Hormone Imbalance: Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Treatment

Have you ever thought about who is controlling your overall body function? These are hormones that act as messengers. They transport information from one part to another by traveling through your bloodstream to your body’s tissues and cells. 

Any hormonal imbalance can cause symptoms like mood swings, loss of appetite, and unnecessary weight fluctuations. Timely noticing these symptoms can help in their treatment and management. This blog will discuss hormone imbalance, its causes, symptoms, and treatment. So, let’s get started.

What are Hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced in the endocrine glands of the body. They travel through the blood to various tissues and organs, circulating vital information to the cells. 

Each hormone carries a key message to certain parts of the body. For example, higher melatonin levels signal your body that it’s time to rest. 

They affect minor to major changes in the system. Along with this, hormones control your growth and development and your mood, influencing how your body breaks down food. They also help to regulate: 

• Metabolism 
• Mood and stress levels 
• Blood pressure 
• Reproductive cycles and sexual function 
• Growth 
• Blood sugar levels 

Type of hormones

Endocrine glands, which determine complete functioning, produce hormones. There are several types of hormones; we have listed some: 

1. Melatonin 
2. Serotonin 
3. Growth hormone 
4. Leptin 
5. Ghrelin 
6. Insulin 
7. Estrogen 
8. Progesterone 
9. Testosterone 
10. Cortisol 

Understanding Hormone Imbalance

A hormonal imbalance occurs when your hormones are too high or too low. You can experience many types of hormonal imbalances. The imbalance indicates a deficiency in a particular hormone, while some might show an overflow. 

There is no way to detect a hormonal imbalance because hormones and their functionalities vary. Doctors can perform physical examinations, blood tests, ultrasound, and CT scans to evaluate the cause and symptoms. 

Certain life transitions, such as puberty, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, and aging, can cause hormonal imbalances. Both men and women experience hormonal imbalances, and children, adults, adolescents, and older adults may also experience hormonal imbalances. 

Men and women have the same hormones, but their production sites, blood concentrations, and interactions with different organs differ. The testes in men produce the most testosterone and a small amount of progesterone and estrogen, while the ovaries in women produce the most estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Let’s understand‌. 

Hormone Imbalance in Men 

Some crucial hormones impact men’s health, and testosterone tops the list. Testes produce testosterone, which is the main sex hormone in men. Its imbalance can affect sperm production, muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive. 

Other important hormones include Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, prolactin, and thyroid hormones. Any hormone imbalance in men shows an underlying health issue. 

Hormone Imbalance in Women

Men and women have different hormonal cycles. A woman’s cycle lasts around 28 days, while a man’s cycle is over in 24 hours. 

Estrogen is the main sex hormone, which plays a crucial role in reproductive health in women. Any hormone imbalance in women can affect menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, and the development of secondary sex characteristics such as hips and breasts. 

As stated earlier, all hormones are the same in men and women; the quality and quantity differ. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth of eggs in your ovaries, progesterone hormone is important for sexual health and fertility, and estrogen regulates your menstrual cycle. Hormonal imbalance can affect proper bodily function and cause major complications, such as miscarriage. These hormones can also affect bodily functions, including mood, metabolism, stress levels, and appetite. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/thyroid/the-importance-of-thyroid-hormones-in-pregnancy/ 

25 Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance 

There are over 50 different hormones, and each has an important role in bodily functions. Any hormonal imbalance can cause you to experience several symptoms, depending on your hormonal imbalance. 

If you notice frequent changes in your daily health, hormonal imbalances are affecting your metabolism. It is important to locate these signs and take preventive measures immediately. Here are 25 common hormone imbalance symptoms experienced by everyone. 

• Fatigue 
• Constipation 
• Irregular bowel movements 
• Depression or anxiety 
• Numbness or tingling in your hands 
• Slow or rapid heartbeat 
• Difficulty in handling warm temperatures or cold temperatures 
• Higher-than-normal blood cholesterol levels 
• Thin, warm, and moist skin
• Irregular body fat distribution 
• Skin tags 
• Extreme thirst 
• Frequent urination 
• Darkened skin in the back, sides, neck, or armpit. 
• Muscle weakness 
• Sweating 
• Increased hunger 
• Low sex drive 
• Nervousness, irritability, or anxiety 
• Puffy face 
• Purple or pink stretch marks 
• Rounded face 
• Hump or fat between the shoulders 
• Weight gain 
• Unexplained weight loss 

If you experience these symptoms, it is time for a medical consultation and to plan your treatment accordingly. 

Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms in Females

Any imbalance in the ovaries in females and people who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) can cause consequences like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

PCOS and PCOD are common hormonal imbalance symptoms in females. However, this imbalance can naturally happen during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. 

You may notice the following hormonal imbalances symptoms: 

• Irregular periods, including missed, frequent, or stopped periods 
• Heavy menstrual bleeding 
• Pain during sex 
• Night sweats 
• Headaches 
• Vaginal dryness 
• Skin tags 
• Hyperpigmentation 
• Hair loss 
• Acne on the face, upper back, or chest
• Excessive hair on the face, chin, or other part of the body (hirsutism) 

Hormone Imbalance Symptoms in Male

Hormonal imbalance in women can occur because of an imbalance in ovaries. Meanwhile, testosterone hormone imbalance in men can affect growth and development. People assigned male at birth (AMAB) and male hormonal imbalance symptoms include: 

• Breast tenderness 
• Erectile dysfunction (ED) 
• Loss of muscle mass 
• Hot flashes 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Loss of bone mass or osteoporosis 
• Loss of muscle mass 
• Decrease in bread growth and body hair growth 
• Gynecomastia or development of breast tissues

Hormone Imbalance Symptoms in Children

Hormone imbalance in children can happen during puberty. Sex hormones are first produced, signaling future growth in the body. Children whose bodies produce no sex hormones or few hormones often have a condition called ‘hypogonadism.’ 

This condition can cause various symptoms in both boys and girls. They may notice the following symptoms of hormonal imbalance: 

• Gynecomastia 
• Slow development or difficulty in the development of breast tissue
• Low growth rate 
• A voice that doesn’t deepen 
• Sparse growth of body hair 
• Impaired penis and testicular growth 
• Excessive growth of the arms and legs to the trunk of the body
• Delay in the beginning of menstruation 
• Lack of development of muscle mass

Causes of Hormone Imbalance 

Some people experience hormonal imbalances because of fluctuations at some point in their lives. This imbalance can also occur because your endocrine glands are not functioning properly. 

Endocrine glands are specialized cells that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream. They are throughout the body that control your body’s organs, including: 

• Pineal gland 
• Hypothalamus gland 
• Thyroid and parathyroid glands 
• Pancreatic islets 
• Pineal gland 
• Ovaries 
• Testes 
• Adrenal glands 
• Pancreas 
• Pituitary glands
• Parathyroid glands 

Lifestyle habits and environmental factors are the main causes of hormonal imbalance. Besides, various other causes affect the endocrine glands, leading to hormonal imbalances. These are: 

• Chronic Stress
• Begin Overweight 
• Medications such as hormonal replacement or birth control medications
• Misuse of anabolic steroid medication 
• Exposure to pollutants, toxins, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals
• Certain medical conditions 

1. Diabetes 

2. Addison's disease

3. Growth hormone deficiency in children 

4. Hypothyroidism 

5. Hyperthyroidism 

6. Acromegaly 

Females naturally experience phases of hormonal imbalances through every stage of life, including puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, perimenopause, menstruation, and post-menopause. Some causes of hormonal imbalance in women include: 

• Primary ovarian insufficiency 

• Ovarian cancer 

• Hormone replacement 

• Birth control medications 

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 

Men, too, face hormonal imbalances throughout their lifetime, including puberty and aging. They experience different hormonal imbalances in comparison to females, which include: 

• Underlying medical conditions such as congenital problems

• Prostate cancer

• Hypogonadism

• Testicular injury

Treatment of Hormonal Imbalance 

The treatment of hormonal imbalances depends on the cause and symptoms. Every person requires different treatment. A healthcare provider can provide better and more effective treatment.

Treatment of Hormonal Imbalance for Females 

A woman can experience a hormonal imbalance in every stage of their life. So, the treatment option for females depends on the stage, cause, and symptoms. Treatment of hormonal imbalance includes: 

• Vaginal Estrogen

Vaginal estrogen can help women with vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness can change estrogen levels, and applying creams containing estrogen can help reduce symptoms. You can also use estrogen tables to relieve vaginal dryness. 

• Hormonal Birth Control 

Women who are experiencing complications in pregnancy or irregular periods can take hormonal birth control medications. These birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles and symptoms. However, consult a gynecologist about whether you should continue taking birth control pills. 

• Medications

Certain medications can help effectively treat hormonal imbalances. These include

• Hormone replacement medications 
• Anti-androgen medications 
• Clomiphene (Clomid) 
• Letrozole (Femara) 

These medications can help deal with symptoms of menopause, limit acne and hair growth, and assist in ovulation in people with PCOS. Doctors may recommend Clomid and Femara to women with PCOS and infertility injections of gonadotropins to increase the chances of pregnancy. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lab-test/hormone-vs-non-hormone-therapies-for-advanced-prostate-cancer/ 

Treatment for Males 

Treatment for hormonal imbalance in men includes testosterone medications, thyroid hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). 

Testosterone therapy includes injections, patches, and gels, which can increase bone strength and boost sexual function. 

Lifestyle changes include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating more cruciferous vegetables and calcium-rich foods. These modifications can help increase testosterone levels. 

Natural Remedies for Hormonal Imbalance in Females

For ages, people have been using natural supplements to manage hormonal imbalances. Lifestyle modifications and natural supplements are commonly used to reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalances and help prevent them. 

1. Exercise for 30 minutes daily to maintain proper functioning. 
2. Add green leafy vegetables, calcium-rich foods, and fruits to your diet. 
3. Avoid sugary, packed, and excessively refined carbohydrates. These foods may raise cholesterol levels and increase the chance of cardiovascular diseases. 
4. Practice yoga and medication to manage and reduce stress and anxiety. 
5. Avoid certain triggers, such as spicy, rich, or hot foods and drinks that can cause hot flashes. 

Tests for Hormone Imbalance 

There is no single test that doctors use to diagnose hormone imbalance. However, they begin by physically examining you and asking crucial questions to understand your condition. 

Doctors may suggest diagnostic tests based on your symptoms. These tests can check your thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol levels, which are commonly affected hormones. 

They may recommend thyroid and cortisol tests to monitor thyroid gland functioning and cortisol levels. They can also detect the cause of hormone imbalances. Book it from Redcliffe Labs. They offer tests at affordable rates with a home sample collection service, making diagnosis accessible and convenient to everyone. 

Other Female and Male Hormone Imbalance Tests include: 

• Estrogen Test 
• Testosterone Test 
• Insulin Test
• Progesterone Test
• LH (luteinizing hormone) Test
• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) Test 
• Prolactin Test
• Biopsy 
• MRI
• X-ray 
• Thyroid scan 
• Sperm count test 
• Ultrasound 
• Pelvic examination

The Bottom Line 

Studies have found that every individual experiences hormonal imbalance during their lifetime. This imbalance can happen at any stage of puberty, pregnancy, menopause, menstruation, or aging. At first, the symptoms are minor or nil. Regular testing can help in early detection. Also, get a proper consultation to understand the cause and symptoms. This can help in planning for the management and treatment of hormone imbalance.