What is hormone imbalance?
A hormone imbalance occurs when there are too much or too little of a certain hormone in the body. Hormones are chemicals produced by the endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream. They travel to different tissues and organs and affect many bodily functions like growth, metabolism, sleep, mood, sexual function, and reproduction.
Some common signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Loss of libido
- Mood changes like anxiety, irritability or depression
- Hair loss
- Sleep problems
- Skin issues like acne or dry skin
Causes of hormone imbalances
There are several potential causes of hormone imbalances:
- Menopause - Declining estrogen levels often lead to hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, etc.
- Thyroid disorders - An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause too much or too little thyroid hormone.
- Adrenal disorders - Too much cortisol from the adrenal glands may lead to Cushing's disease. Too little cortisol may cause Addison's disease.
- Pituitary tumors - Tumors in the pituitary gland can affect levels of multiple hormones like prolactin, growth hormone, ACTH and others.
- Gut issues - Poor gut health can cause problems absorbing and metabolizing hormones properly.
- Chronic stress - Prolonged stress leads to high cortisol and imbalances in reproductive hormones.
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Some prescription medications, infections and autoimmune diseases
Treating hormone imbalances
Treatment depends on what type of hormone imbalance you have, but may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - Taking estrogen, progesterone or/and testosterone supplements.
- Thyroid medication - Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism or beta-blockers for hyperthyroidism
- Medications that block hormone production or reception in cases of excess hormones
- Lifestyle changes - Eating a balanced diet, exercising, reducing stress through yoga, meditation or counseling, and getting adequate sleep
- Treatment of underlying conditions causing the imbalance
If you suspect you have a hormone imbalance, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or endocrinologist. Getting your hormone levels tested is key for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
The experts at Balance Hormone Solutions specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of hormone imbalance issues. We provide cutting-edge testing, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care to help patients restore healthy hormonal balance from the inside out. Book a consultation today to take control of your health!