When hormones fluctuate, we feel anxious, emotional, tired, and often experience acne. Hormonal balance is key to our overall health and not just an excuse for mood swings.
Hormonal imbalances affect not only our mood and emotions but also our chances of becoming pregnant, ovulation, and sexual desire.
What are hormones?
Hormones are produced by glands in the body and control most bodily functions, from simple needs like hunger and sleep to complex processes like the onset of puberty and the regulation of the reproductive system.
The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which is closely linked to the stress response. However, high levels of cortisol can affect a woman’s sexual desire and menstrual cycle. Cortisol can be a factor behind high levels of anxiety and depression.
The ovaries secrete hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which are sex hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, fertility, and sexual desire. According to the University of Rochester, estrogen is also linked to cognitive function, breast health, and cardiovascular health.
Other hormones control various necessary functions in the body. For example, leptin influences body weight and fat, melatonin helps us sleep, and thyroxine helps regulate heartbeats and control metabolism.
What causes hormonal imbalance?
Hormones need to work together in balance for the body to thrive. However, fluctuating hormone levels in women are very common, so if you feel you have a hormonal imbalance, you are not alone.
Doctors note that some common causes of hormonal imbalances in women include premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, and menopause. However, other lifestyle factors can also cause hormonal fluctuations. Being overweight, lack of exercise, or insufficient sleep can disrupt hormonal functions.
Additionally, diabetes is a common cause of hormonal imbalances and can affect not only insulin levels but also other hormones related to blood sugar, sex hormones, and growth hormones.
Common signs of hormonal imbalance
Recognizing the signs of hormonal imbalance can help you address the underlying cause and assist your body in balancing hormone levels. Sometimes, all you need to do is make some lifestyle changes to help your body produce enough hormones. Other times, you may use natural remedies to help manage the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
Sleep disturbances
The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine has reported that estrogen and progesterone drop sharply after childbirth. This may be a factor in why many women experience sleep difficulties after giving birth, and low levels of these hormones have been linked to postpartum depression.
If you want to take a more natural approach to sleep disturbances, you can try essential oils (lavender, valerian, orange, lemon, ylang-ylang) or drink a warm tea before bedtime.
Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
A hormonal imbalance can lead to mood swings and increased anxiety, especially during or around menopause.
Estrogen levels fluctuate constantly during the reproductive cycle. Researchers have found that women with low estrogen levels are more likely to feel the effects of emotional stress.
Other studies have found that fluctuations in cortisol hormone and hormones produced by the pituitary, hypothalamic, and gonadal glands can lead to depressive symptoms.
Persistent acne
Regular outbreaks of acne are associated with hormonal imbalances and could be why you experience breakouts before your menstrual period. Medical professionals indicate that hormonal changes can trigger acne due to low levels of androgen hormones.
Other symptoms of hormonal imbalance include:
- weight gain
- loss of muscle mass
- excessive sweating
- memory issues
- digestive problems
- constant fatigue
- headaches and migraines
- vaginal dryness
- breast changes
- decreased sexual desire
If you suspect you have a hormonal imbalance, you should consult a specialist, such as obstetricians, gynecologists, and endocrinologists, to establish a diagnosis and treatment for the hormonal imbalance. They can diagnose and treat various conditions related to hormones and help balance them.
