Many women are facing hormonal imbalance, and some are not even aware that what they are experiencing is caused by the fluctuating levels of a particular hormone in their body.
The truth is hormonal change can affect a woman’s body any time between birth to death. That is why it is essential to understand and know how hormonal imbalances can be managed.
The hormonal imbalance that women typically experience include:
- high or low cortisol
- lower progesterone levels
- low or high estrogen levels
- high or low testosterone
- under-active thyroid levels
- leptin and insulin resistance
- polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS
The most common hormonal imbalance that a woman encounter is the PCOS. This condition interferes with ovulation and is the leading cause of women’s infertility. PCOS can also put the mother and the baby at risk as it increases the rates of miscarriage, cesarean section, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, high birth weight, and others.
Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance
- Persistent weight gain – Several body systems like the digestive system, endocrine system, or thyroid can all be contributing to the hormonal imbalance that promotes weight gain.
- Fatigue – Lack of thyroid hormone can result in adrenal fatigue or exhaustion.
- Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Swings – These are the primary symptoms that signify hormonal imbalance and mostly experienced by women nearing their menopause because of lower estrogen levels.
- Insomnia or poor sleep patterns – Women encounter these just before menstruation because of the sudden drop in their progesterone levels.
- Night Sweats and hot flashes – When estrogen fluctuates, women tend to feel hot flashes or a sharp feeling of warmth over face and neck. It is also possible to experience cold sweats or sudden chills and sweats.
- Food cravings – Craving occurs because of insulin resistance, adrenal fatigue, and others.
- Persistent acne – Androgen imbalance can cause cystic acne, while the hormone testosterone stimulates excessive production of oil in the face that leads to persisting acne.
- Poor Memory – When women are under stress, high levels of cortisol are produced. This hampers their ability to learn and weakens the memory.
- Digestive issues – Chronic stress can increase the cortisol production of the adrenal glands. Abnormal serotonin levels can also increase irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.
- Migraines and headaches – These are often experienced due to hormonal balances around a particular time of the menstrual cycle.
How to manage the hormonal imbalance?
Treating hormonal imbalance depends on what’s the cause. Common treatment options are:
- Estrogen therapy – Addressing menopause symptoms like hot flashes can be relieved by estrogen hormone therapy. Estrosmart for estrogen deficiencycan also be used. Ensure to discuss the pros and cons of hormone therapy with your physician.
- Balanced diet and exercise – A consistent healthier diet and regular exercise are essential not only for your hormone production but also for your overall health.
- Hormonal birth control – For those having difficulties getting pregnant because of fluctuating hormones, hormonal birth control can help regulate menstrual cycles.
- Anti-androgen medications – Blocking the effects of high levels of androgens like hair loss, facial hair growth, and acne is possible with these medications.
There are other medications or natural remedies that can help in treating and managing hormone imbalance. Visit your doctor to learn more about them and know the best one for you.