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A hormone imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Hormones are chemicals that regulate many processes in the body, including growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, and mood.
Some common signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance include:
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Acne and changes in skin
- Hair loss or unwanted hair growth
- Digestive issues
- Mood changes like depression, irritability, or anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Changes in sex drive and sexual function
What causes hormone imbalances?
Hormone levels can become imbalanced for various reasons, such as:
- Age: Hormone levels naturally shift at different life stages like puberty, perimenopause, and menopause. These can cause temporary imbalances.
- Chronic stress: High cortisol levels from chronic stress can impact hormone production.
- Poor diet: Not getting enough healthy fats and nutrients can impact endocrine function.
- Underlying conditions: Thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, PCOS, diabetes, and autoimmune disease can all trigger hormone issues.
How are hormone imbalances diagnosed and treated?
If hormone imbalance symptoms are impacting your daily life, see your healthcare provider. They can run blood tests to check levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. Depending on test results and symptoms, treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Getting enough sleep, managing stress, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can help rebalance hormones for some people.
- Medications or supplements: Birth control pills, thyroid medications, or supplements like DHEA or melatonin.
- Bioidentical hormones: Custom formulated to match natural hormones. Used to treat menopause or low testosterone.
- Integrative approaches: Acupuncture, herbal remedies, or mind-body practices may complement other treatment.
I hope this gives you a helpful introduction to what hormone imbalances are, what causes them, and how they can be evaluated and managed by a healthcare professional at Wellspring Medical to help you feel your best! Let me know if you have any other questions.