What Is Hormone Imbalance?

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Hormonal imbalance is far more common than people know. Each year, millions of people suffer the symptoms unaware of the root cause. The symptoms of hormonal imbalance can become debilitating if left untreated so it’s important to seek professional help if you think your hormone levels might not be where they should be.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about hormonal imbalance, its causes, available treatments and what to expect from the condition. Our complete guide will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to combat hormone imbalance to put your hormone health back on track.

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What is Hormone Imbalance?

Once you understand what hormonal imbalance is and why it occurs, then you can start to take constructive steps towards solving the problem. Hormonal imbalance is a condition that occurs when the body has too much or too little of one or more hormones in the bloodstream.

For many people, this can come with some unsavoury symptoms. Hormones play a large part in many crucial body functions so, when there is an imbalance, it can cause side effects that may negatively impact your everyday life.

What do hormones do?

Hormones are chemicals that are produced by important glands in your body (such as the adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands), but more specifically within the endocrine system. These hormones are present in your bloodstream as well as your organs. They play the role of messenger, telling your organs what to do, how to do it, and when they should perform that function.

Hormones play a large part in not only regulating body processes but also keeping you healthy overall and making sure that your body has everything it needs to run smoothly.

What do Hormones Control in the Body?

Hormones, as we have covered, facilitate many processes throughout the body. They are the messengers, telling your organs what to do. As a result, they are a main contributor to overall body health. Here are just some of the bodily functions they impact:

• Metabolism
• Appetite
• Heart Rate/Health
• Sleep Cycles
• Sleep Quality
• Reproductive/Menstrual Cycles
• Sex Drive
• Growth and Development
• Muscle Mass
• Weight gain/loss
• Mood and Stress
• Body Temperature

One thing to keep in mind is hormonal imbalance affects both genders. Hormonal imbalance can include insulin levels, growth hormones, adrenaline, estrogen, and testosterone among others. Both men and women should be aware of the symptoms of hormone imbalance and monitor their levels regularly.

The most common type of hormonal imbalance in men is testosterone, while the most common type of hormonal imbalance among women has to do with estrogen and progesterone.

Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms

Hormone imbalance produces various symptoms in the body, depending on which hormone is not working properly. Common signs of hormonal conditions that affect people of all genders are:

• Mood changes
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Hair thinning/loss
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Muscle stiffness
• Memory issues
• Increased thirst or hunger
• Frequent urination
• Acne
• Sweating
• Low sex drive

Keep in mind these symptoms can develop due to many other medical conditions. Having them does not necessarily mean you have a hormonal imbalance. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor who will help you determine the root cause.

Hormonal imbalance symptoms in females

Women may experience the following symptoms due to hormonal imbalance.

• Night sweats
• Unexpected weight gain
• Irregular periods
• Infertility
• Vaginal dryness
• Vaginal atrophy
• Hair loss
• Facial or body hair growth
• Low sex drive
• Mood swings
• Hyperpigmentation

Hormonal imbalance symptoms in men

In men, the following symptoms appear due to abnormal fluctuations in their hormone levels.

• Gynecomastia (man boobs)
• Breast tenderness
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low sex drive
• Infertility
• Low energy levels
• Muscle loss
• Brittle bones
• Hair loss
• Difficulty concentrating

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, it could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. We advise you to keep a log of your symptoms for a faster and more effective diagnosis with your medical professional.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal imbalances occur when the body produces too much or too little of certain hormones, disrupting the delicate balance needed for optimal health. These imbalances can stem from a variety of factors, including lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and environmental influences.

Understanding the root causes is essential to addressing the issue and restoring hormonal harmony. In this section, we’ll explore the key factors contributing to hormonal imbalance.

Natural Causes

Hormones naturally fluctuate throughout the day, and significant life stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can bring noticeable changes to hormone levels. Additionally, lifestyle habits play a crucial role in maintaining or disrupting hormonal balance. Below are some of the common natural causes of hormonal imbalance:

Decline With Age

As you age, hormone levels naturally decline, affecting various functions in the body. For men, testosterone levels gradually decrease starting around the age of 30, leading to symptoms such as reduced energy, muscle mass, and libido.

In women, estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly during menopause, often causing hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms. Growth hormone production and melatonin levels also decline with age, which can impact sleep quality, metabolism, and overall vitality. While this decline is a natural part of ageing, understanding and addressing its effects can help maintain quality of life.

Poor Diet & Low Exercise

Your general level of health has a lot to do with your ability to produce and regulate your hormones. When your body is not in good health, it is not going to do a good job at producing and regulating the hormones in your body.

So, if you are experiencing low hormone production or a hormonal imbalance, then you may want to look into a healthy diet and exercise regime.

Lack of Sleep

The amount of sleep you get and your sleep quality have a big impact on your general health.

During deep sleep (REM phase), the body produces hormones like growth hormone, which supports cell repair, your metabolism, and balances cortisol levels which are critical for stress management. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to elevated cortisol levels, impairing the production of other hormones such as testosterone and insulin.

Additionally, disrupted sleep patterns can affect appetite-regulating hormones like ghrelin and leptin, leading to increased hunger and potential weight gain, further exacerbating hormonal imbalances. Prioritising quality sleep is vital for maintaining overall hormonal health.

Stress

Stress is one of the leading contributors to hormonal imbalance. When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol, the “stress hormone,” to help you deal with the stressor at hand.

While this response is natural, chronic or prolonged stress can lead to an overproduction of cortisol, which disrupts the balance of other essential hormones, such as thyroid hormones, insulin, and sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. This imbalance can result in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and even irregular menstrual cycles.

Hormone related conditions

Several chronic health conditions contribute to hormonal imbalances, including:

• Hypogonadism: Hypogonadism is a condition where the body produces insufficient amounts of sex hormones, such as testosterone in men or estrogen levels in women. This imbalance can occur when the testes or ovaries are not functioning properly. It can result from issues with the pituitary gland or other endocrine glands that regulate hormone production.
• Diabetes: Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can affect insulin levels, which play a key role in regulating other hormones.
• Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism: Disorders of the thyroid gland, such as an underactive or overactive thyroid, can disrupt the balance of your thyroid hormones, impacting metabolism and energy levels.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common condition in women, PCOS causes hormonal imbalances that can affect menstruation, fertility, and overall health.
• Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison’s Disease): When the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and other hormones, it can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue and low blood pressure.
• Cushing’s Syndrome: This condition occurs when the body is exposed to high levels of cortisol for extended periods, leading to symptoms like weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood changes.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can interfere with the production and regulation of hormones.
• Chronic Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can affect the balance of various hormones, including those involved in blood pressure regulation and calcium metabolism.

Hormonal Imbalance Treatment

The good news is that there are a few treatment options for hormone imbalance. If you suspect your hormone levels are too high or low, here is what you need to do.

Consult with a healthcare professional

The first thing you need to do is consult with a hormone specialist who can help you identify which hormone is imbalanced.

They will conduct a thorough physical examination and learn your medical history. They will most likely also ask you to have some hormone blood tests.

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Once they identify which hormone is imbalanced, they will talk through a treatment plan that works for you.

How can I prevent Hormonal Imbalance?

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits plays a crucial role in hormone balance. Make these lifestyle changes to keep your hormones within a healthy range:

• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight, relieve stress, and promote the production of certain hormones, including testosterone.
• Balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet supports normal hormone production. You should eat more vegetables, fruits and fibrous grains. Reduce the intake of sweetened beverages and drink plenty of water.
• Reduce stress: Adopt stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness to tackle day-to-day stressful situations well.
• Quality sleep: Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep because it’s when your tissues and organs heal and regenerate the most. You must give your body enough time to restore its strength and be able to function normally the very next day.

Treating Hormone Imbalance: HRT

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for hormonal imbalance disorders. It uses bioidentical hormones to increase low estrogen, thyroid hormones, vaginal estrogen or testosterone.

There are several ways to administer HRT including gels, patches, pellets, and injections. One of the most common forms of administering HRT is injections due to their effectiveness.

HRT for testosterone or oestrogen has shown positive effects on bone health, cognitive abilities, energy levels, mood, behaviour, depression and much more!

HRT: Frequently asked questions

Are there any risks associated with HRT?

As with any medical treatment, there are risks with HRT including increased chance of blood clots and stroke. It’s important to note that complications while on HRT are rare and can be avoided through the right combination of medication. A good HRT doctor will thoroughly discuss your personal health history with you to make sure your treatment runs smoothly.

Who is a good candidate for HRT?

HRT is generally recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms due to menopause, perimenopause, or hormone deficiencies. A healthcare provider will assess your medical history to determine if it’s the right option for you.

How long will I need to take HRT?

The duration of HRT varies depending on individual needs and symptoms. Some may use it for a few years to manage menopause symptoms, while others may need it for longer. Regular check-ups with your doctor are necessary to monitor its effectiveness and adjust treatment if needed.

Is HRT safe to use for long-term treatment?

Long-term HRT use is safe for some individuals, but it depends on various factors like age, health conditions, and the type of hormones used. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to ensure the treatment remains safe and effective.

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 A Note from Balance My Hormones

Hormones are important for many bodily functions, so even a slight imbalance can trigger symptoms that leave you feeling out of sync. If you’ve noticed changes in how you feel, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can arrange the necessary tests to determine whether a hormonal imbalance or another underlying issue is the cause. Seeking help early is key because starting treatment sooner can help you regain balance and feel like yourself again.

Scientific References / Resources / Further Reading / Study Material

The below links are scientific references, resources to perform further analysis and reading along with studies that have been conducted:

https://www.webmd.com/women/ss/slideshow-hormone-imbalance

https://www.healthline.com/health/hormonal-imbalance

https://patient.info/news-and-features/common-signs-of-a-hormonal-imbalance

Evidence Based Research

This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts.

References, sources and studies used alongside our own in-house research have been cited below, most of which contain external clickable links to reviewed scientific paper that contain date stamped evidence.

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