Hormone Imbalance

Your body uses hormones as chemical messengers. These potent chemicals, which are produced in the endocrine glands, circulate through your circulation and instruct tissues and organs. They aid in the regulation of numerous vital bodily functions, such as metabolism and reproduction.

You either have too much or too little of a particular hormone when you have a hormonal imbalance. Your entire body may be seriously impacted by even small alterations. Hormones can be compared to a cake recipe. The finished product is impacted by either too much or too little of any one element.

Throughout your life, your hormone levels may change, which could just be the result of aging naturally. However, when your endocrine glands make a mistake, further modifications take place.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemicals that send messages to your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues through your blood, coordinating various bodily functions. Your body receives these messages that tell it what to do and when. Your health and existence depend on hormones.

There are already more than 50 hormones known to exist in the human body.

Hormones and most of the tissues (mainly glands) that make and release them make up your endocrine system. Hormones control many different physiological processes, such as:

• Metabolism.
• Homeostasis, or steady equilibrium inside.
• Development and growth.
• Sexual activity.
• Reproduction.
• Cycle of sleep and wakefulness.
• Feeling.

What is a hormonal imbalance?

An excess or insufficiency of one or more hormones results in a hormonal imbalance. Because of its broad definition, it can refer to a wide range of hormone-related disorders.

Hormones are strong indicators. Even a small excess or deficiency of various hormones can have a significant impact on your body and result in diseases that need medical attention.

Hormonal imbalances can range in duration from short-term to long-term. Furthermore, while some hormone imbalances may not have an effect on your health but can have a detrimental effect on your quality of life, others must be treated to maintain your physical well-being.

Which disorders are brought on by an imbalance in hormones?

Hormone problems are the root cause of dozens of illnesses. Too much or too little of most hormones can lead to symptoms and health problems. Some of these imbalances can be transient and disappear on their own, but many of them need to be treated.

Common hormone-related conditions:

Inconsistent menstruation: The menstrual cycle is influenced by a number of hormones. Because of this, irregular periods may result from an imbalance in one or more of those hormones. A few hormone-related disorders that result in irregular periods are amenorrhea and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Infertility: The most common reason for infertility in those assigned females at birth is hormonal abnormalities. Infertility can be brought on by hormone-related disorders such as PCOS and anovulation. Hormonal abnormalities that impact fertility, such as low testosterone levels (hypogonadism), can also affect people who were designated male at birth.

Acne: Clogged pores are the main cause of acne. Hormonal changes, particularly throughout puberty, are a major contributing factor to acne formation, while there are other causes as well. During puberty, hormones become active, stimulating oil glands, including those in your face.

Hormonal acne: Hormonal changes that cause your skin to generate more oil are the cause of hormonal acne, also known as adult acne. This is most prevalent for those on testosterone medication, throughout menopause, and during pregnancy.

Diabetes: The most prevalent endocrine (hormone-related) disease in the US is diabetes. When you have diabetes, your body either uses insulin improperly or your pancreas produces insufficient amounts of the hormone. Diabetes comes in a variety of forms. Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, and gestational diabetes are the most prevalent. Diabetes needs to be managed.

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone levels, and hyperthyroidism, or excessive thyroid hormone levels, are the two primary forms of thyroid illness. There are numerous potential causes for every ailment. Treatment is necessary for thyroid disease.

Obesity: An imbalance of some hormones can lead to weight gain through fat accumulation because they can influence how your body uses energy and signals when you need food. For instance, inadequate thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) and an overabundance of the hormone cortisol can both lead to obesity.

Causes and Symptoms

What symptoms indicate a hormonal imbalance?

Depending on the hormonal imbalance you have, you may have a variety of symptoms because your body produces more than 50 different hormones, all of which are essential for vital body processes.

It’s crucial to understand that a hormone imbalance is not the only cause of many of the symptoms listed below; other illnesses may also be to blame. No matter what you believe the explanation may be, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider if you ever detect a change in your regular health and are dealing with new, chronic symptoms.

Symptoms of a Hormone Imbalance:

Hormonal abnormalities that impact your metabolism are common. The chemical processes in your body’s cells that convert the food you eat into energy make up your metabolism. Metabolism involves a wide range of hormones and processes.

The following are signs of hormonal abnormalities that impact your metabolism:

• Either a slow or fast heartbeat (tachycardia).
• Weight loss or growth that cannot be explained.
• Exhaustion.
• Constipation.
• Increased frequency of bowel motions or diarrhea.
• Your hands are tingly and numb.
• Elevated blood cholesterol levels compared to normal.
• Anxiety or depression.
• Being unable to endure either extreme of temperature.
• Coarse, dry skin and hair.
• Thin, wet, and warm skin.
• Irregular distribution of body fat.
• Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by darkened skin in the back and sides of your neck or under your arms.
• Skin tags are microscopic skin growths.
• Excessive thirst and urination.

Symptoms of a sex hormone imbalance in individuals assigned to the female gender at birth

The sex chemicals progesterone and estrogen, which are produced by the ovaries, can be out of balance in people who were designated female at birth (AFAB). They may also have high levels of androgens and testosterone. Those who are AFAB may experience the following symptoms due to a sex hormone imbalance:

• Acne on your upper back, chest, or face.
• Loss of hair.
• Heavy times.
• Excessive body hair is known as hirsutism.
• Flashes of heat.
• Infertility.
• Irregular times.
• Decline in sex interest.
• Atrophy of the vagina.
• Dryness of the vagina.

Symptoms of a sex hormone imbalance in those born with a male gender assignment

The following symptoms may arise in people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) because of an imbalance of sex hormones, including testosterone, which is produced by the testes:

• Reduction or elimination of body hair.
• ED, or erectile dysfunction.
• Increased breast tissue, or gynecomastia.
• Infertility.
• Decline in sex interest.
• Muscular mass loss.

Can weight gain result from hormone imbalance?

Indeed, weight gain can result from specific hormone abnormalities, such as:

Your metabolism slows down when you have hypothyroidism, a disorder caused by low thyroid hormone levels. Weight gain may result from this.

A rare disorder known as Cushing’s syndrome is brought on by an excess of the hormone cortisol in the body. It causes quick weight increase in the chest, back of your neck (also known as the “buffalo hump”), abdomen, and face (sometimes known as “moon face”).

Menopause: Hormonal changes that slow down metabolism cause many women who were assigned female at birth to gain weight during menopause. It’s critical to keep in mind that this kind of “hormonal imbalance” is normal in life.

Several additional factors also play a role in weight growth. Speak with your healthcare professional if you’re worried about your weight or if you’re gaining weight unexpectedly.

Is anxiety a result of hormone imbalance?

Indeed, anxiety can result from several hormonal abnormalities, including:

Hyperthyroidism: This condition is caused by an excess of thyroid hormone in the body. Your metabolism is accelerated by too much thyroid hormone. Along with unusual uneasiness, restlessness, and irritability, this can also create worry.

Cushing’s syndrome: Although less prevalent, this condition, which is caused by an excess of cortisol, can result in anxiety, depression, and irritability.

Growth hormone deficit that develops in adulthood: People who have this condition frequently report experiencing anxiety and/or depression.

Anxiety can be brought on by several additional circumstances and elements. If you are suffering from anxiety, you must speak with your healthcare professional.

What leads to the imbalance of hormones?

Your hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day and your life.

Hormone shifts and variations are more pronounced during specific life stages, such as:

• Adolescence.
• Pregnancy.
• Menopause.

However, there are several additional causes for sudden fluctuations in your hormone levels. The following are a few of the most typical reasons why hormone levels fluctuate or are out of balance:

• Stress.
• Certain drugs.
• Use of steroids.
• With a change in medication or effective stress management, these hormonal abnormalities are more likely to be transient or correctable.

Numerous factors may contribute to chronic hormone-related disorders. Generally speaking, the following circumstances or events are the primary causes of medically important hormone imbalances:

• Growths such as adenomas or tumors.
• An endocrine gland is damaged or injured.
• Autoimmune diseases.

Tumors, adenomas and growths

Any growth, including a tumor, adenoma, or nodule, on a gland or organ that generates hormones may impair its capacity to do so.

Cancers

Hormone imbalances may result from rare endocrine tumors that develop in glands or hormone-producing cells. Among the uncommon endocrine tumors are:

• A malignant adrenal tumour that develops in the adrenal cortex is known as an adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). It can occasionally result in the overproduction of hormones.
• Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that develop from neuroendocrine cells are known as carcinoid tumours. Hormones are used by neuroendocrine cells to receive and transmit messages that support bodily functions.
• Cancer that develops in the medulla, the inside of your thyroid, is known as medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Special cells known as parafollicular C cells, which make and release hormones, are found in the medulla.
• An uncommon tumor that develops in the center of one or both of your adrenal glands (adrenal medulla) is called a pheochromocytoma. Chromaffin cells, the type of cell that makes up the tumor, are responsible for the production and release of certain hormones. Although they can be malignant, they are mostly benign.
• A paraganglioma, sometimes called an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma, is an uncommon neuroendocrine tumour that develops along nerve pathways in your head and neck, close to your carotid artery, and in other areas of your body.

Adenomas

A benign (noncancerous) tumor is called an adenoma. A large number of adenomas are nonfunctioning, which means they don’t make hormones. However, some are capable of overproducing hormones. We refer to these as functional adenomas. The following adenomas can impact your endocrine system and result in hormone imbalances:

• Any of the hormones your pituitary gland produces may become unbalanced as a result of pituitary adenomas. For instance, the most frequent cause of acromegaly (excess growth hormone in adults) is pituitary adenomas.
• Adrenal adenomas: An adrenal adenoma on the adrenal cortex is the most frequent cause of Cushing’s syndrome, which is an excess of cortisol.
• Primary hyperparathyroidism, or an excess of parathyroid hormone, can be brought on by parathyroid adenomas.

Additional growths

Hormone imbalances can result from growths on endocrine glands other than tumors and adenomas. For instance, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may result from thyroid nodules, an atypical growth (lump) of cells in the thyroid gland.

An endocrine gland is damaged or injured.

Hormone imbalances, typically a shortage or deficiency of hormones, can result from any type of harm or injury to an endocrine gland. The following circumstances or conditions could cause damage:

• Inadvertent damage from surgery: For instance, inadvertent damage to your parathyroid glands after thyroid or neck surgery accounts for about 75% of cases of hypoparathyroidism (low parathyroid hormone).
• A lack of blood flow to an endocrine gland or excessive blood loss can result in necrosis, or the death of tissue. For instance, considerable blood loss following childbirth may result in Sheehan’s syndrome, a cause of hypopituitarism.
• Bacterial or viral illness: Although it is uncommon, hypopituitarism can be a side effect of bacterial meningitis.
• Radiation therapy: Endocrine glands may be harmed by radiation therapy used to treat cancer. For instance, hypothyroidism can occur in as many as 50% of patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
• Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is another name for brain or head trauma. Events like car crashes falls, and contact sports can result in brain injuries and head trauma, which might harm your pituitary or hypothalamus.

Autoimmune diseases

When your immune system unintentionally targets a bodily organ rather than defending it, you can develop an autoimmune illness. Why your immune system does this is unknown. A hormonal imbalance results when your immune system targets a gland or organ that makes hormones. Among the autoimmune endocrine disorders are:

• Hashimoto’s condition.
• Graves’ illness.
• Diabetes type 1.
• Addison’s illness.
• Symptoms of the polyglandular disease.

Testing and Diagnosis

How can an imbalance in hormones be identified?

Since your endocrine glands produce hormones straight into your circulation, medical professionals usually conduct blood tests to measure your hormone levels.

Because some hormone levels fluctuate significantly during the day, doctors might prescribe additional tests, such as an insulin or glucose tolerance test, to gauge your levels.

In addition, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and enquire about your symptoms and medical history.

Management and Therapy

How are abnormalities in hormones treated?

The cause of a hormonal imbalance will determine how it is treated.

Hormone replacement therapy is the primary treatment for low-than-normal hormone levels. You may be prescribed injections or oral therapy (pills) based on which hormone is lacking.

For instance, your doctor may recommend synthetic thyroid hormone supplements if you have hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormone levels. You may probably need to receive injections of synthetic growth hormone if you have a growth hormone shortage.

Depending on the cause, there are numerous therapy options available if your hormone levels are greater than usual. Radiation therapy, medicine, surgery, or a mix of these are available options.

For instance, your doctor might recommend a drug to reduce the size of your prolactinoma, a benign (noncancerous) tumor that produces an excess of the hormone prolactin, or you might need surgery to remove it.

How can a hormonal imbalance be corrected?

Medical care is necessary for several illnesses that include hormonal imbalances, including diabetes and thyroid disease.

Although many nutritional supplements on the market promise to address various hormonal imbalances, only a small number of them are effective by science. It’s crucial to discuss supplementation with your healthcare practitioner first.

Your doctor may suggest certain lifestyle modifications, including controlling your stress levels and engaging in regular exercise, in addition to medication treatment to assist manage a hormone imbalance.

Which medical professionals address hormonal imbalances?

Many hormonal disorders can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians, although consulting an endocrinologist may be helpful.

An endocrinologist is a medical professional who focuses on endocrinology, a branch of medicine that examines disorders involving hormones. They can administer medication, create treatment and management strategies, and diagnose endocrine (hormone) disorders.

Preventive Measure 

How can a hormonal imbalance be avoided?

Although there is no way to prevent many hormonal imbalances, there are several things you can do to improve your general health that may help maintain hormonal balance, such as:

• Keeping a healthy weight in mind.
• Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
• Engaging in frequent exercise.
• Controlling your tension.
• Obtaining adequate, high-quality sleep.
• Keeping your chronic illnesses under control.
• If you smoke, you should stop using tobacco products.

FAQs

Reference

• Hormonal imbalance. (2024, October 18). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance
• Osborn, C. O. (2023, February 9). Everything you should know about hormonal imbalance. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/hormonal-imbalance#causes
• Jardim, N. (2018, October 25). What exactly is a hormone imbalance — and what’s a girl to do about it? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/hormone-imbalance