A hormone imbalance occurs when there are too much or too little of a certain hormone in the body. Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that control most major bodily functions, including metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood, etc. Even small hormonal disruptions can cause significant health issues.
Some common symptoms of hormone imbalance include:
Both men and women can suffer from hormone issues, but they manifest differently. For women, common culprits are imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones. For men, it's often low testosterone or high estrogen.
What causes hormone imbalances?
Potential causes include:
If not managed properly, hormone imbalances can significantly impact one’s quality of life in the short and long-term. Conditions associated with hormonal disruptions range from unpleasant symptoms like acne and weight gain to serious diseases such as infertility, osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Seeking treatment
If you suspect a hormone imbalance, it’s important to see your healthcare provider for proper testing, diagnosis and treatment. Getting your hormones in proper balance takes work, but it is very treatable in most cases with lifestyle and diet changes, targeted supplementation, bioidentical hormones, prescription medications, etc.
In summary, hormone imbalances are complex issues that require an expert eye for proper diagnosis and management. But you don’t have to suffer with unpleasant symptoms or long-term health risks. Seek professional care and get your hormones optimized again soon. Balanced hormones are foundational to good health and vitality.