Hormones play an important role in our overall health. They help control many of our body’s major processes, like reproduction, growth, metabolism (breaking down of food), mood, and many other things.
Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Now, due to how important they are, even the slightest change in the level can cause side effects in our body.
Some hormone levels fluctuate throughout the lifetime and may just be the result of natural aging. Other times could be because of the endocrine glands (where hormones are produced) secreting too little or too much.
Now, note that this condition isn’t peculiar to a gender, hormonal imbalance can occur in both male and female, but today we’d be talking about it in females. You should also know this condition may be temporary or long term.
Dear lovelies, let’s talk about some of the symptoms, causes and treatments of hormonal imbalance in women.
Signs and symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
There are many signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women, and they depend on which glands in your body are affected and which hormones are imbalanced. Some of the symptoms include:
- Irregular periods: Hormonal imbalance can cause PCOS. Read more about it here.
- Infertility: This condition can affect the menstrual cycle, which makes it hard to get pregnant.
- Unexplainable weight gain or weight loss
- Insomnia
- Low sex drive
- Persistent acne
- Bloating
- Mood swings
- Sweaty skin
- Hair loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Skin tags
- Pain in the back or abdomen during menstruation
Causes of hormonal imbalance
Everyone will experience natural periods of hormonal imbalance or fluctuations at particular points in their lives. Some of the causes in women includes:
- Diabetes
- Puberty
- Menopause
- PCOS
- Breastfeeding
- High stress
- Cancers that involve endocrine glands
- Pregnancy
- Unhealthy diet
- Anorexia
- Hormone medications, such as birth control pills
- Steroid use
How can it be treated?
Treatment for hormonal imbalance is determined by the specific cause and tailored to each individual woman. Medical treatment options for hormone imbalances include:
- Birth control medication
- Hormone replacement medications
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Lifestyle habits can also prevent or reduce hormonal imbalance in women. These habits include:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Performing regular physical exercise.
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Reducing stress.
- Practicing self-regulation (deep breathing, yoga, positive visualization and meditation) to manage stress.
- Avoiding spicy foods and drinks.
- Minimizing sugary foods.
- Scheduling regular checkups with the doctor.
Did you enjoy reading? I’m sure you were able to learn a thing or two about hormonal imbalance! If you’re having some of the symptoms, it’s best to visit your doctor to be sure of what exactly it is and the severity of the condition.
Resources
- https://www.healthline.com/health/hormonal-imbalance
- https://www.webmd.com/women/ss/slideshow-hormone-imbalance
- https://www.medicinenet.com/causes_symptoms_of_hormonal_imbalances_women/article.htm
- https://www.baptisthealth.com/services/womens-care/conditions/hormonal-imbalance
You should also check out👇🏾
Leave a Reply