Hormonal imbalance in females

Hormonal imbalance symptoms in females can be part of their natural life cycle. However, they can be a cause of concern if they are unexpected or debilitating. In this article, we’re going to discover more about symptoms of hormonal imbalance, the causes, hormone testing, and how to fix hormone imbalance.

Hormone imbalance symptoms in females

There are points in a woman’s life when she will experience hormonal imbalances. For example, hormonal changes at 40 prompt symptoms such as those associated with perimenopause. Puberty and pregnancy are other crucial stages for natural fluctuations.

At other times, a woman may experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as:

  • Weight gainweight loss
  • Sweating
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Hair loss
  • Fatigue
  • Acne
  • Muscle loss
  • Digestive issues
  • Hot flashes
  • Heavy, irregular, or absent periods
  • Mood changes such as anxiety and irritability

The 5 hormonal imbalance types

There are five types of hormonal imbalance that primarily affect women.

1. Estrogen

Too much estrogen can lead to symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as irregular periods, headaches, depression, and fatigue. Low estrogen in women can produce similar symptoms.

2. Progesterone

If you have high levels of progesterone, you may suffer from decreased sex drive, low mood, and weight fluctuations. Low levels may cause irregular periods, infertility, headaches, and anxiety.

3. Thyroxine

Too much thyroxine can cause menstrual issues, weight loss, and fatigue. Too little can result in weight gain, infertility, and memory issues.

4. Parathyroid hormone

Having too much of this hormone means increased blood calcium levels, leading to symptoms such as digestive issues and joint pain. Too little can result in hypoparathyroidism, with symptoms like painful periods, hair loss, and dry skin.

5. Testosterone

Low testosterone in women can cause problems with fertility, periods, and low sex drive. High levels of testosterone can lead to infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and excessive hair growth.

As you can see, hormonal imbalance symptoms in females can vary widely according to the cause, which we’ll look at next.

What causes hormonal imbalance in females?

You may be wondering, what causes hormonal imbalance in women? Here are some of the most common reasons:

  • Life stage: Females can experience hormonal imbalance at key life stages, like puberty and pregnancy. And hormonal changes at 40 with symptoms like hot flashes, irregular periods, and anxiety may indicate a woman is approaching menopause.
  • Lifestyle: Factors include stress, alcohol and drug use, and diet. Beverages and foods that cause hormonal imbalance include those high in sugar, which can affect insulin, and caffeine, which can increase cortisol.
  • Medical conditions: These include diabetes, Addison’s disease, or Cushing’s syndrome.
  • Medication: One particular example is hormone-based medication such as contraceptive pills.

When should you get tested for hormonal imbalance?

Once you start noticing symptoms, the next step is to get a hormone test for women. This could be for hormonal changes at 40 with symptoms like painful periods, or for any of the other issues we’ve seen.

It’s important to know the best time of the month to test hormone levels.

For estrogen, take a hormone level test on day three of your cycle to know more about your fertility and for diagnosing PCOS.

Test for progesterone on days 19-22. This test can confirm ovulation and whether your body is preparing for pregnancy.

For testosterone, you can test on any day, but it should be between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. when your levels peak.

For parathyroid hormone level with high readings and for symptoms such as digestive problems or hair loss, test first thing in the morning before eating.

To get female hormone blood test results explained fully, it’s best to talk to your doctor.

How to treat hormonal imbalances

While some hormonal imbalances may correct themselves, it’s best to consult an endocrinologist, a doctor specializing in hormones.

They can suggest the best time of the month to test hormone levels, offer a hormone level test, and advise on any female hormone blood test results, explained in relation to your symptoms.

How long treatment takes will depend on your individual situation.

Food

Your diet may help balance your hormones – for example, if you have diabetes. You can monitor your sugar intake to help regulate insulin, the hormone that controls your blood sugar levels.

You may also want to try natural remedies for hormonal imbalance in females. Drinks to balance hormones include kombucha, a fermented tea that contains amino acids, B vitamins, and enzymes.

Herbs that balance hormones include nigella seeds, which help regulate a range of hormones including testosterone, insulin, and thyroid hormone.

You may also want to try vitamin supplements. You can take vitamin D for high parathyroid levels and vitamin B for high estrogen levels, for example.

Medicine

After analysis of your hormone blood test, your doctor may prescribe medicine for your condition.

For example, if you have a parathyroid hormone level that is high with symptoms like digestive problems, your doctor can offer you medication to stop your parathyroid glands from producing too much of the hormone.

Hormone replacement therapy

If you are suffering from hormonal changes at 40 with symptoms involving your menstrual cycle, night sweats, and anxiety, your doctor can arrange a hormone test for women. This may reveal a decrease in estrogen, a sign of menopause.

You may be offered hormone replacement therapy, which replaces the hormones that decline naturally as you age.

The final word

Hormone imbalance can be a natural phenomenon in women – for example, at puberty, during pregnancy, and as a woman approaches menopause. Sometimes, hormone levels rise and fall unexpectedly with unwanted symptoms like weight gain and heavy periods.

But there is a range of treatments available, from lifestyle changes to medication and hormone replacement therapy, all of which can help restore your vitality and love of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with hormonal imbalance side effects, you could benefit from a hormone imbalance test. Schedule an appointment with a doctor today!