Everyone is constantly managing different aspects of their lives. From work to family to maintaining their own health and well-being, it feels like there’s always something to take care of. Unfortunately, when it comes to hormones, even the slightest imbalance can cause big problems. If you’re struggling with a hormonal imbalance, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Here’s everything you need to know about how to manage a hormonal imbalance.

Taking a Hormone Imbalance Test

A doctor can recommend you take a hormone imbalance test. Hormone levels vary throughout the day and are affected by a number of factors, including stress, diet, exercise, and medications. There is also no one “normal” level of hormones for all people. What’s normal for one person may be high for another.

If you think you may have a hormonal imbalance, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and concerns. They can order blood tests, a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, or a thyroid scan to check your hormone levels and help determine the cause of your symptoms.

3 Categories of Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms

Many people suffer from hormonal imbalance and do not even know it. In addition, hormonal imbalance can manifest in a variety of ways, making it difficult to diagnose. In this article, we will discuss the three categories of symptoms often caused by hormonal imbalance.

1. Period Problems and Period-Related Symptoms

Hormonal imbalance can cause various period problems and period-related symptoms in those who menstruate. Some of the most common include irregular periods, missed periods, heavy bleeding, and cramping. In some cases, hormonal imbalance can also lead to early-onset puberty or menopause.

2. Fertility Problems

Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of fertility problems in both men and women. In women, imbalanced hormones can cause issues with ovulation, making it difficult to become pregnant. In men, imbalanced hormones can cause low sperm count and poor sperm quality, making it difficult to father a child.

3. Puberty and Menopause Problems

Hormonal imbalance can cause a lot of problems during puberty and menopause. In girls, imbalanced hormones can cause early-onset puberty, irregular periods, and mood swings. In women, imbalanced hormones can cause hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and weight gain. Below are three situations where women can experience problems with puberty or menopause due to a hormone imbalance.

Getting First Period Too Young or Too Old

Early or late onset of menstruation can signal a hormonal imbalance. For example, if you got your first period before age 10, that’s considered early onset. Alternatively, late-onset is defined as starting your period after age 18.

Irregular Periods in Teens

You’re considered to have irregular periods if you bleed more than once in a month or if your cycle is shorter or longer than the average 28-day cycle. Irregular periods can be caused by stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, and premature menopause.

Early Onset of Menopause

Menopause is a natural process that most women go through. However, some women have symptoms of menopause earlier than others. These symptoms can be as simple as having lighter periods or missing periods altogether.

Common Hormone Imbalances

A hormonal imbalance can be challenging to manage, especially if it is not identified early. Below are some of the most common hormone imbalances that people experience.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of cysts on the ovaries, abnormal hormone levels, and irregular menstrual cycles. PCOS can lead to fertility problems, insulin resistance, and weight gain.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders are a common type of hormonal imbalance in women. They can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, depression, and hair loss. Thyroid disorders can be treated with medication and changes in lifestyle.

Estrogen Imbalance

Estrogen imbalance is another common type of hormonal imbalance in women. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a key role in the reproductive system. An imbalance can cause symptoms like irregular periods, fatigue, weight gain, hot flashes, breast tenderness, and more.

Low testosterone

Low testosterone levels can cause a range of symptoms, including low energy levels, decreased muscle mass, and reduced sex drive. In addition, testosterone levels typically decline with age, which can lead to andropause (the male equivalent of menopause). Although andropause is a natural process, it can be associated with significant physical and emotional changes. Low testosterone levels can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy.

Risks of Not Addressing Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance can cause a wide range of health problems, both in the short and long term. If this is left untreated, the health consequences can be quite serious, and it is definitely more than mood swings or PMS. Hormonal imbalance is usually a sign that your body is not 100% happy, and this needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Some of the risks associated with not treating hormonal imbalance include:

Increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
Weakened immune system
Impaired mental function
Weight gain or obesity
Difficulty conceiving a child
Early-onset menopause or andropause
Hair loss or thinning hair

Treating Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, diet, and certain medical conditions. Once the cause of your hormonal imbalance is determined, your doctor can help you find the best treatment options. Some simple treatment options are:

Managing your stress levels – This is often a root cause of hormonal imbalance.
Making changes to your diet – Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid processed foods.
Increase exercise – This is shown to reduce stress and help to regulate hormone levels

If you are feeling tired, stressed, or down for no apparent reason, it could be because of a hormonal imbalance. But, don’t worry, there are many ways to manage it! Although hormonal imbalances can be tricky to diagnose, the symptoms are often quite clear. They can even be as apparent as hair growing in unusual places or weight fluctuations with no significant change to your lifestyle or diet.

If you’re experiencing problems in any of the three categories we outlined, it’s worth talking to your doctor about whether a hormonal imbalance could be the cause. As untreated hormonal imbalances can lead to some serious health risks, don’t hesitate to get help if you think something might be wrong. If you have ever dealt with a hormonal imbalance, you know how much it can knock you off of your stride. Contact Matthew Internal Medicine today for a consultation and hormone balance testing!

Learning How to Manage a Hormonal Imbalance