Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances may be to blame for a range of unwanted symptoms from fatigue or weight gain to itchy skin or low mood.
Hormones are chemicals produced by glands in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream. An imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone.
Your hormones are important for regulating many different processes in the body including appetite and metabolism, sleep cycles, reproductive cycles and sexual function, body temperature and mood.
No surprise then that even the slightest imbalance may have a noticeable effect on your overall health and wellbeing.
Levels of hormones naturally fluctuate at various life stages, most noticeably during puberty and in women during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. They can also be affected by lifestyle and certain medical conditions.
What is important is to notice any symptoms and receive appropriate treatment, whether that involves using medication or complementary therapies, or making lifestyle changes, to restore the balance and your good health.
Hormone Imbalances in Women:
Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance specific to females include:
- Heavyor irregular periods, including missed periods, a stopped period, or a frequent period
- Hirsutism, or excessive hair on the face, chin, or other parts of the body
- Acneon the face, chest, or upper back
- Hair loss
- Darkening of the skin, especially along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath the breasts
- Skin tags
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal atrophy
- Pain during sex
- Night sweats
- Headaches
Learn how to treat hormone imbalances in women here.
Hormone Imbalances in Men:
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in adult males include:
- Gynecomastia, or the development of breast tissue
- Breast tenderness
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Decrease inbeard growth and body hair growth
- Loss of muscle mass
- Loss of bone mass, otherwise known asosteoporosis
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hot flashes
Learn how to treat hormone imbalances in men here.