Hormonal Imbalance: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Hormones are the key messengers that circulate in all parts of your body through blood. There are more than 50 hormones present in the human body. The variations in any of the hormones disrupts the functioning of various glands or organs of your body. It leads to a variety of symptoms that we often don’t even know. The hormonal imbalance can easily be treated through medicines and home remedies. In this article, let us study about various symptoms of hormonal imbalance in males and females, causes of hormonal imbalance and their treatment through medicines and lifestyle changes.

What is meant by a hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance refers to the presence of one or more hormones in either too less or too much quantity. Hormones are chemicals that circulate in the body and regulate various functions like metabolism, growth, development, homeostasis, sexual function, mood, and daily sleep and wake cycle. Therefore, any fluctuation in the level of these hormones leads to imbalance and dysfunction in your body. Even a slight change in their levels causes a big impact on your overall health. The hormonal imbalances can be temporary or long-term (chronic) and thus some may require medical treatment for you to be physically active while others may not pose an impact on your health but affect the quality of your life.

What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance?

Since hormones play a vital role in various biological processes of your body, their symptoms are also widespread. The symptoms depend largely upon the imbalanced hormone. The symptoms of hormonal imbalance may vary depending upon your gender and age as well.

Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance

There are certain symptoms that appear in almost all types of hormonal imbalances irrespective of age and gender. However, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate hormonal imbalance, and might occur due to any other underlying disorder as well. The common symptoms of hormonal imbalance include:

• Increase in weight
• Sudden and unintentional weight loss
• A hump of fat might get formed between the shoulders
• Muscle weakness, ache or tenderness, and stiffness in muscle
• Fatigue
• Joints might pain or become stiff and swollen
• A decrease or increase in heart rate
• Enhanced sensitivity to heat or cold
• Sweating
• Frequent urination
• Frequent bowel movements or constipation
• Increased hunger and thirst
• Depression, anxiety, nervousness and irritability
• Decreased sex drive
• Blurred vision
• Hair might become brittle or thin
• Infertility
• Puffy or rounded face
• Dry skin
• Pink or purple stretch marks

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in females

The hormonal cycle changes rapidly during different stages of a female’s life including puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. 

The major symptoms of hormonal imbalances in females include:

Changes in menstrual cycle

Menstrual cycle is regulated by various hormones. Therefore, upregulation or downregulation of certain hormones can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle. Irregularity includes delayed cycle, early periods, heavy or light flow. Menstrual irregularity is a key symptom of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is a hormonal disorder occurring commonly in women. Therefore, if you do not get your periods on time every month or skip months, it can be because of hormonal fluctuations. Make sure to get your check-up done.

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a condition wherein excessive hair starts growing on your chin, face and other parts of the body. This condition is also one of the symptoms of variations in the hormone levels in your body. It indicates an increased sensitivity and production of the hair follicles in response to the androgens floating in the body. Thus, if you observe excess hair on your body, do get a hormonal test done.

Acne

Hormonal imbalance often leads to formation of acne on your face. The appearance of acne is common during periods, but, if these acne don’t clear up then it can be an indication of hormonal imbalance in your body. This is because of the over secretion of male hormones known as androgens. Androgens are secreted in both males and females. These androgens increase the functioning of the oil glands that subsequently affects the skin cells present in and around the hair follicles. The hyperactivity of oil glands clog your pores leading to acne formation.

Hair loss

Thinning of hair and hair loss is another common symptom that you might notice. This is a commonly observed symptom during menopause, pregnancy or if you are taking birth control pills. This is because of the hormones that fluctuate during pregnancy. The decrease in the level of oestrogen allows the testosterone hormone to over-express itself. The fluctuations in these hormones lead to thinning of hair and hairfall.

Vaginal dryness

If you sometimes feel dryness in your vaginal area, then it's normal. But if you start feeling the dryness frequently, then it can be due to hormonal fluctuations. The oestrogen hormone keeps the vaginal tissues moist and comfortable. Therefore, any changes in the levels of oestrogen can reduce the amount of vaginal fluids leading to tightness and dryness.

Night sweats

If you are sweating excessively during the nights even when the temperature of your surroundings is moderate, it can be due to the low levels of oestrogen. This commonly occurs in females when they are going towards menopause.

Headache

Headache is a very common thing to occur. But sometimes, consistent or recurrent headaches can be due to the decrease in the level of oestrogen hormone. This explains why headaches are common to appear before or during your periods. Thus, if you observe headache around the same time every month, this can be a hint that your hormone levels are changing.

Skin dryness

Skin dryness or patchy skin can be another symptom of hormonal imbalance. Generally, at the time of menopause, your skin starts becoming thin and as a result, it is not able to hold much moisture. Thyroid disorders can also lead to dry skin. So, if you find your skin drying out without any reason, you must surely get a doctor’s consultation.

Breast changes

Changes in the breast tissue acts as a warning sign of hormonal fluctuations. Oestrogen levels have a huge impact on the breast tissues. As the levels of oestrogen decrease, the breast tissues become less dense and an increase in the level of oestrogen causes the tissues to thicken, leading to the formation of cysts or lumps. If ever you notice changes in your breast tissue, you must consult your doctor.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in males

In males, testosterone is the main hormone whose levels can affect the normal functioning of the body. 

The specific symptoms that are observed in males include:

Gynecomastia

Enlargement of the breast tissues or gynecomastia is a key indicator of hormonal imbalance in your body. This generally happens due to a decrease in the levels of testosterone and an increase in the levels of oestrogen. However, gynecomastia can also be caused due to diet, age and lifestyle pattern. 

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Low levels of testosterone can lead to erectile dysfunction, that is, the inability to maintain an erection for sexual activity. Other factors that can also lead to erectile dysfunction include age, heart disease, depression, stress, insomnia, chronic illness and certain medicines used for the treatment of hypertension.

Loss of libido

You may experience a decreased sexual drive which can be due to the low levels of testosterone or an increas in the levels of estrogen hormone. Therefore, if you have low sexual drive, you might need to get your hormones checked.

Loss of muscle

The hormone testosterone plays an important role in building and maintaining muscle mass. Therefore, decrease in the levels of testosterone can lead to weight gain or muscle atrophy. An increase in the levels of cortisol or decrease in the level of thyroid hormones can also lower the metabolism of your body, interfering with the production of testosterone hormone that ultimately leads to weight gain.

Mood changes

The low levels of testosterone can also lead to mood swings, loss of motivational spirit, anxiety, irritability, and depression. Thyroid disorders, that is an increased or decreased levels of thyroid hormone can also lead to mood changes.

What are the causes of hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance can occur due to various reasons. The cause may vary depending upon the hormone whose levels have fluctuated. The major causes of hormonal imbalance include:

• Certain types of medicines that are prescribed for treatment or management of certain disorders may cause some hormones to fluctuate.
• Hormone therapy given for replenishing any specific hormone can suppress or activate the production or activity of other hormones.
• Benign or cancerous tumours and chemotherapy given for their treatment can also inhibit or activate the activity of certain hormones,
• Stress is a major factor that effectively leads to hormonal imbalances
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes insipidus, type I and II diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, hypogonadism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cushing syndrome and addison’s disease are caused due to hormonal imbalances and also lead to further imbalance in the levels of other hormones in your body.
• Some cause of hormonal imbalance specifically occur in females like menopause, pregnancy, premature menopause, PCOD, breast feeding and consumption of birth control pills.

How is hormonal imbalance treated?

The irregularities in the hormonal levels can be managed efficiently through medicines and modifications in the lifestyle. 

Medicines for treating hormonal imbalance

Certain medicines can manage hormonal fluctuations, but make sure you have those medicines after your doctor’s consultation and in the dosage prescribed by the doctor. The medicines that can help in the treatment of hormonal imbalance includes:

• Oestrogen: A low dose of oestrogen hormone can help replenish the decreased levels of oestrogen hormone in your body. Oestrogen can be given in the form of cream, ring or tablet. The estrogen cream can be applied to the vagina to prevent dryness, irritation and pain during sex.
• Birth control medicines: Birth control pills, patches, and shots can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, improve acne formation and reduce the growth of hair appearing on your face and body.
• Anti-androgen: These medicines help in decreasing the level of androgen hormone in females that ultimately helps in controlling acne, facial hair growth and hair loss.
• Testosterone: The low levels of testosterone hormone can be compensated by the use of testosterone supplements. Testosterone medications are available in the form of patch, injection or gel.
• Thyroid hormone therapy: This involves the use of levothyroxine (a synthetic thyroid hormone) that helps in the treatment of hypothyroidism.
• Metformin: It is a medicine used for the treatment of type II diabetes that can also lower the levels of androgen, thereby, stimulating ovulation and treating PCOS.
• Vaniqa: It is a cream which is used for reducing the facial hair in females by reducing the speed at which new hair grows. However, it does not remove the already grown hair.
• Vyleesi: It is a FDA approved drug given to premenopausal women for treating low sexual drive. It is available in the form of an injection that can be self-administered.

Lifestyle modification for treating hormonal imbalance

Certain lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and home remedies can help in regulating hormonal imbalance. These modifications include:

• Daily exercise like yoga can help in combating the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
• Weight loss has proven to be very effective in females. With just 10% decrease in weight, the menstrual irregularities in females can be treated to some extent.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
• Use moisturisers or lubricants that do not contain glycerin, parabens, and petroleum to decrease your vaginal discomfort.
• Avoid spicy food, warm temperature or hot beverages that might trigger your hot flashes.
• Hair removal creams and laser treatments can help you get rid of excess facial hair.

Takeaway 

Hormonal imbalance is very common. The imbalance of a single hormone can lead to a diversity of symptoms. Therefore, it is always recommended that if you notice the above mentioned symptoms too often, make sure that you visit a doctor soon and get medical help. Also, don't forget to try these home remedies that might actually help decrease your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What causes hormone imbalance in females?

   Hormonal imbalance in females can be caused due to various reasons like:

   • Premature menopause
   • Menopause
   • PCOD
   • Pregnancy
   • Breast feeding
   • Consumption of birth control pills

2. How do you fix your hormonal imbalance?

   You can get your hormonal imbalance treated by the use of medicine, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. 

3. What are the 5 hormonal imbalances?

   5 hormonal imbalances that are commonly found include:

   • Polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOD)
   • Thyroid
   • Testosterone imbalance
   • Oestrogen imbalance
   • Prolactin and progesterone imbalance