If you suffer from unexplained symptoms such as chronic exhaustion, bloating and weight gain you could have a hormonal imbalance.
Take a look at this article and find out what is hormonal imbalance, causes, symptoms, tests and treatments.
First of all we need to know, what hormonal imbalance is.
What is Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormones are called chemical messengers produced in endocrine glands, which travel around your blood stream and help the tissues and organs to refer the work they need to do.
Hormones control major functioning of body such as metabolism and reproduction.
When you experience hormonal imbalance, it means you have too much or too little of this hormone, because even a small change may lead to serious effect throughout your body.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
Your hormones play a vital role in maintaining your body’s health. Here are some of the symptoms that could sense hormonal imbalance in your body.
The following symptoms can affect both men and women.
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
- Puffy face
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Depression
- Increase in hunger
- Pain and stiffness in your muscles
- Mood swings, anxiety
- Persistent acne
- Belly fat and persistent weight gain
- Losing of muscle mass
- Sweating
- Memory fog
- Hunger pangs
- Digestive problems
- Headaches and migraines
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Breast changes
- Low sex drive
- Vaginal dryness
- Cravings for sweet
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormones can be disrupted in many ways, hormonal imbalance may also be caused by toxins or unbalanced lifestyle.
Common causes for hormonal imbalance in your body are being overweight, diabetes which not only affects insulin, but also involved in affecting other sugar hormones and growth hormones, not getting enough exercise and lack of sleep can all through your hormones off balance.
Sometimes all you need to do is change your lifestyle to help your body to produce enough hormones in your body.
Diagnosis and Tests
There is no single test available to diagnose hormonal imbalance, take an appointment with your doctor and be prepared to explain every symptom that you face because of hormonal imbalance.
They undergo some physical tests and suggest you to bring all the medications and supplement you are currently taking.
Depending on our symptoms your doctor may suggest you one or more diagnostic tests like
- Blood test
- Pelvic test
- Ultra sound
- Thyroid test
- Sperm count
- X-Ray
- MRI
Treatment for Hormonal Imbalance
Treatment of hormonal imbalance depends particularly on the cause. Common treatment options include:
Estrogens Therapy
If you experience uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes then your doctor may suggest you to take a dose of estrogen.
Anti Androgen Medication
Androgens are male sex hormones, which are presents in both women and men. Women with high level of these hormones will take medication that blocks the affects of androgen.
Metformin
This medication will help the women who have PCOS problems.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy
In people with hypothyroidism, the synthetic thyroid hormone can bring hormone levels back to line.
Testosterone Therapy
This therapy stimulates the start of puberty, and reduces the symptoms of low testosterone.
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control can help you to regulate menstrual cycles.Some types of hormone birth control include
- Birth control patch
- Birth control pill
- Birth control shot