It’s a fact none of us mortal humans can escape from: As we age or experience other factors that disrupt hormonal balance, we begin to notice certain changes in our bodies. The important thing is to recognize these signs early enough to take action before things become more complicated.
In this article, we will analyze these signs in greater detail so you can get a preemptive grip on hormonal imbalance. Does your mood seem as unsteady as the weather? Do you experience low energy levels or feel like your brain is foggy? There is a good possibility that your hormones are to blame, and we’ll get into greater detail about this below. What’s more, women naturally experience fluctuating hormone levels throughout their menstrual cycles that can be accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms – but some women may find they feel “off” in ways unrelated to these normal hormonal fluctuations.
Let’s take a closer look at these signs and indicators now.
I. Fatigue and Low Energy
Feeling constantly tired or experiencing low levels of energy can be a significant sign of a hormonal imbalance, particularly when related to fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones (such as thyroxin), or cortisol, which all play a role in regulating energy levels in the body. When these levels drop, you could feel sluggish, weak, or have trouble staying awake during the day. If you experience persistent fatigue even after getting enough sleep, it could indicate a hormone problem…one which warrants further analysis by a healthcare professional.
This is important, as a physician can check hormone levels and suggest the best options for treatment.
II. Mood Swings and Irritability
Hormonal changes can affect the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can impact mood. Further, hormonal changes before and during a period can cause irritability, depression, anxiety, and more, or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Summary of Causes
• Menstrual Cycle – Hormonal changes before and during a period can cause mood swings, anxiety, depression, and irritability, known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Menopause – A drop in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause mood swings.
• Pregnancy – Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause mood swings.
• Birth Control – Hormonal changes from birth control can result in mood swings.
III. Weight Gain/Difficulty Losing Weight
Weight gain is definitely associated with underlying hormonal imbalances; for men, hormonal weight can be caused by high levels of stress or cortisol levels in the body, and these heightened levels of cortisol may cause the body to go into “survival mode” and induce fat cell production, ultimately causing a declining metabolism to store food for later use. For women, a specific estrogen hormone called estradiol, which menopause helps decrease, assists with regulating metabolism and body weight; the lower the estradiol levels, the better the chance of weight gain.
Summary of Causes
Hormonal weight gain can be caused by the following conditions or issues:
• Thyroid hormone deficiency
• Estrogen dominance
• Androgen imbalance
• Insulin resistance
• Metabolic syndrome
• PCOS
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Cortisol excess
• Leptin resistance
• Prolactin excess
• Pituitary insufficiency
IV. Sleep Problems
Hormonal imbalances can also cause sleep problems like insomnia, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, and these issues can occur due to changes in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, or adrenal hormones. What’s more, studies have shown that it can occur during perimenopause and menopause, PMS, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Summary of Symptoms
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Night sweats
• Frequent urination
V. Decreased Libido
Decreased libido is a symptom of hormonal imbalance that can affect both men and women; in some cases, reduced hormone levels themselves are the cause, with older women, in particular, having a low sex drive due to menopause (when the female hormone estrogen reaches lower levels and causes low sexual desire). Other menopausal symptoms, such as poor vaginal lubrication, can result in painful intercourse. On the male side of the coin, these issues are usually relegated to problems with testosterone.
Summary of Symptoms
• Vaginal dryness
• Erectile dysfunction
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
VI. Dry Skin/Hair Loss
Thyroid hormones influence the metabolic rate of cells, including those in the skin. As such, an imbalance in thyroid function can cause dry skin, hair loss, and changes in the skin’s texture. These symptoms can be traced to several hormones, including thyroid, estrogen, and testosterone.
Summary of Thyroid Hormones
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Menopause
• Androgen excess
Other Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance
• Brittle nails
• Itching
• Mood swings
• Weak muscles
• Insomnia or poor sleep
• Memory issues or brain fog
• Digestive problems
• Chronic headaches
• Changes in body odor
VII. Brain Fog and Difficulty Concentrating
The condition known as “brain fog” and difficulty concentrating are particularly related to fluctuating estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause, where declining hormone levels can significantly impact cognitive function, yielding feelings of mental fogginess and poor focus.
Summary of Symptoms
• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Trouble finding words
• Decreased mental clarity
• Confusion
• Impaired memory
Conclusion
Hormonal changes are a natural part of life, but they can have a significant impact on your well-being. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action early to prevent further complications. Consult a hormone specialist like Nexel Medical to receive personalized advice and solutions, such as TRT therapy and growth hormone injections (HGH), to help you feel your best.
