What is hormone imbalance?
Hormone imbalance occurs when there are too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many of the body's functions including metabolism, growth, development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood. An imbalance can disrupt one or more of these processes.
Some common signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance include:
- Irregular periods or changes in flow
- Acne and oily skin
- Weight gain or inability to lose weight
- Fatigue, low energy, or depression
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Low libido or sexual dysfunction
- Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
- Hair loss or thinning
- Hot flashes and night sweats
There are several potential causes of hormone imbalance:
- Menopause - Declining estrogen levels can lead to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, osteoporosis, and more.
- Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism - An under or overactive thyroid affects metabolism.
- Adrenal disorders like Cushing's or Addison's - The adrenal glands produce cortisol and aldosterone which regulate blood pressure, metabolism, and stress response.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - characterised by irregular periods, infertility, acne, and excess hair growth.
- Pituitary disorders - The pituitary gland produces hormones that signal other glands. Tumors and deficiencies affect hormone levels.
- Medications - Birth control pills, steroids, and other drugs may impact hormone production and breakdown.
- Diet - Excess sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed foods can lead to inflammation and hormonal disruptions.
- Chronic stress -Elevated cortisol from chronic stress can impact thyroid, reproductive, and adrenal hormones.
- Obesity - Excess body fat leads to more estrogen production in men and women.
If you suspect a hormone imbalance, get your hormone levels tested by an endocrinologist. They can identify deficiencies or excesses and recommend personalized treatment which may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy - Bioidentical hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or DHEA can be prescribed to correct imbalances.
- Birth control pills or patches - These regulate menstrual cycles and relieve symptoms like acne, cramps, or heavy bleeding.
- Thyroid medication - Levothyroxine and liothyronine tablets can treat hypothyroidism.
- Medication - Certain drugs can improve PCOS, pituitary disorders, adrenal conditions, and other hormone conditions.
- Supplements - Vitamins, adaptogens, and botanicals may support hormone balance gently. Human Antiaging Center offers custom formulations.
- Lifestyle changes - Improving diet, exercise, sleep, and stress levels enables the body to regulate hormones naturally.
The practitioners at Human Antiaging Center specialize in getting to the root cause of hormone imbalances through comprehensive lab testing and tailoring integrative treatment plans to your unique needs. Ask us how we can help you restore hormone balance and vitality!