Factors Causing Hormonal Imbalances

Introduction:

Hormones play an important role in the overall functioning of the body. Hormonal imbalances are noticeable through different signs and symptoms. It is a way the body tries to show something is wrong in the body. That includes many conditions that may be the causative factor for hormonal imbalances that can be treated. Hormonal imbalance results when hormone levels in the body increase or decrease and are not up to their normal levels or near normal levels in the body.

What Are Hormones?

Hormones are the body's chemical messengers that have different functions in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and act as a messenger to all the organs of the body, such as muscles, skin, and other tissues. Hormones are part of the endocrine system produced by different tissues and glands in the body. Hormones can control different functions like–

• Metabolism.

• Sleep cycle.

• Mood.

• Sexual function.

• Internal balance (hemostasis).

• Development and growth.

• Reproduction.

What Is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance occurs when there are increased or decreased levels of one or more hormones. Hormones are powerful signals in the body essential to carry out certain vital functions as well. Extremely low or excess production of hormones (hormonal dysfunction) may show major changes in the body that may require treatment. Some of the hormonal imbalances can be a temporary and short term which may not require medications or treatments. However, chronic hormonal imbalances (or permanent hormonal imbalances) require treatment so that one can stay healthy and physically sound. Hormonal imbalances whether temporary or permanent do impact the quality of life and affect one’s body functions to a greater extent.

What Are the Conditions That Cause Hormonal Imbalance?

Various conditions are caused by hormonal imbalances. Some of the conditions triggered by hormonal imbalances require proper treatment, whereas some may be temporary, and can resolve on their own. Some most common hormone-related conditions include the following:

• Irregular menstrual cycle.

• Infertility.

• Acne.

• Diabetes.

• Hormonal acne.

• Obesity, for example, excess cortisol hormone, and low thyroid hormone, can contribute to obesity.

• Thyroid disease, whether hyperthyroid or hypothyroid.

• Amenorrhea (missing period).

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome.

What Are the Factors Causing Hormonal Imbalances?

Hormonal imbalance has many possible causes. They may differ based on which hormones or glands were affected. Some common causes of hormonal imbalance include:

• Steroids - The body’s natural steroids or steroid medications and other therapies alter the functions of other hormones in the body causing overall hormonal imbalances. Steroids decrease the body’s natural cortisol production and may lead to cortisol insufficiency.

• Chronic Stress - Increased stress levels in the body increase the stress hormones. As a response, there are fluctuations in the levels of other hormones like cortisol, catecholamines, and thyroid hormones. This fluctuation causes imbalances in hormonal levels and affect the body's functions.

• Puberty - At puberty certain sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone shoot up. These hormones are responsible for primary and secondary sexual characteristics in males and females. Other environmental factors like genetics, and eating habits may cause hormonal fluctuations and lead to hormonal imbalances.

• Menopause - During menopause female hormones like estrogen and progesterone drop drastically and eventually diminish. Estrogen and progesterone are important for other functions in the body. For example, estrogen also helps prevent osteoporosis.

• Certain Medications - Medications often help to relieve the symptoms of any disease or disorder. However, it also alters the other functions of the body and may cause hormonal imbalance as a side effect.

• Pregnancy - Women mostly experience huge hormonal imbalances in their bodies during pregnancy. Fluctuations in the female hormones, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin keep fluctuating throughout the phase of pregnancy.

• Endocrine Gland Injury - Endocrine glands are responsible to secrete hormones. Any injury to the endocrine glands or dysfunction of the endocrine glands can lead to decreased production of hormones in the body leading to hormonal imbalances.

• Tumors or Growths or Adenomas (non-cancerous tumors on the pituitary, adrenal, and parathyroid glands) - Glands that secrete hormones may have tumor masses and growths that may either interfere with the secretion of hormones, production of hormones, or simply fail to function properly. At times it can even hyperfunction to produce excess hormones. This leads to hormonal imbalances.

• Eating Disorders and Obesity - Studies show obesity to be one of the major factors for hormonal imbalances. Eating disorders, excess fat intake, and less physical activity cause fat deposition around the organs of the body leading to improper functioning of the organs that secrete these hormones. This leads to organ dysfunction and hormonal imbalance.

• Autoimmune Conditions - Autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's disease, polyglandular syndromes, and Addison's disease.

• Hormonal Therapy - Hormonal therapies often show hormonal imbalances among individuals whose bodies do not respond to the treatment properly.

What Were the Signs and Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance?

The signs of hormonal imbalances can vary depending on the underlying cause which may include:

• Anxiety.

• Acne.

• Depression.

• Infertility.

• Depression.

• Loss of sexual desire.

• Depressed muscle mass.

• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss.

• High cholesterol levels.

• Intense thirst or frequent urination.

• Dry skin.

• Heavy or irregular periods.

• Skin tags.

• Tingling and numbness in the hands.

• Intolerance to cold or hot temperatures.

• Vaginal atrophy or dryness.

• Hot flashes.

• Darkened skin on the back, underarms, and sides of the neck.

• Excess body hair.

• Rapid or slow heartbeat.

• Dry or brittle hair.

• Digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation.

What Are the Tests and Diagnoses for Hormonal Imbalances?

Depending on the symptoms, one may suggest more diagnostic tests. The following test can be tested.

• Blood test.

• Pelvic examination.

Additional tests are–

• X-rays.

• Biopsy.

• Thyroid scan.

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

• Sperm count test.

Treatment Options for Hormonal Imbalances

For hormonal imbalances, treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Such as–

• Estrogen therapy.

• Hormonal birth control therapies.

• Anti-androgen medications.

• Thyroid hormone therapy.

• Testosterone therapy.

• Metformin.

• Eflornithine.

• Flibanserin and Bremelanotide.

What Are the Natural Remedies and Supplements?

Following lifestyle changes helps in regulating hormonal imbalances such as:

• Losing weight.

• Eating a healthy and balanced diet.

• Yoga.

• Exercises.

How Can One Prevent Hormonal Imbalances?

Some conditions are related to hormonal imbalances that cannot be prevented. The following are some examples of healthy lifestyle modifications one can make to keep their hormones balanced:

• Eating balanced and healthy foods.

• By maintaining a healthy weight.

• Managing one's stress.

• Exercising regularly.

• Maintaining other chronic health conditions.

• Getting enough sleep.

• Quitting smoking.

• Limiting or avoiding alcohol.

Conclusion

Hormones are responsible for many of one's body's major processes. When the hormones become unbalanced, they may show symptoms that can be extremely varied. These hormonal imbalances may cause a variety of complications, so it is important to get treated for that condition. Consulting the doctor as soon as one notices the changes in the body or energy levels helps in treating the hormonal imbalance earlier.