7 Warning Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
Many of the processes that your body goes through relying on the production of hormones, but several factors can inhibit that process. As a result, your metabolism, reproductive health, and other aspects of your biology can be adversely affected. While the signs that your hormone production has been inhibited will vary based upon the specific hormone deficiency, there are some common symptoms of an imbalance that should prompt you to seek medical attention.
Unexplained Weight Changes
A strong indication of changes in women's hormonal health is unexplained weight changes. Some conditions, such as menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cause women to gain weight unexpectedly. Additionally, an inactive thyroid can cause weight gain in both men and women. There are also hormonal imbalances that can cause weight loss, including an overactive thyroid. Any unexplained changes to your weight should prompt you to consult your doctor.
2. Muscle and Joint Discomfort
Hormones play an important role in building, strengthening, and protecting muscles, joints, and tissues throughout the body. If you begin experiencing joint or muscle discomfort, pain, or stiffness, you may have a hormonal deficiency. You may also experience swelling in the joints as a result of insufficient hormones in the body. While some forms of physical therapy, such as deep tissue massage, can alleviate this discomfort, you should address the underlying problem with your doctor.
3. Changes in Temperature Sensitivity
You may also experience changes in your sensitivity to extreme temperatures. If you suddenly feel hot flashes or feel colder in moderate temperatures, a hormone deficiency may be to blame. You might also sweat more frequently or shiver when other people feel comfortable in the same climate. In women, hot flashes are often a sign that there has been a significant drop in estrogen levels. If your hands or feet feel cold when the rest of your body is comfortable, you may suffer from a hormone-related medical condition, such as lupus or diabetes.
4. Changes in Appetite or Thirst
You may also experience changes in your appetite as hormone distribution is inhibited in your body. Since your metabolism can be affected, it makes sense that your appetite will also change. In most cases, this means the metabolism will be slowed down, leading to a reduced need for additional nourishment. If you find yourself forgetting to eat or skipping meals, you should take this as a sign that there has been a hormonal change in your body. Additionally, pay attention to how your fluid consumption changes. If you find that you're thirstier than usual or drinking water excessively, report that change to your doctor. Your body may be trying to indicate a health change that's requiring more hydration.
5. Mood Changes
Hormones are also responsible for regulating mood and emotional health. The hypothalamus in the brain helps regulate hormones for better emotional health, but this process relies on an adequate influx of hormones on a regular basis. When there's a lack of serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, or endorphins, the hypothalamus can't effectively regulate mood. If you find that you experience more frequent depressive episodes or feel anxious more often, you may need medication to correct this imbalance.
6. Changes to Your Skin
Your body needs to maintain a tricky balance of hormones to help keep your skin healthy. An inhibited supply of estrogen and other hormones can lead to dry skin with reduced elasticity. Conversely, an excessive supply of hormones can contribute to acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. If you are experiencing skin problems, a lotion that's designed to promote skin suppleness and elasticity may help resolve the problem. If that doesn't work, a dermatologist can help address any hormonal imbalance that's contributing to the problem.
7. Changes in Reproductive Health
In men, a reduction of testosterone production can inhibit libido and sexual performance. Sperm health may also be compromised when there's a drop in testosterone production. For women, the reduced estrogen production that comes with age may inhibit sex drive or interest in intimacy. If you notice any changes that are affecting your sexuality or inhibiting your ability to get pregnant, you and your partner should undergo medical exams to pinpoint the problem.
Have Symptoms? Seek Medical Treatment
There are other signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance that can affect you in your daily life. If you notice any changes in your health, you should schedule an examination with your doctor. Even if the cause of the change isn't related to hormone production, there may be other health problems that your doctor can help you alleviate. Oftentimes people experience these symptoms and do not realize their hormonal health can be the cause. Speaking to your physician about ordering a blood test to check your levels is the first step to finding out if you have a hormonal imbalance.
Author
Lizzie Howard is a Colorado native who after graduating from the University of Colorado spends her time as a freelance writer. When Lizzie isn’t writing, she enjoys going on hikes, baking for her friends and family, and spending time with her beloved yellow lab, Sparky.