Useful Health Tips

As people age, they accept many changes to their body and their mental states as simply a side-effect of getting old. But it isn’t always the case. Sometimes strange or irregular shifts in weight or a lack of energy are symptomatic of an underlying hormonal imbalance.

Hormones control a large amount of our natural bodily functions. They dictate our hunger levels, control our reproductive functions, and even dictate our mood and happiness levels. A hormonal imbalance can have a disruptive effect on many aspects of our lives and could require hormone replacement therapy to rectify and get you feeling like your normal self again.

These are some of the common symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. If you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from a hormonal balance, you should talk to your primary care physician at the earliest opportunity.

Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance

The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance include, but are not limited to:

Fatigue

If you have a persistent feeling of tiredness, even after resting and eating a healthy, balanced diet, it could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. Adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism are both hormonal imbalances that can cause excessive tiredness and are far more common than you might think.

Anxiety and Stress

Cortisol and norepinephrine are two hormones released by the adrenal glands which cause feelings of stress or anxiety. If you experience chronic feelings of stress, even without significant external contributors, it could be indicative of excess adrenal stimulation.

Depleted Sex Drive

Both male and female sex drives are driven and dictated by the presence of estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone. A hormonal imbalance could lead to too much or too little of either of these in the body, which could lead to a dramatic increase or loss of libido.

Another symptom of an excess or depletion of reproductive hormones could be aggressive menstrual cramps, excessively long, or heavy periods, or increased PMS.

Hair Thinning

The quality of your skin and hair is controlled by hormones and sudden hair loss, or brittle hair could be symptomatic of a thyroid abnormality. Similarly, if your nails suddenly become very brittle, it could also be indicative of the same issue.

Other Symptoms Include:

• Sudden and unexpected weight loss or gain
• Increased sensitivity to cold or warmth and difficulty regulating body temperature
• Insomnia
• A breakout of acne
• Persistent dry skin or rashes
• Constipation or Diarrhoea
• Extreme mood swings
• Fluctuating blood pressure
• A puffy or swollen face
• Constant hunger
• Increased thirst or water consumption
• Muscle weakness, aches, tenderness, or stiffness
• Frequent headaches
• Feelings of bloatedness
• Joint stiffness or swelling
• Fertility issues or an inability to become pregnant
• Breast tenderness
• Increased sweating
• A deepening voice
• Heart palpitations
• Blurred vision
• Skin tags
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during sex

Not all hormone imbalances require medication. Some can be naturally rectified through lifestyle and dietary modifications. Something as simple as getting more sleep, increasing your fat intake, or taking regular probiotics could improve your hormonal imbalance.

This is why it is essential to consult a medical professional at the earliest opportunity if you suspect you are suffering from a hormonal imbalance.