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!!!