What is the hormonal imbalance?
The chemical messengers in our body are hormones. Hormones are produced in the endocrine glands and travel into the bloodstream conveying the tissues and organs to function. Hormones control the body’s major processes that include metabolism and reproduction. Too much or too little of a certain hormone causes hormonal imbalance in the body. Even the smallest change can have a serious effect on the body.
What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance?
The symptoms depend on the specific hormone or gland that is not functioning properly.
Common symptoms are:
- Obesity
- Feeling tired
- Sensitivity to cold or heat
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Puffy face
- Sudden weight loss
- Fluctuations in heart rate
- Muscle weakening
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Muscle aches
- Joint complications
- Brittle or thin hair
- Increased hunger
- Depression
- Decreased sex drive
- Irritation, anxiety, and nervousness
- Blurred vision
- Sweating
- Infertility
- Fatty hump between shoulders
- Rounded face
- Purple or pink stretch marks
Symptoms specific in Women:
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chin, or other body parts
- Acne on face and even on the body
- Hair thinning
- Weight gain
- Dark skin especially on the neck creases, groin and underneath breasts
- Skin tags
- Dry vagina
- Vaginal atrophy
- Painful intercourse
- Night sweats
Symptoms specifically in men:
- Breast tissue development
- Breast tenderness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of muscle mass
- Decreased sex drive
- Infertility
- Decreased body hair and beard
- Loss of bone mass
- Difficult in concentration
- Hot flashes
Symptoms in Children:
In Boys
- No development of muscle mass
- Voice not deepening
- Sparse body hair
- The growth of the penis and testicles is impaired
- Excessive growth of arms and legs in relation to the trunk
In Girls
- Periods don’t begin
- The breast doesn’t develop
- Not increasing growth rate
What are the causes of hormonal imbalance?
The common causes are:
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypogonadism
- Cushing syndrome
- Thyroiditis
- Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules
- Hormone therapy
- Tumors
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Eating disorders
- Medications
- Stress
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Injury or trauma
- Cancer treatment
Causes for women:
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- PCOS
- Premature menopause
- Hormonal drugs
- Ovarian insufficiency
What are the diagnostic tests for hormonal imbalance?
The doctor may begin with physical examination and by asking the patient to describe the symptoms along with medical and medication history.
The diagnostic test to be performed are:
- Blood test
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound
Additional tests performed are:
- Biopsy
- MRI
- X-ray
- Thyroid scan
- Sperm count
What are the treatment options available for hormonal imbalance?
Following are few of the treatment options available for hormonal imbalance:
- Estrogen therapy
- Vaginal estrogen
- Hormonal birth control
- Anti-androgen medication
- Testosterone therapy
- Thyroid hormone therapy
Please consult the doctor and have a discussion regarding the risks and benefits of all the available treatment options.
What are the home remedies for hormonal imbalance?
- Yoga
- Lose weight
- Eat well
- Remove unwanted hair
- Use lubes and lotions to decrease vaginal discomfort
- Avoid warm temperature, spicy food, etc. to avoid hot flushes