Hormones
Recognising and Managing Hormonal Imbalances
Nobody wants to feel controlled by their hormones, but how can you tell if they're out of sync, and what steps can you take to restore balance?
Hormonal imbalances may be behind various unpleasant symptoms, from fatigue and weight gain to itchy skin and low mood. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system, which are released into the bloodstream to regulate essential body processes such as metabolism, sleep, reproduction, mood, and body temperature. Even small fluctuations can significantly impact your health and well-being.
Causes of Hormonal Imbalances
Hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout life, particularly during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause in women. Lifestyle factors and certain medical conditions can also disrupt balance. It’s important to pay attention to symptoms and consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment, which may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or complementary therapies.
11 Common Signs of Hormonal Imbalance and What to Do
1. Mood Swings
Fluctuating estrogen levels can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, leading to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or low mood during perimenopause or menopause.
What to Do:
Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and herbal remedies like St John’s Wort may help. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could also be beneficial. Keeping a symptom diary can help identify hormonal triggers.
2. Heavy or Painful Periods
Symptoms such as abdominal pain, frequent urination, lower back pain, and painful intercourse could indicate fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths stimulated by estrogen.
What to Do:
Consult a healthcare provider. Medications may shrink fibroids, and surgery might be considered in severe cases.
3. Low Libido
Decreased estrogen and testosterone levels during menopause can lead to reduced libido. Night sweats, fatigue, and anxiety can further affect sexual desire.
What to Do:
Consider discussing testosterone therapy as part of HRT with a women’s health expert. It may enhance libido, mood, and energy.
4. Insomnia and Poor-Quality Sleep
Declining estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause can disrupt sleep and cause night sweats.
What to Do:
Speak to a doctor about HRT to restore hormone levels. Improve sleep hygiene with cotton bedding, a cool, dark bedroom, regular exercise, and reduced alcohol and caffeine.
5. Unexplained Weight Gain
Conditions like an underactive thyroid, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or menopause-related hormonal shifts can cause weight gain, especially around the abdomen.
What to Do:
Consult a doctor to rule out thyroid or ovarian conditions. Contrary to common belief, HRT does not cause weight gain and may help regulate menopause symptoms.
6. Skin Problems
Persistent acne could indicate low estrogen or progesterone, high androgens, or PCOS. Dry or itchy skin may be linked to menopause or thyroid issues.
What to Do:
Seek advice from a healthcare expert to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.
7. Fertility Issues
Hormonal imbalances are a leading cause of infertility. High follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or low luteinizing hormone (LH) can reduce fertility, as can PCOS or early menopause.
What to Do:
A fertility specialist can conduct hormone tests to diagnose the issue. Treatments may include medication, lifestyle changes, or assisted reproductive technologies.
8. Headaches
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause often trigger headaches.
What to Do:
Track symptoms to identify patterns and triggers. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and eating frequent, balanced meals may help. A doctor may recommend migraine medication, HRT, or the contraceptive pill.
9. Fatigue
Persistent tiredness, even with adequate sleep, may be caused by conditions like an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or adrenal fatigue. Thyroid hormones regulate energy production, and cortisol levels that are too high or too low can affect energy levels.
What to do…
If fatigue persists, seek medical advice to check thyroid function or assess cortisol levels. Adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep hygiene can also help improve energy levels.
10. Hair thinning or hair loss
Hormonal imbalances like high androgen levels, hypothyroidism, or menopause-related drops in estrogen can cause hair loss. Androgens shrink hair follicles, leading to thinning hair, while thyroid imbalances disrupt the hair growth cycle.
What to do…
A doctor may recommend hormone testing and treatments such as thyroid medication, topical minoxidil, or HRT. A nutrient-rich diet and supplements (like biotin or iron) may support hair health.
11. Digestive issues
Hormones like estrogen and cortisol influence gut health. Imbalances can lead to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, often exacerbated by stress or the menstrual cycle.
What to do…
A gut-friendly diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and whole foods can support digestion. Stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness and yoga may also help. Persistent symptoms warrant a medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.
Restoring Hormonal Balance
The key to managing hormonal imbalances is understanding their root cause. Steps to promote balance include:
Lifestyle Changes: Prioritize exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep.
Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques and avoid overcommitting.
Medical Treatment: Consider medication, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or other targeted interventions based on professional advice.
Holistic Approaches: Herbal remedies, acupuncture, and supplements may complement traditional treatments, but consult your doctor first.
Proactive care and professional guidance can help restore hormonal harmony and improve overall well-being.