12 Signs Of Hormone Imbalance In Women

Hormones influence a lot of processes happening in your body. It means when your hormones start acting up, it can produce a number of unpleasant symptoms.

Changes in hormones are normal when it comes to periods, pregnancy, or menopause. But these changes can also be caused by certain medications or health problems.

Below is the list of the most common symptoms of hormone imbalance in women:

1. Irregular periods

In most cases, women have their periods with about the same interval each month. But if your period starts earlier or later than usual, or doesn’t start at all in some months, it can be a sign that your female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are off balance. If you are in your 40s or early 50s, these hormone changes can signify the onset of perimenopause. But irregular periods can also be a sign of health issues, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

2. Sleep problems

If you can’t get enough quality sleep, it can happen for a number of reasons, one of which is hormone imbalance. If your levels of progesterone are too low, you may experience troubles falling and staying asleep. Decrease in estrogen levels (it usually happens in menopause) often causes hot flashes and night sweats.

3. Chronic acne

Some women experience this problem before their period starts, but it usually clears soon after. But if you’re an adult and struggle with persistent acne, it could mean your levels of androgens are too high. Androgens are ‘male’ hormones, both men and women have them. If your androgens are too high, they can increase the activity of oil glands.

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4. Cognitive problems

Cognitive problems, such as trouble concentrating and problems with memory, can be caused by fluctuations in your female hormones. Some women experience these symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. But these symptoms can also be a sign of thyroid issues. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to find out what causes them.

5. Digestive problems

Excess or lack of female hormones can influence your digestion, too. This is why your period can be accompanied by GI symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. If you experience digestive symptoms along with other symptoms, such as acne or extreme tiredness, you may have hormone imbalance.

6. Fatigue

Extreme tiredness is often caused by hormone imbalance. Too much progesterone can cause drowsiness. Hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormone) can cause this symptom, too. Talk to your doctor, he or she will probably order a blood test to see whether the problem is with your thyroid or something else.

7. Mood swings and depression

Experts think that dramatic fluctuations of your hormone levels or abnormal decrease in your hormones can produce symptoms such as mood swings and depression. Estrogen has an effect on neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. But other hormones can also affect your mood.

8. Increased appetite

Sadness or irritation (which can be caused by the decrease in estrogen) can lead to what is called ‘emotional eating’. This is why low estrogen may be the reason you start putting on extra pounds. Decreased estrogen can also affect your levels of leptin, a hormone that influences appetite.

9. Headaches

Headaches can be caused by a whole lot of conditions. Headaches can also be a symptom of low estrogen. Some women experience headaches during or before their period, because estrogen levels decrease.

10. Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness and irritation can be caused by decreased estrogen. Estrogen influences vaginal fluids secretion, this is why the lack of this hormone can cause vaginal discomfort.

11. Decreased libido

Testosterone is often thought of as ‘male’ hormone, but it’s also present in women’s bodies. If your testosterone levels are too low, it may cause unwillingness to have an intercourse with your partner.

12. Changes in your breasts

Low estrogen can cause your breast tissue to become less dense. Conversely, when your levels of estrogen are too high, your breast tissue can become thicker; even new lumps and cysts may appear. Such changes are always reason enough to visit your doctor to establish their cause.

It is possible to resort to natural treatment of hormone imbalance.

Sources: WebMD, Healthy and Natural World, Medical Daily

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This post is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Fabiosa doesn’t take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this post. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader should consult with their physician or other health care provider.