Hormonal Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Hormonal Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview 

Whether you agree or not, no one wants to be a slave to their hormones, but the reality is something different. As hormones are everything, at different points in life their levels shift. It mostly happens before or after your periods, during the time of pregnancy, and after menopause. In general, hormones are chemical messengers produced by different glands and tissues present in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream.

As a messenger, hormones travel to all the body tissues and organs through the bloodstream and give messages to the organs, informing them of what functions to perform and when to do them. Hormones play a huge role in the body as they help regulate a lot of processes, for example, managing appetite, metabolism, sleep cycle, heart rate, influencing mood, impacting stress and energy, controlling hunger, regulating the menstrual cycle, and more. In conversation with a medical expert from New Concept Clinic, a Gynecology Hospital in Dubai, be it a woman or a man, hormones are there for everybody. However, sudden fluctuations in the levels of hormones on a daily basis are normal.

Common hormone imbalances

For our body to function, there are more than 50 hormones, and each one plays an important role in managing periods, fertility, energy, weight, and many more aspects of the body. But a slight decrease or imbalance can result in common disorders affecting the body like:

  1. Estrogen imbalances: In general, estrogen imbalances are not caused until a woman enters menopause. However, women with low body fat and high body fat may experience changes in the menstrual cycle. Other symptoms of estrogen imbalance include hot flashes, breast tenderness, weight gain, fatigue, painful sex, and others.

  2. Progesterone imbalances: As the progesterone hormones are produced by the ovaries, the adrenal glands, and the placenta, they have different symptoms like low sex drive, depression, irregular periods, difficulty conceiving, and many more.

  3. Prolactin imbalances: The hormone prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and causes several symptoms like headaches, irregular periods, fertility issues, nipple discharge, etc.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance

Hormonal abnormalities can lead to:

  • weight gain

  • hump of fat between the shoulders

  • unexplained and sometimes sudden weight loss

  • fatigue

  • muscle weakness

  • muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness

  • pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints

  • increased or decreased heart rate

  • sweating

  • increased sensitivity to cold or heat

  • constipation or more frequent bowel movements

  • frequent urination

  • increased thirst

  • increased hunger

  • decreased sex drive

  • depression

  • nervousness, anxiety, or irritability

  • blurred vision

  • infertility

  • thinning hair or fine, brittle hair

  • dry skin

  • puffy face

  • rounded face

  • purple or pink stretch marks

Types of hormone tests

  1. Fertility

  2. Menopause

  3. Thyroid

  4. Testosterone

Causes of hormonal imbalances

In a woman, there are a lot of possible causes of hormonal changes depending on the hormone and gland affected. The following are the most typical causes of hormone imbalances:

  1. Diabetes

  2. Menopause

  3. Pregnancy

  4. Breastfeeding

  5. Stress

  6. Eating disorder

What are the signs and tips to manage them?

The imbalance of the hormones depends on the glands that are not working properly in a woman's body. There are several signs and symptoms that you can check on.

  1. Mood swings: The female sex hormone estrogen is the one that affects serotonin, a chemical affecting moods. The sudden and regular fluctuation of estrogen causes PMS, or changes in mood during periods, menopause, pregnancy, and more.

    How to care: Changes in diet and lifestyle will help you a lot to manage your mood swings. You can take up exercise, manage your drinks, take herbal remedies, and others to improve your mood.

  2. Heavy periods: Fluctuation in estrogen causes heavy periods accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, urgent need to urinate, back pain, constipation, and others.

    How to care: If the symptoms are worse, try to eat a balanced diet and consume liquids; if the situation is not under control, consult the Top Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Dubai.

  3. Insomnia: The two hormones named estrogen and progesterone are the ones that regulate the sleep cycle. The lower the levels of hormones, the lower the quality and quantity of sleep.

    How to care: To improve the sleep cycle, it is advised to wear cotton night clothes, keep your bedroom cool, reduce alcohol or caffeine intake, and others.

  4. Weight gain: Triggered hormonal imbalances result in weight gain and an underactive thyroid. Unexplained weight gain can also be due to several other problems caused by hormones, like PCOS and menopause.

    How to care: Indulge yourself in exercises and switch to a healthy diet that helps you manage your fat and proteins. If the change in diet and lifestyle is not helping, look for medical advice.

  5. Skin problems: Fluctuations in hormones are directly proportional to skin problems. It results in chronic adult acne, itchy skin, dry skin, a sign of low estrogen and progesterone, and a high level of androgen.

    How to care: Hormonal skin problems are said to be treated under medical advice. If you think skin problems are linked to hormonal changes or imbalances, then look for the Top Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Dubai.

Complications linked to hormonal imbalances

If not recognized and treated at the right time, hormonal imbalances can cause a wide range of health risks and complications over time, like:

  1. Obesity

  2. Sterility

  3. Mental illness

  4. Kidney damage

  5. Urinary incontinence

  6. Sexual dysfunction

What to know about hormone testing

Hormones have the ability to affect your mood, immunological system, cognitive function, reproductive system, bone density, and energy levels. Hormones play an important role in the body's performance. Hormonal imbalances can have a variety of effects on your health.

Hormone testing can assist provide a complete picture of your health, including what may be causing fatigue or weight gain. Before selecting a hormone test, consider whether you want to learn more about your fertility, menopause, or testosterone levels. Consult your doctor again to go over the results.

When to talk with a doctor

Some illnesses or difficulties can arise as a result of a hormonal imbalance. Schedule an appointment with a doctor if you're suddenly losing or gaining weight without trying, have joint problems, excessive exhaustion, or abdominal pain that won't go away.

Consider seeing a doctor if you're having trouble getting pregnant or if you're experiencing other reproductive issues.

Hormonal imbalance is a complex matter that affects a woman's life, resulting in some major and minor health consequences. So, if you don't have the energy you used to have, you're not sleeping well, or you're feeling nervous and melancholy for no apparent reason, it's time to look for the signs. Visit a reputed clinic like ours and consult Dr. Elsa, a Trained Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Dubai offering services related to Women’s Health. To get the right course of treatment and a quick recovery, Book an Appointment now.

Also Read :- Miscarriage Symptoms and Causes What Should Do After Miscarriage