Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance   

 

Hormones have a profound effect on your everyday health and well-being. 

Although present in only tiny amounts, hormones act on every cell of your body.  Hormones have individual affects, but also interact with each other to produce dramatic effects in the body. 

Because of these interactions, they are able to trigger multiple body systems.  

 

There are a number of common symptoms associated with hormone imbalance(s):  

 

Female hormone imbalance 

The ovaries produce many hormones. Chief among them are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone interact to coordinate a woman’s menstrual cycle during her reproductive years.   

 

The brain produces the hormones follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the ovaries.  When any of the hormones coming from the brain or the ovaries are imbalanced, symptoms may occur.  Imbalances are most common in puberty and menopause, but imbalances can happen at any age.   

 

Several conditions are well known to be associated with hormonal imbalance including: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, breast disease, and menstrual irregularities. 

 

Symptoms of female hormone imbalance

Acne or oily skin
Bloating
Bone loss
Decreased fertility
Depression
Excess facial and body hair
Hot flashes
Heavy or painful periods
Irregular periods
Irritability
Loss of muscle mass
Loss of scalp hair
Low libido
Memory lapses
Mood swings
Nervousness
Night sweats
Poor concentration
Sleep disturbances
Tender or fibrocystic breasts
Urinary incontinence
Vaginal dryness
Weight gain

 

Male hormone imbalance
The testes produce nearly 95% of all male testosterone. The balance is supplied by the adrenal glands. They also produce small amounts of estrogen. The brain produces the pituitary hormones follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the testes.   

 

As a man gets older, testosterone levels fall and estrogen levels tend to rise.  Lower testosterone levels may affect bone density, muscle strength, body composition and sex drive.   

 

The imbalance that occurs when testosterone is low in relation to estrogen may also contribute to prostate problems. 

 

Symptoms of male hormone imbalance
Bone loss
Decreased mental clarity
Decreased muscle strength
Decreased stamina
Decreased urine flow
Depression
Erectile dysfunction
Hot flashes
Increased abdominal fat
Increased urge to urinate
Irritability
Low sex drive
Mood swings
Night sweats
Poor concentration
Sleep disturbances 

 

Conditions of Hormone Imbalance
 

 

Adrenal Imbalance
The adrenal glands produce three types of steroid hormones: glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens (DHEA/DHEAS). 

Cortisol enables the body to respond and adapt to the stresses of daily life.   

 

It also helps to maintain blood sugar levels and promote a healthy immune system.  Aldosterone works to balance salt and water in the body.

Androgens secreted by the adrenals provide the majority of DHEA for both men
and women. For women, the adrenal glands are the major source of testosterone.   

 

Imbalances in the adrenal system can contribute to problems with the nervous and immune systems, body composition difficulties, blood sugar irregularities, and high androgen levels.   

 

Symptoms of adrenal imbalance 
Allergies / asthma
Arthritis
Bone loss
Chemical sensitivities
Morning/evening fatigue
High blood sugar
Increased abdominal fat
Memory lapses
Sleep disturbances
Sugar cravings 

 

Thyroid Function Imbalance
Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism. The brain produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which triggers the thyroid gland to produce two types of hormones – T4 and T3. 

In hypothyroidism, the body has inadequate levels of the thyroid hormones.  

 

This often leads to imbalances in relation to other hormones.

Hyperthyroidism is a less common condition that exists when excess thyroid hormones are present.  Because every cell of the body is affected by thyroid hormones, symptoms of imbalances are often varied and affect multiple body systems. 

 

Symptoms of low thyroid function
Brittle hair and nails
Cold temperature intolerance
Cold hands and feet
Constipation
Decreased sweating
Depression
Dry skin
Fatigue
Inability to lose weight
Low libido
Menstrual irregularities
Shortness of breath
Sluggishness
Weight gain 

 

Symptoms of high thyroid function
Anxiety
Diarrhea
Eye/vision changes
Fatigue
Hair loss
Insomnia
Palpitations
Rapid heart beat
Sweating
Weakness
Weight loss 

 

Insulin imbalance
Insulin is secreted by the pancreas.  Insulin “unlocks” the cells to allow glucose (sugar) from food to enter and be converted into energy.  When too much glucose is present in the body, the pancreas increases the amount of insulin being produced.   

 

High insulin as well as high glucose may contribute to multiple symptoms.
A number of conditions are associated with insulin and glucose imbalances and regulation problems.  

 

These include chronic stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. 

Symptoms of insulin imbalance
Abnormal blood cholesterol
Fatigue
High blood triglycerides
Increased abdominal fat
Increased hunger / sugar cravings
Low/high blood sugar
Poor circulation to extremities
Skin changes