Managing Hormonal Imbalances: Tips for a Healthy Transition

You’ve probably at some point felt like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. Perhaps you’re struggling with strange weight gain, unending fatigue, or sleep problems. If so, you might be having a hormonal imbalance. A survey of American women revealed that 47% have experienced its symptoms. Hormonal changes are known to affect physical and mental well-being, leaving you feeling frustrated and in want of answers (1).

Hormones are dynamic chemical messengers that regulate several critical body processes. When they’re not balanced, your entire system can be thrown off. And this may lead to a mix of disruptive symptoms.

This article explores hormonal imbalances in-depth and offers practical tips for managing them.

What is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal imbalances come about when your body produces too little or too much of specific hormones. These are a result of factors like medical conditions, lifestyle habits, and typical life transitions.

There are different types of hormonal imbalances. Each has unique causes and symptoms. Below are the common ones:

• Menopause: This phase of life, which often begins between ages 45 and 55, is characterized by a decline in estrogen and progesterone, which may lead to hot flashes and mood swings. A common treatment option for this form of hormonal imbalance is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, wherein bioidentical hormones produced from plants are added to the human body, perfectly fitting into the hormone receptor locks. (2)
• Thyroid issues: An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can disrupt your metabolism, sleep and energy levels.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This is a hormonal disorder that causes irregular periods, acne, and excess hair loss or growth.

Hormonal imbalances can trigger a chain of effects throughout your body. They can affect your energy levels, mood, sleep, weight, and reproductive health. Understanding these potential effects is vital for recognizing the signs of an imbalance.

Identifying the Signs and Symptoms

Hormonal imbalances show in various ways. Below are the typical physical signs to look out for:

• Irregular periods: Changes in your menstrual cycle, such as heavy bleeding, missed periods, or irregular cycles, are a common symptom of hormonal issues. About 14-25% of women experience irregular menstrual cycles, which are shorter or longer than the 21-35 days average (3).
• Weight fluctuations: Unusual weight loss or gain can be a result of hormonal imbalance.
• Acne: Fluctuation of hormones can induce acne breakout, even among older adults.
• Hair loss or excess hair growth: Hair growth patterns get affected considerably by hormonal imbalance.

Besides physical symptoms, hormonal fluctuations may bring about the following emotional indications.

• Mood swings: Sudden shifts in mood, including irritability and anxiety might be a result of hormonal disruption.
• Anxiety: Hormones can make you anxious or nervous.
• Brain fog: You may have trouble concentrating or feel mentally sluggish when your hormones aren’t in balance.

Note that most of these symptoms aren’t exclusively a result of hormonal imbalance. Other medical conditions can cause similar signs. So, it helps to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis. They’ll help you get to the root cause and suggest appropriate treatment options.

Seeking Professional Diagnosis

It helps to consult a doctor when you suspect a hormonal imbalance. They’ll do a blood test to accurately determine your hormone levels. Moreover, they’ll identify the specific cause of the issue so they can

develop a practical treatment plan.

Below is a brief outline of healthcare providers you can see for hormonal problems:

• Endocrinologist: They specialize in the endocrine system, part of which is the glands that produce hormones.
• Gynecologists: They specialize in women’s reproductive health and are best suited to address especially those hormonal issues related to menstrual cycles, menopause, and other conditions.
• Primary care physicians: They can provide preliminary evaluation and refer you to a specialist if the issue is beyond their scope.

The doctor’s diagnosis and your condition’s severity will determine the appropriate treatment option.

Below are the common ones doctors recommend:

• Hormone replacement therapy: This is a means to replenish low hormone levels and regulate fluctuating hormones.
• Medications: Various medications can address specific hormonal imbalances. Examples are thyroid medications and birth control pills.
• Lifestyle changes: Altering your way of life can help support your overall hormonal health
  Don’t be tempted to go for over-the-counter drugs. Professional diagnosis is critical for an informed treatment plan.

Lifestyle Modifications for Hormonal Imbalance

Medical treatments aren’t the only solution for hormonal issues. Making positive lifestyle changes can also be helpful.

Focus on the following key areas:

• Stress management: Persistent stress can disrupt hormone production. So, find healthy ways to manage stress. You can engage in yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
• Sleep enough: Purpose to sleep for seven to eight hours every night. Develop a regular sleep schedule and stick to a relaxing bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality.
• Healthy eating: Always eat a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and fiber. Reduce the amount of processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugary drinks in your diet.
• Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity helps manage stress, supports healthy weight, and promotes overall hormonal balance.

With these practices, there’s a better likelihood of stopping hormonal imbalance in its tracks.

Conclusion

Hormonal imbalances are common, but they don’t have to dictate your well-being. Be proactive in understanding their causes and seeking professional diagnosis, and you’ll effectively manage these disruptions so they don’t considerably ground you.

Working closely with a healthcare provider is your best bet. Their expertise and guidance, plus your commitment, will lead to noticeable improvements in your emotional and physical well-being.

Read Next: 5 Best Habits That Help To Improve Your Mental Health

References

1. “Nearly half of women have been affected by a hormonal imbalance”, Source: https://nypost.com/2019/02/22/nearly-half-of-women-have-been-affected-by-a-hormonal-imbalance/ 
2. What Is Menopause? Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause#:~:text=The%20menopausal%20transition%20most%20often,as%20long%20as%2014%20years. 
3. What are menstrual irregularities? Source: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menstruation/conditioninfo/irregularities#:~:text=For%20most%20women%2C%20a%20normal,from%2021%20to%2035%20days.&text=However%2C%2014%25%20to%2025%25,other%20problems%2C%20like%20abdominal%20cramps.