Are you dealing with physical, mental, and emotional health problems that won’t go away no matter what you try? Despite impacting 80 percent of women, hormone imbalance is often overlooked as a key component of women’s health.
From weight to fertility, mood to sleep, many of your body’s core functions depend on the careful equilibrium of 50 hormones. When your body produces too much or too little of certain hormones, the side effects can be debilitating.
Hormone imbalance can happen to any woman of any age, but the good news is that hormone imbalance is treatable. In many cases, the hardest part of dealing with the condition is the diagnosis!
Let’s take a look at common signs of hormonal imbalance, symptoms you might have missed, age-specific signs of imbalance, and answers to some of your most common questions, including:
- What causes hormonal imbalance?
- What are the symptoms of low estrogen in women?
- Does progesterone make you tired?
- What are the signs of high testosterone?
The sooner you recognize the signs of hormonal imbalance, the sooner you can seek treatment. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to navigating hormones!
Common Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms in Females
Hormonal imbalance is an umbrella term for many different types of health challenges. Some people struggle with improper levels of multiple hormones, while others struggle to control one specific hormone. Lifestyle changes can control some conditions, while others require more direct medical intervention.
Hormone levels also evolve, so the imbalance between age groups can look different. However, there are some common signs of hormonal imbalance across all demographics:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles: This can include skipped periods, heavy bleeding, or unusually light periods.
- Mood Swings: Fluctuations in hormones can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
- Acne: Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to breakouts, particularly around the menstrual cycle.
- Weight Changes: Sudden weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite efforts.
- Headaches: Hormonal changes can trigger migraines or tension headaches.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or disrupted sleep patterns.
- Low Libido: Decreased interest in sexual activity.
- Vaginal Dryness: Widespread during menopause but can occur at any age due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Hot Flashes/Night Sweats: Common during perimenopause and menopause but can occur in younger women due to hormonal issues.
The best way to catch these symptoms early on is to make regular appointments with a women’s healthcare provider, ideally with a gynecologist, annually. Girls should begin visiting the gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15 or when they start their first period.
Whether you’re a teenager with painful acne or dealing with low libido in your golden years, a gynecologist you can trust is vital. In an environment where you feel comfortable communicating about intimate issues, you can tackle the risk of imbalance as early as possible!
The goal is to achieve optimal hormone levels, which give everyone of every age the foundation for whole-body health.
Hormonal Weight Gain
Different hormones influence different bodily functions, and many focus on factors determining weight gain and weight loss. For example, insulin determines how your body stores nutrients, lupin tells your body when it’s full, ghrelin impacts hunger, and cortisol controls energy levels.
It’s challenging to pinpoint hormones as the sole cause of weight gain, but hormone imbalance is known to cause unexplained changes in weight or difficulty losing weight despite a healthy diet and exercise.
For example, hypothyroidism, a condition where too few hormones are produced, can cause stubborn weight gain that won’t go away. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, where too many hormones are produced, can cause a sudden drop in weight.
You should consult your healthcare provider to treat hormonal weight gain, but lifestyle changes can also help, such as:
- Regular exercise at both high and moderate intensities
- Better sleep hygiene
- Decreased intake of saturated and trans fats
- Increased intake of high-protein foods, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes
- Probiotic supplements
Symptoms of Low Estrogen in Women
Another hormone with weight-related side effects is estrogen, a sex hormone that regulates menstruation, bone health, the cardiovascular system, sexual activities, and more. Although 95 percent of women won’t struggle with estrogen levels until menopause, it’s important to know the signs of estrogen imbalance.
Common signs and symptoms of high or low estrogen levels in women include:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Pain during sex
- Intense PMS and period-related mood swings
- Hot flashes
- Tender breasts
- Excessive headaches and migraines
- Weight gain, particularly belly fat
- Fatigue
Women with low estrogen levels often find relief with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Whether pursued through tablets, patches, sprays, creams, gels, or vaginal rings, this treatment can be a lifesaver for women in their 40s and early 50s.
At The Woman’s Clinic, many patients needing HRT begin to feel like themselves with bioidentical hormone pellets, plant-derived hormones with similar molecular makeup to those already found in our bodies. They’re cost-effective and easy to insert with a simple in-office procedure.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Specific Symptoms
Another potential hormone imbalance diagnosis is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Symptoms of PCOS include:
- Delayed or irregular periods, potentially with heavy bleeding
- Pain in the uterus area
- Excess facial and body hair growth for baldness
- Severe acne
- Infertility
- Rapid weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- Darkening of skin in the neck, groin, or under the breasts
- Thyroid conditions
High androgen levels, high insulin levels, and genetics can all cause CPOS, but the condition is treatable. Treatment options and lifestyle interventions for managing PCOS symptoms usually include:
- A low carbohydrate diet
- Daily moderate-intensity exercise
- Hormonal pills, patches, or vaginal rings
- Surgery for cyst removal
If you think you may have PCOS, prioritize finding a healthcare provider who makes you feel comfortable, heard, and empowered.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormone levels fluctuate as you age, making temporary imbalances a normal part of life. However, chronic hormone imbalances can usually be traced back to more serious causes, such as:
- Growths on glands or organs that produce hormones
- Damaged endocrine glands
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetic predisposition
No matter the cause, proactive management of hormone imbalance is essential for lifelong vitality.
Uncommon Signs of Hormone Imbalance
Every case of hormone imbalance is unique, so there’s a chance your symptoms look a bit different than what we’ve already explored. Uncommon signs of hormone imbalance may include:
- Hair Loss: Thinning of hair or noticeable hair shedding beyond what is typical.
- Digestive Issues: Changes in appetite, bloating, or digestive discomfort not attributed to other causes.
- Breast Changes: Swelling, tenderness, or changes in breast tissue.
- Changes in Body Temperature Regulation: Feeling unusually hot or cold.
- Joint Pain: Especially in younger women, hormonal imbalances can contribute to joint pain or stiffness.
- Changes in Body Hair: Excessive growth or loss of body hair.
- Memory Issues: Cognitive fog, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating.
- Skin Changes: Dryness, itching, or rash-like symptoms.
Signs of High Testosterone
High levels of testosterone in women, although not as prevalent as other hormonal imbalances, can have a considerable impact on their bodies and overall health. This condition is characterized by an excessive production of testosterone, a hormone that is typically associated with male traits, but is also present and necessary for female health. Women with elevated levels of testosterone may experience various symptoms that can be both physically noticeable and internally distressing.
Signs of high testosterone levels in females include:
- Acne
- Deep-sounding voice
- Excessive body hair and facial hair
- Irregular periods
- A larger-than-average clitoris
- Shrinking breasts
- Thin hair
- Growth in muscle mass
If these symptoms feel familiar, you may be dealing with high testosterone. When left untreated, the biggest risk of very high testosterone levels is infertility.
Does Progesterone Make You Tired?
Progesterone is another tricky hormone that powers your reproductive system. It also influences your thyroid, mood, and energy levels.
Progesterone is an important hormone during pregnancy, so pregnant people should expect an influx in progesterone levels. Signs of a hormonal imbalance specific to low progesterone in non-pregnant people include:
- Irregular periods
- Headaches
- Difficult conceiving
- Anxiety, depression, and mood swings
- Hot flashing
- Bloating and weight gain
Progesterone can also cause insomnia, so if you’re asking, ‘does progesterone make you tired,’ the answer is yes! If you think your sleepiness may be caused by progesterone imbalance, routine exercise can help enhance the quality of your sleep.
Understanding Cortisol: Signs of Imbalance
Cortisol is a powerful hormone that impacts two important components of your mental health: stress and fatigue.
Signs of high cortisol levels include:
- Weight gain, particularly in the face, mid-section, and upper back
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Muscle weakness
- Extreme fatigue
- Concentration issues
- Slow healing
- High blood pressure
- Acne
- Thinning Skin
Signs of low cortisol levels include:
- Fatigue, particularly in the morning
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Depression and anxiety
- Weak immune system
- Sensitivity to stressful situations
- Brain fog, especially mid-day
- Craving sweet or salty food
Lifestyle changes are often the key to managing cortisol levels. Meditation, mindfulness, exercise, and better sleep can all help mitigate symptoms.
Age-Specific Signs of a Hormonal Imbalance
Let’s examine some specific symptoms of hormone imbalance by age. In addition to the above signs, consider whether you’re experiencing these age-specific signs of hormone problems.
Signs of Hormone Imbalance for Teens/Early 20s
As a young woman in your late teens or early twenties, you may experience hormonal imbalances that can cause various problems. Hormonal changes are common during this time, and they can affect your body in many ways. As a young woman, hormone imbalance can cause:
- Severe Acne: Beyond typical hormonal acne, painful cystic acne might indicate hormonal issues.
- Menstrual Irregularities: Especially if they've persisted since menstruation started.
Education about the symptoms and causes of hormonal imbalances can help you identify them early enough and seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend various treatments, including hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications, to help you manage hormonal imbalances and prevent further complications.
Signs of Hormone Imbalance for 30s/40s
Puberty may be over at this stage, but hormones can still impact your day-to-day life. Keep an eye out for:
- Infertility: Difficulty conceiving might indicate hormonal issues such as PCOS or diminished ovarian reserve.
- Changes in Menstrual Cycle: Lengthening or shortening of menstrual cycles.
- Perimenopausal Symptoms: Fluctuations in hormones as women transition to menopause.
Don’t skip your annual gynecology appointments, and keep your provider informed on recurring symptoms. If you’re experiencing premature menopause, your provider may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) around this time.
Signs of Hormone Imbalance for 50s/60s
By this age, hormone imbalance is nearly universal. All menopause symptoms should be discussed with your provider, especially if you’re experiencing:
- Menopausal Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings are typical.
- Bone Loss: Osteoporosis risk increases due to declining estrogen levels.
- Heart Health Issues: Declining estrogen levels can impact cardiovascular health.
For menopausal women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can do wonders. There’s no limit on when to start HRT or how long to take it, but the benefits associated with HRT usually outweigh the risks until the age of 60.
Because HRT carries a slight risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke, individualized treatment plans for HRT are critical. Again, finding a compassionate healthcare provider in a welcoming environment is the best way to manage hormone imbalance!
Overcoming Signs of Hormonal Imbalance: HRT Treatment
Now that you know more about common and uncommon signs of hormonal imbalance by age, you can begin your hormone optimization journey!
At The Woman’s Clinic, we’re honored to help women reclaim their most vibrant selves through personalized hormone optimization treatment plans. If you’re a woman in the Little Rock area, we’d love to walk you through potential solutions like Bioidentical Hormone Pellets, one of our most popular, cost-friendly options.
In the meantime, this free guide to hormone optimization will help you take the first steps to proactive hormone management. No matter your age or medical background, remember that if you’re experiencing symptoms, you deserve to seek medical evaluation from an empowering provider.
