What To Know about Hormonal Imbalance...

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Medically reviewed by Isabel Casimiro, MD, PhDMedically reviewed by Isabel Casimiro, MD, PhDHormones are chemicals in the body that send signals from one part of the body to another. They are part of the endocrine system. Humans have over 50 hormones circulating in their bodies that regulate everything from appetite to reproduction to blood sugar.A hormone imbalance occurs when your level of any of these hormones becomes too high or too low or if your body doesn’t respond to hormones effectively.Many conditions are associated with hormone imbalances, including diabetes, thyroid disease, Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, and disorders of the reproductive system.Hormonal Imbalance SymptomsSymptoms of hormonal imbalances vary widely. There are many different types of hormones in the body, and they affect the body in varying ways. Hormonal imbalances can affect your growth, development, reproductive system, thyroid function, metabolism, blood sugar balance, and more.Hormone disruptions can lead to symptoms such as:HeadachesTrouble concentratingMuscle weakness or painMovement challengesFatigueIrregular periodsDelayed pubertyDevelopmental and growth abnormalitiesMood swingsMetabolism shifts, including weight loss or gainSpecific hormones can cause certain symptoms—for example, thyroid hormones, reproductive hormones, and insulin.Thyroid HormonesImbalances in thyroid hormones can cause various symptoms, depending on whether you are producing too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism).

HYPOTHYROIDISM

HYPERTHYROIDISM

Feeling cold

Hand and finger trembling

Muscle weakness or pain

Increased appetite

Depression

Irritability and anxiety

Excessive fatigue

Trouble sleeping

Weight gain

Unexplained weight loss

Constipation

More frequent bowel movements

Slow heart rate

Racing heartbeat

Puffy face

Bulging of the eyes

Decreased sweating

Increased sweating

Reproductive HormonesWhen your reproductive hormones are out of balance (e.g., estrogen, testosterone), you may experience:Irregular and/or heavier or lighter periodsTrouble getting pregnantHot flashesDifficulty sleepingMood changesChanges in libido (sex drive)InsulinWhen your body doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't respond to it effectively, you will experience symptoms of blood sugar irregularities, which can lead to diabetes. Possible symptoms include:ExhaustionHeightened thirstIncreased need to peeBlurry visionNumbness and tingling in feet and handsUnexplained weight lossThese are not all of the possible symptoms you may experience, and you may have a hormone imbalance with none of these symptoms. It all depends on which hormones are out of balance and the condition causing the imbalance.You might also experience these symptoms without a hormonal imbalance. That’s why it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider if you have any unusual or concerning symptoms.CausesHormone imbalances happen when part of your endocrine system doesn't function normally. This can occur when:Your body does not produce enough of a particular hormoneYour body produces too much of a particular hormoneYour body doesn't produce a particular hormone effectivelyYour body can't respond normally to a particular hormoneThere are many reasons why these hormone disruptions occur, including the following:A benign (non-cancerous) growth on the gland produces the hormone.Genetic factors cause your endocrine system to be dysfunctional.Hormones fluctuate when you start puberty, if you become pregnant, and during the transition to menopause.Stress can cause hormones (e.g., cortisol) to fluctuate.Steroid use and misuse can cause fluctuations in hormones—for example, higher testosterone due to anabolic steroids or Addison's disease (when the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones like cortisol and aldosterone) due to glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone).An autoimmune disorder (when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks an endocrine gland) can increase or decrease that gland's hormone production.DiagnosisHormonal imbalances are diagnosed through a number of methods, depending on your symptoms and the underlying condition.If you show signs of hormonal imbalance, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. They will review your health history and ask questions about your current symptoms and how they have progressed. They will likely perform a physical exam.The healthcare provider will need to check your hormone levels to understand how your endocrine system functions. Hormone levels are checked through blood draws or urinalysis (urine tests).Since hormone levels change throughout the day, your tests may need to be scheduled at specific times. You may need to fast before a blood test or ingest a specific drink—for example, a sugary beverage—to measure your blood sugar response.Hormonal Imbalance TreatmentThe treatment for hormonal imbalances varies widely, depending on the cause and the part of the endocrine system affected. Here are some examples:Replacing a hormone that you are deficient in (e.g., taking thyroid medication, hormone replacement therapy, or hormonal birth control)Decreasing the overproduction of a specific hormone (e.g., with radiation therapy, surgery, or medication)Using receptor antagonist drugs to block the body’s response to specific hormonesRemoving a tumor that disrupts hormone productionTaking medication that makes your body less resistant to a hormoneHow To Prevent Hormonal ImbalanceIt’s not always possible to prevent a hormone imbalance. For example, hormone imbalances caused by genetics, infections, or benign tumors may not be preventable. However, some hormone imbalances are caused or worsened by factors you can control.The following strategies may help prevent, delay, or reduce your symptoms:Reduce stressIncrease fluid intakeEat a well-balanced, nutrient-rich dietEngage in regular physical activityMake sure you get enough sleepKeep up with your preventative medical careContact a healthcare provider if you develop new or concerning symptomsType I diabetes is usually not preventable, but type 2 diabetes can typically be prevented through lifestyle modifications. These modifications include engaging in daily exercise and eating a well-balanced diet of nutrient-dense whole foods and low sugar.
Limit Exposure To Endocrine DisruptorsEndocrine disruptors, or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are natural or manmade chemicals that may affect how the endocrine system works. Examples include bisphenol A (BPA) in manufacturing and food packaging and phthalates in cosmetics and fragrances.
Related ConditionsMany types of endocrine disorders are associated with hormone imbalances, including:DiabetesHyperthyroidismHypothyroidismCushing's disease (too much cortisol)Puberty-related conditions (early puberty, delayed puberty)Reproductive disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), ovarian insufficiency, and low testosteroneAddison's disease (adrenal glands don't function effectively)Acromegaly (too much growth hormone)Childhood growth disorders (gigantism, short stature)Autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Hashimoto's disease, and Graves' diseaseOf these conditions, type 1 diabetes is the most common, affecting over 11% of the United States population.Thyroid disorders and disorders that involve the female reproductive system are other common endocrine disorders. Autoimmune disorders—which include multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes, lupus, and RA—affect over 50 million people in the U.S.A Quick ReviewA hormonal imbalance occurs when your body produces too little or too much of a particular hormone. It can also occur if your body becomes less responsive to a hormone.Hormone imbalances involve the body’s endocrine system. Many different conditions are associated with hormone imbalances, including diabetes, reproductive disorders, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders.If you are concerned that you may be experiencing a hormone imbalance, reach out to your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan.Frequently Asked Questions

How can you check your hormone balance?

Hormone levels can be checked through blood tests or urine tests.

What drinks help you balance your hormones?

There is no specific drink that will help you balance your hormones. However, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are sometimes associated with hormone imbalances, so staying well-hydrated is important.

When should hormone levels be checked?

Hormone levels should be checked anytime you show signs of a hormone imbalance. Signs of hormone imbalances vary depending on which hormones are involved but may include fatigue, weakness, headache, and mood changes.

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