When there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream, hormonal imbalances arise. Because of their critical function in the body, even minor hormone abnormalities can have far-reaching consequences.
Symptoms or signs of a hormonal imbalance
Hormones play an important role in your overall health. As a result, a variety of indications and symptoms could point to a hormonal imbalance. Whatever hormones or glands are failing will define the signs and symptoms you experience.
Any of the following signs or symptoms might be caused by common hormonal problems that affect both men and women:
- Weight gain / sudden weight loss
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle aches
- Pains, soreness, and stiffness in the muscles
- Increased/decreased heart rate
- Hot sweats
- Decreased sex drive
- Mood changes
- Thinning hair
- Dehydrated skin
- Fertility issues
- Sleep issues
It is worth noting that these symptoms are generic, and that they may not always indicate a hormone imbalance.
Symptoms in females
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal abnormality in females of reproductive age.
During these stages, your typical hormonal cycle also changes:
- Menopause/perimenopause
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Puberty
Female-specific symptoms of a hormonal imbalance include:
- Irregular periods
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chin or other regions of the body
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Tags on the skin
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal pain
- Hot flashes
- Headaches
Symptoms in males
Testosterone is a crucial hormone in aiding male growth. It can create a number of symptoms if your body isn’t creating enough testosterone.
In males, changes in hormones can manifest in the following ways:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Gynecomastia
- Hair loss/slower hair growth
- Loss of muscle and bone mass
- Lack of concentration
- Hot flashes
What causes hormonal imbalances?
A hormonal imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors – the reasons for this vary depending on which hormones or glands are involved. Below we list the common causes of hormonal changes, some of which can lead to further imbalances.
- Hormone therapy
- Diabetes
- Thyroid issues
- Medications
- Chemotherapy
- Tumours
- Eating disorders
- Stress
- Injuries
Women-specific causes of hormonal imbalances
Reproductive hormones have a role in a variety of hormonal imbalances in women. The most common reasons are:
- PCOS
- Menopause/perimenopause
- Pregnancy / breast feeding
- Birth control pills
Treatment
If you feel like you may be struggling with hormonal imbalances, it is always best to get tested and checked by a medical professional.
The expert may ask the following questions:
- How frequently do you get symptoms?
- Have you tried anything to alleviate symptoms?
- Have you lately lost or gained weight?
- Are you feeling more tense than usual?
- When was your last period?
- Do you intend to start a family?
- Do you have a hard time gaining or keeping an erection?
- Do you experience vaginal dryness or soreness when having sex?
If tests show that you are in fact suffering with hormonal imbalances, then treatment options will be available to you.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a favoured choice of treatment due to the tailored plan that is provided to suit your individual needs and deficiencies.
If you would like to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement, it’s benefits and how it differs from standard HRT, click here.
