8 Signs Of Hormone Imbalance in Women

Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers which are produced by special groups of cell. called Endocrine glands.. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues or organs. They work slowly, over time and affect many different processes including; growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction mood etc.

Hormones influence a lot of processes happening in your body. It means when your hormones start acting up, it can produce a number of unpleasant symptoms.

Changes in hormones are normal when it comes to periods, pregnancy, or menopause. But these changes can also be caused by certain medications or health problems.

1. Irregular periods

In most cases, women have their periods with about the same interval each month. But if your period starts earlier or later than usual, or doesn’t start at all in some months, it can be a sign that your female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are off balance. If you are in your 40s or early 50s, these hormone changes can signify the onset of perimenopause. But irregular periods can also be a sign of health issues, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

2. Changes in your breasts

Low estrogen can cause your breast tissue to become less dense. Conversely, when your levels of estrogen are too high, your breast tissue can become thicker; even new lumps and cysts may appear. Such changes are always reason enough to visit your doctor to establish their cause.

3. Chronic acne

Some women experience this problem before their period starts, but it usually clears soon after. But if you’re an adult and struggle with persistent acne, it could mean your levels of androgens are too high. Androgens are ‘male’ hormones, both men and women have them. If your androgens are too high, they can increase the activity of oil glands.

4. Digestive problems

Excess or lack of female hormones can influence your digestion, too. This is why your period can be accompanied by GI symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. If you experience digestive symptoms along with other symptoms, such as acne or extreme tiredness, you may have hormone imbalance.

5. Fatigue

Extreme tiredness is often caused by hormone imbalance. Too much progesterone can cause drowsiness. Hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormone) can cause this symptom, too. Talk to your doctor, he or she will probably order a blood test to see whether the problem is with your thyroid or something else.

6. Mood swings and depression

Experts think that dramatic fluctuations of your hormone levels or abnormal decrease in your hormones can produce symptoms such as mood swings and depression. Estrogen has an effect on neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. But other hormones can also affect your mood.

7. Headaches

Headaches can be caused by a whole lot of conditions. Headaches can also be a symptom of low estrogen. Some women experience headaches during or before their period, because estrogen levels decrease.

8. Increased appetite

Sadness or irritation (which can be caused by the decrease in estrogen) can lead to what is called ‘emotional eating’. This is why low estrogen may be the reason you start putting on extra pounds. Decreased estrogen can also affect your levels of leptin, a hormone that influences appetite.