Women can experience hormonal changes at any point between puberty and menopause. The hormones we are referring to are estrogen and progesterone, although other hormones can be involved as well, including testosterone, DHEA, thyroid, insulin, and others.

During puberty, hormones may increase or vary. During pregnancy, progesterone levels rise and then drop after pregnancy. During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and eventually decrease, which can lead to a variety of physical symptoms.

Women may also experience hormonal imbalances during particularly stressful times in their lives, which can happen at any point. Women’s health requires us to monitor our hormones and any medical conditions that may arise due to an imbalance.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?

When stress is a constant presence in a woman’s life, her cortisol and adrenaline levels may remain elevated. Ordinarily, cortisol and adrenaline levels should only be elevated for short periods during stressful events.

Cortisol and adrenaline are hormones produced and released by the adrenal glands when the body is under stress. After the stressful event has passed, hormone levels should ideally return to normal. When this doesn’t happen, it can sometimes contribute to the following medical conditions:

Infertility

A hormonal imbalance may potentially be a factor in infertility that could be impacting conception. In fact, hormonal imbalances are considered to be one of the leading reasons women face fertility issues. However, other factors may also play a role, so a complete evaluation is often needed to understand all contributing factors.

Weight Gain

Weight gain can sometimes result from hormonal imbalances. This occurs because several hormones help regulate signals that tell the body when it is time to replenish food supply. They also help determine how the body uses energy. When there is an imbalance, hormones might send more signals of hunger than usual, which may contribute to weight gain.

Adult Acne

A hormonal imbalance can be a factor in why many women experience adult acne. This imbalance can cause the skin to produce more oil than needed. This is especially common during menopause and pregnancy.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a hormone-related condition. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, but in some cases, it either doesn’t produce enough or the body may not be able to use it effectively. This is a medical condition that requires attention and often benefits from a treatment approach that addresses the imbalance in hormones.

Thyroid Disease

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, and hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too many hormones. These are among the more common types of thyroid diseases, and if diagnosed, treatment is often necessary to address these imbalances.

Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms in Females

Women may experience several symptoms of hormonal imbalance, including the following:

• Extreme thirst

• Skin tags

• Darkened skin in the armpit area and neck

• Irregular body fat distribution

• Warm, moist, and thin skin

• Dry, coarse skin and hair

• Inability to tolerate warm or cold temperatures

• Anxiety and depression

• Increased cholesterol levels

• Tingling and numbness in the hands

• Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements

• Constipation

• Fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

Hormonal Imbalance Treatment

Dr. Doni is a naturopathic doctor, which means she takes a holistic approach to medicine. This includes using both traditional medicine and natural remedies to treat and prevent illnesses, allowing the body the chance to heal naturally. Notably, Dr. Doni doesn’t provide the same treatment for every patient. Instead, she offers personalized treatments for your hormonal imbalance after determining the root cause of the condition.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen or treatment plan. The content here reflects general insights and is not a substitute for professional medical guidance.