Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
Many people will experience hormone imbalance at some point in their lives, especially during middle age when hormone levels naturally begin to decline. However, other factors, such as stress, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise, can also contribute to hormonal imbalances.
The symptoms of hormone imbalance can be tricky to identify and may resemble other conditions. If you think your symptoms could be related to hormone imbalance, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor who specializes in this area, like the knowledgeable practitioners at Nava Center.
Most Common Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
If you’re wondering whether your symptoms could be due to a hormone imbalance, here are a few symptoms to look out for:
- Weight gain
- Memory fog
- Muscle loss
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Low energy
- Erectile dysfunction
- Vaginal dryness
- PMS
It’s important to take a comprehensive, whole-body approach rather than treating your health concerns in isolation to truly understand and effectively address signs of hormonal imbalance. While conventional medicine might offer temporary relief through quick fixes, the key to finding lasting relief and restoring balance lies in identifying and treating the underlying causes of your symptoms.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance in Men and Women?
The balance of hormone levels in your body is delicate and can be easily disrupted. Hormone imbalances are mainly caused by short periods of stress, chronic stress, hormonal disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes, birth control or pregnancy, and aging processes like menopause or andropause.
- Poor diet and nutrition: A poor diet is a major contributor to a hormone imbalance. Eating a lower-quality diet, such as saturated fats from fried foods, fatty meats, and highly processed foods, can impact your insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones.
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes: Hormonal imbalances can also be caused by diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, there is a lack of functioning beta cells, resulting in the absence of insulin and amylin hormones. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is characterized by insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin utilization by the body, leading to an accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream.
- Stress: Chronic or prolonged stress triggers the production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal gland that raises your blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): As the thyroid gland stores and makes hormones that affect every organ in your body, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism will impact your metabolism, body weight, energy levels, and overall health.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): This occurs when the ovaries don’t develop eggs properly or when the eggs aren’t released during ovulation. The cause of PCOS isn’t known, but it can lead to imbalanced hormones. Moreover, PCOS is a fairly common condition, affecting an estimated 10 percent of women.
- Natural aging processes like menopause in women or andropause in men: During middle age, men typically experience a decline in testosterone levels, while women experience a decrease in estrogen levels. This hormonal imbalance can lead to numerous symptoms that could impact both health and quality of life.
Still Have Questions? Find the Answer Below!
How Can Nava Health Help With Hormonal Imbalance?
Nava Health takes a personalized approach to hormonal imbalance, focusing on identifying the root cause rather than just managing symptoms. Through advanced testing, our Nava Health professionals assess hormone levels and develop a customized plan. This plan may include lifestyle adjustments, targeted supplements, and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to help bring hormones back into balance and support overall well-being.
How Do Hormones Affect Mental Health and Mood?
Hormones play a key role in regulating emotions, cognitive function, and overall well-being. When hormone levels are out of balance, individuals may experience mood swings, anxiety, irritability, or feelings of depression. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate mood. Addressing hormone imbalances through a comprehensive plan created by our team can improve emotional stability and mental clarity.
How Does Hormonal Imbalance Affect Your Skin?
Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to skin concerns like acne, dryness, and sensitivity. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact oil production, collagen maintenance, and hydration. A decrease in estrogen, for example, may cause dryness and thinning skin, while an excess of androgens could lead to acne breakouts. Balancing hormone levels may help support clearer and healthier skin.
How Does Hormonal Imbalance Cause Weight Gain?
Hormones influence metabolism, fat storage, and appetite regulation. An imbalance in insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormone, or sex hormones could contribute to unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight. For instance, high cortisol levels from chronic stress might promote fat storage, especially in the abdominal area, while changes in estrogen and progesterone may impact metabolism.
What Happens When Your Hormones Are Unbalanced?
Hormonal imbalance may interfere with many bodily functions, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight fluctuations, mood swings, sleep disruptions, digestive problems, and decreased libido. Over time, untreated imbalances could contribute to metabolic disorders, cardiovascular concerns, or bone density loss. Identifying and addressing hormone fluctuation can support long-term health and well-being.
What Symptoms Should You Look for in a Hormonal Imbalance Checklist?
Signs of hormonal imbalance may include:
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Low libido
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Digestive discomfort
- Skin concerns such as acne or dryness
- Hair thinning or loss
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating If any of these symptoms persist, seeking a hormone assessment could help determine the underlying cause.
Why Does Hormonal Imbalance Lower Your Libido?
Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone play a key role in sexual health. When these hormones are imbalanced, libido may decrease, and issues like vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction could arise. Stress-related hormonal changes, including elevated cortisol levels, might also contribute to reduced sexual desire.
What Is BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a treatment designed to restore hormonal balance using hormones that are very similar to those naturally produced by the body. BHRT is often recommended for people dealing with hormone imbalances due to aging, menopause, or other factors. Since these hormones closely resemble the body’s natural ones, they are better absorbed, which may help relieve symptoms and restore balance.
How Is BHRT Provided?
BHRT can be given in different forms, including creams, gels, patches, injections, and pellets. The right method depends on individual needs and treatment goals. At Nava Health, our specialists tailor BHRT to each person’s unique hormone profile to ensure the best results.
What Are the Risks of BHRT?
While BHRT is generally well-tolerated, some may experience temporary side effects, such as fluid retention, acne, or mood swings, as the body adjusts. More serious risks, like an increased risk of blood clots or certain cancers, depend on personal health history and dosage. Our healthcare professionals will review your medical history and monitor your progress to minimize risks and ensure the best treatment outcomes.
What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and How Does It Relate to Hormonal Imbalance?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused by hormonal imbalance, often involving excess androgens and insulin resistance. It can lead to symptoms like irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth. Treating PCOS typically involves lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, and hormone support to manage symptoms and improve overall health.
What Is the Role of the Endocrine Gland in Hormonal Imbalance?
The endocrine system controls hormone production and balance. Problems with glands like the thyroid, adrenal glands, or ovaries can cause hormonal imbalances. Our experts can help identify and treat any underlying issues with the endocrine glands, which is key to restoring hormone health.
How Does Thyroid Disorder Impact Hormonal Balance?
Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can disrupt hormonal balance. The thyroid plays a key role in metabolism, energy, and temperature regulation. When it’s not working properly, it can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain or loss, and mood swings. Keeping the thyroid healthy is essential for overall hormonal stability.
Treatment for Hormonal Imbalance
While the symptoms of hormone imbalance can range from mild to severe, there are solutions available. If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, getting tested by an experienced bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) doctor can help you find the cause of your symptoms and develop a safe, effective hormonal imbalance treatment plan. It’s more than just treating a symptom – it’s getting to the root cause of what’s really wrong.
Contact Nava Center today to schedule your BHRT consultation.