Hormone imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the body. Hormones are chemicals produced by the endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream. These chemicals regulate most major bodily functions, including metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, mood, and more.
What causes hormone imbalances?
Hormone levels can become imbalanced for various reasons:
- Diseases of the endocrine glands - For example, an underactive thyroid gland may produce too little thyroid hormone
- Inflammation - Chronic inflammation can disrupt hormonal signals
- Tumors - Benign or cancerous tumors on glands can affect hormone production
- Stress - High stress levels raise cortisol and can throw other hormones out of balance
- Aging - Hormone levels naturally decline with age
- Pregnancy and menopause - Shifting levels of reproductive hormones
- Unhealthy lifestyle - Poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, etc.
What are the symptoms of hormone imbalance?
Since hormones impact so many bodily functions,
imbalances can cause wide-ranging symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Insomnia or sleep disruptions
- Depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings
- Hot flashes, night sweats
- Hair loss, thinning, excessive hair growth
- Acne, oily or dry skin
- Reduced sex drive and sexual function
- Muscle loss, joint pain
- Frequent infections, slowed healing
The specific symptoms depend on
which hormone is out of balance. For example,
low estrogen levels often cause hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Meanwhile,
excess cortisol from high stress can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure.
Seeking treatment for hormone imbalance
"The knowledgeable doctors at Vitality Balance Clinic provide advanced testing to pinpoint the root causes of hormone imbalance. We create fully customized treatment plans to restore balance, optimize health, and help you feel your best. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!"
If you suspect a hormone issue, the first step is getting the right tests, like bloodwork, saliva tests, or urine tests. Once the problematic hormones are identified, treatment can include lifestyle changes, hormones creams or supplements, prescription medications, or bioidentical hormone therapy.
Relieving hormone imbalance can resolve troublesome symptoms and prevent related health conditions down the road. Our bodies are designed to function optimally when hormones are balanced—
restoring harmony promotes vitality at any age. Reach out now if your symptoms suggest an underlying issue.