Have you noticed a change in your body such as increased stress, weight gain, or issues sleeping? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women.
As you age, your hormones begin to reduce, causing an imbalance. For example, testosterone levels start going down in women after 20, and these levels will be cut in half by the age of 40.
Hormonal imbalance can occur at any age and can ultimately lead to more serious diseases. The good news is that hormonal imbalance can be treated to have you feeling like yourself again.
Read below to understand more about hormonal imbalance and what symptoms are telltale signs.
Hormone Definition
Endocrine glands produce hormones to regulate all body functions such as sleep, hunger, and emotions. They also control the reproductive system including the start of puberty.
What is Hormone Imbalance?
Millions of women in the US suffer from hormone imbalance, which can be caused by menopause, perimenopause, stress, or insufficient nutrition.
There are many types of hormones in the body that all have vital roles in everyday living, including progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. Just like the stock market, these hormones fluctuate daily.
A small shift can cause big problems such as mood swings, weight gain, and even issues with organ functions with your heart or kidneys.
Below is a list of common symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women. If you have more than a few of these symptoms, you should consider getting your levels tested to see if hormonal replacement therapy is a good option for you. Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Women
Here are common symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women. Your symptoms could vary depending on which glands or hormones aren’t working accurately.
1. Irregular Periods
For years, you witnessed the regular pattern of your period. If you suddenly notice a change such as extreme timing variations or skipping a month entirely, your progesterone and estrogen levels may be off.
If you are in your early 40s or 50s, this is most likely caused by perimenopause, which means menopause is coming.
2. Sleep Issues
No one likes to have issues sleeping because it throws off your day. If you are having issues falling asleep or feeling rested after a good night’s sleep, your hormones could be acting up.
If your estrogen and progesterone levels are lower than normal, you can experience issues sleeping.
Sleep affects your entire well-being, so keep track of your sleep issues to determine if there is a cause for concern. Sleep affects every area of your life.
3. Stomach Issues
Estrogen and progesterone also have power over your stomach. Any change in hormone levels can lead to the undesirable bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.
People usually don’t associate gas and bloating with hormonal problems. To maintain good health, no one can stress a good, healthy diet enough.
Hormones can also play tricks on your mind and make you overeat because you think you are hungry.
4. Extreme Fatigue
Do you feel sleepy and lack the energy you once had? High progesterone along with low thyroid hormones can wreak havoc on your energy and cause your brain to be in a fog.
If you have regular crashes and feel sluggish in the day, this isn’t normal. You can try changing your diet and eliminating sugars to keep you from hitting the highs and lows.
You may also feel so tired that you have memory issues and find a hard time concentrating.
5. Moody and Blues
Varying levels of estrogen can meddle with your brain’s chemicals. This will cause crazy mood swings from being irritated to feeling down in the dumps.
Anxiety and depression are symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women. Be sure to listen to that inner voice if you don’t feel like yourself. You know when the moods are not normal.
6. Weight Gain
Have you tried every diet and exercise, and you continue to gain weight? Lower levels of estrogen can also make you binge eat.
Hormonal imbalances make it hard to maintain a healthy weight.
Do you have increased belly fat? If your endocrine system is out of whack, it may overproduce some hormones, like cortisol, which will cause your body to store more fat. This is a sign of adrenal fatigue.
If your thyroid is underactive, your metabolism rate will slow. The average weight gain from an underactive thyroid is about 10 to 15 pounds.
7. Headaches
Headaches are not uncommon, but a drop in estrogen may cause severe headaches. If you have had headaches during your period, this is because your estrogen levels are lower during that time of the month.
You may notice more and more headaches as your estrogen levels decrease with age.
8. Lower Libido
Testosterone is not just a male hormone. Women also have some of this hormone in their bodies, which controls your sex drive. If you are losing interest and have lower libido, lower testosterone levels could be the culprit.
Occasional vaginal dryness is common in most women, but if you notice this is becoming a regular occurrence, your hormones may be imbalanced. This can also hurt your sex drive.
9. Breast Changes
Estrogen directly impacts your breast tissue. If you notice any changes, you need to consult a doctor immediately.
If your estrogen levels are higher than average, your breasts may feel tender and sore. Low estrogen can also lead to cysts, lumps, or fibroids.
Low estrogen causes breast tissue to lose density.
Hormonal imbalance can ultimately lead to breast cancer because of estrogen changes, so it’s vital you review any changes with your doctor.
10. Night Sweats
A common symptom of a hormonal imbalance in women is night sweats and hot flashes.
If you feel you are having issues regulating your temperature, your hormones could be causing the problem.
We Can Help Your Hormonal Imbalance
Don’t let hormonal imbalance ruin your life. This condition is easily treatable with hormonal replacement therapy.
Call us today or visit our website to learn more about this therapy and get an analysis of your exclusive hormonal needs. You can feel like yourself once again.
