin and/or growth hormone can all cause sleep difficulties. Moreover, the lack of sleep may further worsen the hormone problems, which makes it to be a vicious cycle.
Low sex drive
For most women, hormones are at the heart of high libido. In fact, hormonal imbalances are the cause of 70% of low-libido cases. Our hormones change as we age — especially during perimenopause and menopause. Hormones are constantly changing, and when they do, your libido changes, too.
Rashes on the skin
Decreased estrogen levels can cause the skin to become itchy, sensitive, or irritated. Moreover, women also say that they noticed a higher sensitivity to various fabrics, soaps and beauty products.
Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
Hirsutism is caused by an increase in hormones called androgens, your body being more sensitive to them, or both. The most common cause is PCOS (polycystic ovaries syndrome) but sometimes there are no obvious cases.
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Hormone shifts do not directly affect your weight. However, it is likely that other factors related to your hormones will impact your weight. For instance, when you feel low, tired, or irritated, you might feel like craving something. This craving need could be correlated to the drop in your estrogen level. Therefore, you may eat more and gain weight, but it is not directly the drop in estrogen that will make you gain weight.
Your thyroid controls how fast your body transforms food into fuel, as well as your heart rate and temperature. If it makes too many hormones, or it does not make enough, your weight might drop. You have to let your GP know if you lose weight and you don’t make changes in your lifestyle (workouts or diet).
Conclusion
In conclusion, hormonal imbalance symptoms can be easily recognised if we know where to pay attention. It is worth paying attention at these symptoms and treat the problem accordingly because if we don’t, they can lead to health problems and difficulties in becoming pregnant.