What is Hormonal Disbalance: Symptoms and Prevention

What is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormones are chemicals that signal the human body to function in a certain way. Therefore, any imbalance in the production of these chemicals leads to hormonal imbalance. This condition broadly reflects the onset of various conditions related to hormones. A slight variation in the amount of hormone production can result in significant changes to the body. Some hormonal imbalances are temporary, while others are chronic and may negatively impact the quality of life of an individual.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemicals that are responsible for coordinating various functions of the body. They carry messages through the blood to different body organs, muscles, skin, and other tissues. To date, over 50 hormones have been identified by scientists in the human body. They control the following processes of the body:

• Homeostasis

• Sexual growth

• Metabolism

• Growth and development

• Reproduction

• Mood

• Sleep-wake cycle

What is hormonal imbalance in women?

Hormonal imbalance in women occurs when the chemicals in the bloodstream rise or drop at an extreme level. However, the hormones in females naturally fluctuate during specific periods such as pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause. In females, any abnormality in the secretion of adrenaline, insulin, a steroid hormone, estrogen, growth hormone, or progesterone leads to hormonal disbalance.

Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms in Females

Hormonal imbalance in women reflects in multiple ways. In addition, each experiences different symptoms. However, the most common hormonal imbalance symptoms in females include the following:

1. Slow or rapid heartbeat

This is generally experienced by women during menopause.

2. Sudden weight gain or loss

Disturbance in the thyroid hormone results in excess weight gain or loss in women.

3. Fatigue

Women with hormonal disbalance produce extra progesterone, resulting in continuous tiredness even after a long sleep.

4. Constipation, diarrhoea, or more frequent bowel movements

Excess or low production of progesterone and estrogen adversely affects the digestive system of women.

5. Depression, nervousness, or anxiety

Estrogen affects the brain chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. This impacts mood and mental health.

6. Increased sensitivity to cold or warm temperatures

Hormonal imbalance causes changes in metabolism, impacting temperature.

7. Dry and coarse skin

A change in thyroid hormone or onset of menopause can cause skin drying.

8. Thinning of hair, brittle hair

One of the most common hormonal imbalance signs is a drop in the level of estrogen, resulting in the thinning of hair.

9. Increased thirst and frequent urination

Increased thirst results from the changes in estrogen and progesterone or less production of the antidiuretic hormone.

10. Decreased sex drive

When the body produces less testosterone, it can decrease libido.

11. Increased hunger

Hormonal shift leads to depression and mood swings, which, in turn, increases people's hunger and appetite.

12. Infertility

This is one of the most common hormonal imbalances in women's symptoms. Moreover, hormonal disbalance is the primary cause of infertility in women.

13. Blurred vision

Hormonal disbalance in women makes it difficult to clearly remember an event.

Hormonal imbalance symptoms in people assigned female at birth (AFAB)

AFAB can imbalance sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries. In addition, they may also experience an excess production of androgens and testosterone. Symptoms Of hormonal changes in AFAB people include the following:

1. Vaginal atrophy

Little estrogen production leads to this condition, which is the primary cause of thinning, inflammation, and drying of the vaginal wall.

2. Vaginal dryness

Estrogen helps in maintaining the moisture of the vagina. A drop in this hormone makes the vagina dry and persists for longer.

3. Acne on the face, chest, or upper back

Frequent breakouts result from excess oil production caused by excess androgens.

4. Heavy or irregular periods

Unmatched estrogen and progesterone production results in untimely or heavy periods.

5. Hirsutism (excess body hair)

In AFAB, hormonal imbalance can also lead to hair growth in areas such as the chin, cheeks, upper lips, etc.

6. Hair loss

If the fallen hair does not regrow, the hair volume gets affected. This condition leads to hair loss.

7. Hyperpigmentation

Hormones play a vital role in maintaining skin texture. Any hormonal disbalance in the body leads to hyperpigmentation.

8. Pain and loss of interest during sex

Less estrogen and progesterone reduces libido and dries up the vagina, causing painful intercourse.

9. Infertility

Hormonal imbalance affects the menstrual cycle, which prevents the ova's maturing, resulting in female infertility.

10. Night sweats

Low estrogen and menopause lead to over-sweating during night sleep.

11. Headaches

Hormonal imbalance reduces sleep and increases anxiety and tiredness. All these factors increase headaches in AFAB people.

Hormonal imbalance symptoms in people assigned male at birth (AMAB)

People assigned male at birth, or AMAB, can have hormonal imbalance if they produce less testosterone. This can reflect multiple symptoms in people.

The most common symptoms of hormone imbalance in AMAB are:

1. Decrease or loss of body hair

Men generally have facial body hair. Any drop in the hormone can result in decreased hair growth.

2. Erectile dysfunction (ED)

This condition results in a person's inability to have a firm erection for sexual intercourse.

3. Gynecomastia (the development of breast tissue)

Hormonal disbalance in AMAB can increase the breast gland tissues, which leads to enlarged breasts.

4. Loss of muscle mass

An imbalance of catabolic hormone can result in body weight loss due to improper digestion.

5. Loss of interest during sex

Less testosterone production leads to ED and decreased libido.

6. Infertility

Male infertility is caused by less production of sperm or abnormal sperm function.

Also read: Hormonal Imbalance in Men: What You Need to Know About Its Hidden Effects

What Causes Imbalanced Hormones?

People experience natural fluctuations in hormone levels throughout their lives. However, they can also occur due to the improper functioning of endocrine glands. These glands are specialised cells that are responsible for the production and release of hormones into the bloodstream.

Some common causes of hormonal imbalance are:

• Puberty

• Menopause

• Pregnancy

• Stress

• Use of steroids

• Certain medication

How to control hormonal imbalance?

There is no full-proof treatment for hormonal imbalance. However, people can take specific steps to optimise their overall hormonal health. These include the following steps:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight

People must focus on maintaining a healthy BMI.

2. Eating a balanced diet

Gut health is essential for maintaining a healthy functioning body.

3. Engage in regular exercise

Exercises help reduce stress, balancing the body's hormone level.

4. Improve your gut health

People must take the necessary steps to improve their digestive system.

5. Add healthy fats to your diet

Instead of taking saturated fats, increase the number of food items with unsaturated fats.

6. Consume a high fibre diet

Foods with an increased fibre level are essential for improving digestion and smooth bowel movement.

Also read: How to Treat Hormonal Imbalance to Get Pregnant: Everything You Need to Know

7. Lower your sugar intake

Sugar intake can increase weight, resulting in improper production of body chemicals.

8. Getting enough quality sleep

Sound sleep is vital for reducing stress and maintaining healthy brain function.

9. Quit smoking or tobacco usage

Smoking and tobacco consumption damage body parts, resulting in the improper production of hormones in the long run.

10. Managing your chronic health conditions well

Certain health conditions and medication result in hormonal imbalance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hormonal imbalance can significantly impact various aspects of our health and well-being. From reproductive issues to mood swings and other physiological disruptions, it is crucial to recognize the signs and seek appropriate medical attention. Understanding the underlying causes and adopting a holistic approach to hormone management can help restore balance and promote overall health and vitality.

References

1. Alla Volodymyrivna Borshuliak, Oksana Anatoliivna Andriiets, Оксана Валеріанівна Бакун, Andriiets, A. V., Volodymyr Vasyliovich Andriiets, Michael Ivanovich Sheremet, & Varlas, V. (2021). State of hormonal balance in adolescent girls with menstrual function disorders associated with obesity.

2. VandeVord, P. J., Sajja, V. S. S. S., Ereifej, E., Hermundstad, A., Mao, S., & Hadden, T. J. (2016). Chronic Hormonal Imbalance and Adipose Redistribution Is Associated with Hypothalamic Neuropathology following Blast Exposure. Journal of Neurotrauma