Hormones are extremely important for overall health, so knowing the common symptoms of hormone imbalance is crucial.
The Function Of Hormones
Hormones spread to the organs and tissues of the body through the blood and “order” the organs and tissues to do their function.
Hormones affect:
- Growth and development
- Metabolism of food
- Sexual functionality
- Mood and cognitive processes
- Body temperature
It is evident that your overall health depends a lot on your hormones, so the balance of hormones must be kept in check. It is quite easy to get a hormonal imbalance, so every person must know the symptoms of hormonal changes.
The Most Common Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms
Hormonal imbalance can create many problems for the body. The most evident hormonal imbalance signs are seen in the behavior of teenagers and pregnant women who often experience changes in their mood due to hormonal changes. We present you with the most common signs of hormone imbalance.
1. Continuous Weight Gain
Gaining weight can be a result of an improper diet, but it also may be a sign of hormone imbalance. When stress or something else disrupts the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands, you can gain weight.
Increased levels of cortisol often lead to toxic fat in the abdominal area. This so-called toxic fat may cause a heart attack or stroke.
Increased levels of cortisol increase the amounts of insulin in the blood. Insulin in the bloodstream increases the levels of sugar in the blood, which results in cravings and increased appetite.
2. Poor Libido
Lack of the hormone androgen, produced in the testicles and ovaries, may result in poor libido. So, poor libido is also a sign of an imbalance in hormone levels.
3. Fatigue
If you are tired even after having a good night’s sleep, you must know that this may be a sign of hormone imbalance. This fatigue is caused by cortisol. Frequent stress increases the presence of cortisol and fatigue appears.
Chronic stress causes adrenal fatigue because the levels of cortisol are high. In fact, cortisol controls the circadian rhythm, which is disrupted, and the levels of cortisol lower later during the day, causing fatigue.
High levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone can also cause fatigue. The thyroid gland’s function is disrupted, and the hormone levels are abnormal. This condition is called hypothyroidism.
4. Bad And Low Mood
Hyperthyroidism can also be manifested through a low and bad mood. Increased levels of TSH are shown through feelings of depression, anxiety, and irritability.
5. Interrupted Sleep And Insomnia
Interrupted sleep and insomnia are common among women during perimenopause and menopause. Irregular sleep makes this hormone imbalance even worse.
In fact, sleep deprivation affects 10 hormones in the body, causing mental health, appetite, fertility, and cardiac health problems.
Insomnia is caused by estrogen deficiency during menopause since this hormone aids the presence of regular and peaceful sleep.
Testosterone deficiency in men leads to sleep apnea which causes interrupted sleep. Women can also be testosterone deficient.
6. Abnormal Sweating
Sweating can be a sign of hormone imbalance. Hot flashes are common among women in menopause. Excess and sudden sweating at night is known as night sweats. This may also be a sign of incoming menopause.
Night sweats in men and women may be a result of irregularities in the endocrine system caused by increased production of serotonin or similar hormones.
7. Digestive Problems
An imbalance of hormones in the gastrointestinal system may cause problems with digestion. These hormones are cholecystokinin, gastrin, and secretin. These hormones aid the digestion of food by breaking it up into small molecules that are absorbed into the blood.
8. Sugar Cravings
The thyroid gland can cause sugar cravings. Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, brings the craving for sugar as a consequence.
Adrenal overload can also cause sugar cravings. In fact, the body increases the production of adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones drain the body’s energy, and sugar is an excellent source of energy.
9. Hair Loss
It was thought that hair loss is caused by a lack of testosterone. However, now it is known that hair loss is caused by dihydrotestosterone.
Women have low levels of testosterone in their bodies, but this hormone can trigger hair loss in women.
Hormone Balance
You need hormone balance if you want to lead a healthy life. Therefore, you must know the common signs of hormone imbalance, even though they sometimes may not mean that hormone imbalance is present. These symptoms may also indicate other health conditions.
However, if you are determined to have balance in your hormone levels, pay attention to these signs and try some hormone diets.
Note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, diet, or medications.