Hormones play an important part in the maintenance of overall health. Consequently, a broad spectrum of symptoms may indicate a hormonal imbalance in females. Many illnesses that produce hormone imbalance can be treated if properly diagnosed and treated by medical experts. [1, 2, 4]
According to the statistics, eighty percent of women experience some hormone imbalance. These imbalances are most readily seen in the concentrations of two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. When the balance of these two hormones is disturbed, several symptoms can manifest, such as irregular menstruation periods, pelvic pain, and uterine fibroids. Some women live their entire lives with these abnormalities and are completely unaware of them. [1, 3, 6]
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are the chemical messengers in the body produced in the endocrine glands, and as they circulate throughout the bloodstream, they instruct the cells and organs on what to do. They regulate a variety of important activities in the body, including reproduction and metabolism.
When you have a hormonal imbalance, you either have an excess or a deficiency in a certain hormone in your body. During your lifespan, your levels of some hormones will likely change, which may be a natural consequence of getting older. When the endocrine glands get the recipe wrong, other alterations can occur in your body. Even relatively minor adjustments can have significant consequences on several systems throughout the body.
Some hormonal imbalances are temporary, while others might last for an extended period. In addition, some hormone imbalances need to be treated to maintain physical health. In contrast, other hormonal imbalances may not affect your health but can negatively influence your quality of life. [1, 3, 4, 5]
What causes Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
Many things can disrupt hormone balance and function. Identifying and addressing hormone imbalance causes at an early stage can prevent chronic disease. Common hormone imbalance causes include:
- Thyroid (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
- Birth control
- Hormonal replacement
- Chronic stress
- Diabetes
- Poor diet
- Cushing syndrome
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone Therapy
- Medications
- Tumors
- Injury or trauma. [1, 3, 7]
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances in Females
Fatigue
Check your hormone levels if you’re taking care of yourself but still feeling tired or unwell. Nowadays, adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism are more common than you think. These conditions can be diagnosed using a hormonal imbalance test. Rest, hydration, and a nutritious diet should all help. [7, 8, 9]
Problematic Weight Gain/Loss
Many individuals have trouble losing weight and keeping it off due to their nutrient-poor diet and excessive exercise. The body interprets this effort as stress, and when it is under stress, it enters survival mode and releases cortisol. The cortisol levels are constantly high when you are chronically stressed, and the body stores fat as a source of energy to defend itself from any risk it may detect. [7, 8, 9]
Sleeping Problems
Insomnia is connected to a dysregulated Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal (HPA). It regulates the sleep-wake cycle by releasing melatonin and cortisol. Melatonin helps us fall asleep sooner and remain asleep longer by regulating our circadian rhythm. The inability to release melatonin might cause trouble sleeping or staying asleep. When your evening cortisol levels are too high, you may have difficulties sleeping and feel stimulated but fatigued. 40% of perimenopausal women have sleep disorders, such as waking up with a cold and sweating. [7, 8, 9]
Digestive Issues
There are more neurotransmitters in the stomach than in the brain, so it should be no surprise that hormonal imbalance occasionally accompanies digestive problems. Hormones regulate gut function through the microbiome and bacterial system in our intestines; therefore, a hormone imbalance can affect the population and function of the bacteria in your gut, causing bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea. [7, 8, 9]
Skin Problems
Acne is a common indication of hormonal imbalance in females. Androgens, called “male hormones,” regulate your skin’s sebum production. Sebum can build up in your pores if your body produces too many androgens, causing a pimple.
Hair Problems
The quality and vitality of your hair are also directly related to your hormones. Abnormalities related to the thyroid may result in dry hair or skin, hair loss, thinning hair, or brittle nails. [7, 8, 9]
PMS and Low Sex Drive
Low testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone lower men’s and women’s sex drive. After 50, when estrogen and testosterone diminish, it’s frequent. Since estrogen regulates a woman’s menstrual cycle, a decrease in production might cause irregular periods. [7, 8, 9]
Muscle Weakness and Joint Pain
Muscle weakness and stiffness are indicators of thyroid disease since the thyroid breaks glycogen into glucose, our muscles’ main energy source. Several hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormone, contribute to muscle strength. Weakness is linked to declining estrogen. [7, 8, 9]
Changes in Blood Pressure
The pancreas, the body’s largest hormone-producing gland, plays a key role in heart health. Insulin modulates blood glucose levels. Without proper regulation of this hormone, too much glucose in the blood can lead to cardiovascular issues, including excessive cholesterol or high blood pressure. Hypertension is associated with thyroid dysfunction, testosterone inadequacy, growth hormone excess or deficit, and more. [7, 8, 9]
Swollen or Rounded Face
This hormone imbalance symptom isn’t often discussed, yet it can be serious. Despite being painless, this symptom may significantly impair your quality of life. This gradual rounding or swelling of the face is a hallmark of Cushing’s syndrome and excessive cortisol. The adrenal glands can’t manage blood pressure and inflammation if they release too much cortisol. Your body has trouble maintaining the blood vessels functioning properly, causing face and shoulder puffiness. [7, 8, 9]
The Bottom Line
Hormonal imbalances affect nearly everyone at some point during their life. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and age all trigger hormonal imbalances in women. Hormonal imbalances can be problematic for females over the long run. Problems in the endocrine system or the glands can lead to an imbalance of hormones. It can also be triggered by stress or hormonal medicines. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained pain, discomfort, or difficulty with regular tasks for an extended period of time, you should see a doctor. [1, 3, 4, 7]
References
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance
- https://www.webmd.com/women/ss/slideshow-hormone-imbalance
- https://www.healthline.com/health/hormonal-imbalance#diagnosis
- https://hormonehealth.co.uk/10-warning-signs-you-may-have-a-hormonal-imbalance-and-what-to-do-about-it
- https://madisonwomenshealth.com/womens-health/hormone-imbalance-symptoms-and-treatments/
- https://www.northwell.edu/obstetrics-and-gynecology/fertility/expert-insights/11-unexpected-signs-of-hormonal-imbalance
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321486#acne
- https://thewellnessfoundations.com/blog/13-signs-of-hormone-imbalance-that-most-women-ignore/
- https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/hormonal-imbalance-symptoms/
