Around 50% of women are affected by hormonal imbalance. However, that number could also be higher, as hormonal problems can remain undetected for some time.
Signs of hormonal imbalance include unexplained weight gain or loss, fatigue, sweating, changes to bowel movements, muscle weakness, and pain. There are many signs and symptoms which can begin to impact day-to-day functioning.
However, identifying the cause of hormonal imbalance can help you seek the hormonal treatment you need to improve your health. Read on for six typical causes of hormonal imbalance.
1.Diet
Poor nutrition and certain foods can lead to a hormonal imbalance. Foods such as red meat, processed foods, and other foods with high glycemic loads can impact hormone levels.
Overeating or undereating can also cause hormonal imbalances, which is why eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa can lead to hormonal problems. An unhealthy gut often leads to inflammation, which is the root cause of many hormonal imbalances.
2. Stress
It is no secret that excessive stress has many negative consequences on your physical and mental health. However, when your body produces too many stress hormones, you may begin to show symptoms of hormonal imbalance. You may notice symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles and irritability.
3. Tumors
Certain tumors, including pituitary tumors, can lead to hormonal imbalance as they can begin to produce more hormones and make other glands do the same. For example, pituitary tumors can lead to overproduction of prolactin, which decreases sex hormone levels. Multiple hormones can be impacted, either producing too many or too little.
4. Injury or Trauma
Many different injuries can cause hormonal problems, such as brain injuries or endocrine gland injuries. Brain injuries can cause hormone deficiency, and issues with the endocrine system can lead to lesions, which can impact hormonal levels.
Trauma can make you more reactive to stressors, increasing cortisol levels and leading to imbalances.
5. Starting Menopause
Starting menopause is a common cause of hormonal imbalance. The transition period leads to many women experiencing changes in hormonal levels, and these imbalances cause menopause symptoms. However, different hormone therapy types can help with the transition to this chapter of your life.
6. Overactive or Underactive Thyroid
Your thyroid can produce too many or too few hormones, leading to hormonal imbalance symptoms. Sometimes thyroid issues get misdiagnosed, so if you experience signs of hormonal imbalance without another cause, get your thyroid levels checked. There are a variety of treatments to help many thyroid problems and reduce imbalances.
Manage Hormonal Imbalance
The hormonal treatment you receive depends on what is causing your hormonal imbalance. It could involve hormone replacement therapy, changes to your diet, addressing root causes of symptoms, or taking medication.
Once you recognize that you have hormonal issues, you can get the support you need. If you suspect you have a hormonal imbalance, speak to your primary care physician, who can help you identify the root cause and recommend the best hormonal treatment.
Did you find this article helpful? Everyone deserves to be in optimum health. Read on for more healthcare posts to help you stay healthy.