Hormone Imbalance: What Does it Really Mean?
We hear a lot about “hormonal imbalance” these days, don’t we? But what does it actually mean?
Hormones are the “chemical messengers” of the body, relaying information from one part of the body to another and telling each organ system what to do and when to do it.
Hormones make up the “endocrine system” and control bodily processes like:
Growth and development
Metabolism and energy
Mood
The sleep/wake cycle
Sexual function
Reproduction
And more
Most hormones function via a feedback loop to keep all the levels in check. For example, the thyroid gland produces the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) when the pituitary gland in the brain releases thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Once the levels of T3 and T4 become adequate, a feedback signal returns to the pituitary gland to affect any further release of TSH. These three hormones provide feedback between the pituitary gland and thyroid gland—back and forth forever—to keep an appropriate amount of all three hormones TSH, T3, and T4.
Because hormones are powerful in the functioning of so many different parts of the body, having too much or too little of a particular hormone can lead to multiple symptoms and may indicate a medical condition that requires treatment.
Issues caused by hormone fluctuations or imbalance include:
Irregular periods
Symptoms of puberty
Infertility
Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause
Thyroid disease
Diabetes
PCOS
Obesity
Acne
And more
Symptoms of hormone conditions can be vague, relatively common, and often overlapping, so it can be difficult to find the underlying cause based on symptoms alone.
Symptoms related to a hormonal imbalance could include:
Fatigue
Weight change
Diarrhea or constipation
Changes in skin (like acne, skin darkening, or skin tags), hair (like thinning or loss), or nails
Changes in appetite
Increased thirst
More frequent urination
Anxiety, irritability, or symptoms of depression
Headaches
Intolerance to temperature changes
Irregular heartbeat
Irregular periods
Hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness or pain with intercourse
Decreased libido
The causes of hormone conditions include natural fluctuations during puberty, perimenopause, and menopause; stress or side effects of medications (like steroids); illnesses like tumors or autoimmune disease (in which the body essentially begins attacking its own tissue); or damage to an endocrine gland affecting its function.
Doctors diagnose hormone conditions by taking a thorough history (including a complete review of systems and assessment of both family and social history), performing a complete physical exam, AND using laboratory testing and, in some cases, imaging studies. An endocrinologist, or a doctor who specializes in hormones and the glands that produce them, may be an important asset to diagnosing and treating your hormone condition. The treatment of a hormone condition always depends on what is causing it! This may mean medication, an injection or infusion, surgery, radiation therapy, or any combination of these.
Many nutritional supplements claim they have a “proprietary blend” to treat your hormone imbalance or promise to “supplement” your thyroid or ovaries “naturally”, however few supplements have the scientific support (via third party double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trials) to prove a beneficial effect. Please talk with your doctor before taking dietary or nutritional supplements.
Generally, hormone conditions aren’t preventable. But there are many things you can do to promote your overall health, and thus, the health of your endocrine system.
Lifestyle modifications that promote hormone health include:
Eat a relatively healthy diet with nutrient-dense foods and plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables
Exercise regularly including aerobic exercise 30 minutes most days of the week, resistance training to maintain muscle mass, and frequent flexibility training
Manage stress through exercise, therapy, social connection, creativity, and more
Refrain from tobacco or alcohol use
Prioritize sleep, aiming for 7-8 hours per night
Talk with your primary care provider for more information regarding hormone conditions and your hormone health. You deserve it!!!
