Signs & Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance:
What To Look Out For

According to the New York Post, around 47% of women between the ages of 30 and 60 have experienced signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance. While our hormones shift at different points in our lives, they shouldn't change so drastically that it negatively affects our bodies. 

Hormones are different chemicals that are produced by tissues and glands in your body's endocrine system. Your hormones travel throughout your body, giving messages to your organs. If your hormone levels aren't balanced, it can create catastrophic effects throughout the entire body. 

This guide will discuss some symptoms of a hormone imbalance. We'll also go over signs your hormones are balanced so you know what to expect from your body. 

5 Signs You Have a Hormone Imbalance

The two main hormones that regulate a woman's body are progesterone and estrogen. Even with just one of those hormone levels being thrown off is enough to make your whole body feel out of whack. There are a few signs you have a hormone imbalance that you should look out for. 

Night Sweats and Hot Flashes 

Have you been waking up drenched in sweat? What about random hot flashes during the day, even when it's cold outside? 

These two symptoms are major red flags for hormone imbalance. They're usually attributed to a drop in your estrogen levels. While rare, they could also signify ovary failure. 

Continual Weight Gain 

Difficult losing weight and overall weight gain is a frustrating and uncomfortable symptom. A lot of women experience this problem even if they eat healthily and exercise frequently. This side effect could also be attributed to PCOS or stressed-out adrenals. 

Anxiety

Women tend to be at a higher risk for anxiety because of the changes in their estrogen level during menopause, pregnancy, and menstrual cycle. Sometimes anxiety is associated with our emotions or our body's chemicals. It can also be a combination of the two things. 

Your hormones play a major role in your feelings of anxiety. For example, your thyroid is a gland that's at the front of your neck and it produces different hormones that control various responses in your body. If your thyroid isn't functioning properly, it can cause harmful reactions in your body. For additional information read Hormone Imbalance and Anxiety: Causes and How You Can Find Relief.

Fatigue 

We all feel tired from time to time. Getting enough rest and taking care of your body should be enough to get you feeling energized again. However, if you still feel exhausted after resting, you might have a hormone imbalance. To learn more about what causes fatigue read Gut Health and Hormone Imbalance: Understanding the Link.

Blood Pressure Changes

Your hormones play a key role in your heart health because of your pancreas. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, your pancreas is your body's largest gland that produces hormones. It's responsible for insulin production, which regulates how much glucose you have in your blood. 

If your insulin production isn't being regulated, your body could have higher levels of glucose in your bloodstream. Increased glucose could result in problems like high blood pressure or cholesterol. 

4 Hormone Imbalance Menstrual Cycle Symptoms

There are a few hormone imbalance menstrual cycle symptoms that you should be mindful of. Even having a minor hormone imbalance can wreak havoc on your menstrual cycle. 

Irregular Periods

According to Healthline, an irregular period is one that occurs outside of the normal 24 to 38-day cycle. Keep in mind that every person's body is different. It might be normal for you to have a 21-day menstrual cycle each month. 

What makes it irregular is if you have a 21-day cycle one month and then the next month it's a 35-day cycle. Your cycle should be consistent and fall within a few days of when you expect it. 

Heavier or Lighter Periods

Your flow should stay relatively the same each month. The duration and amount of bleeding you experience each month has changed for several cycles in a row, that's a cause for concern. Your periods should completely stop either. 

If you've noticed that your cycles aren't following your body's typical pattern, it might be due to a hormone imbalance. 

Getting Your First Period Too Old or Too Young

A girl typically has her first period around the same age that her mother did. Some young girls have their first one as early as 10 or 11 years old. Other girls don't get it until they're in their mid to late-teens. 

If you or your daughter gets her first period outside of her age range, it might be cause for concern. There are other factors that can contribute to when a girl gets her first period, including:

• Weight changes
• Adrenal gland problems
• Environmental factors

Make an appointment with a family doctor or OBGYN to discuss your concerns. 

Problems During Menopause

Your cycle will naturally get irregular as your body enters the perimenopausal stage. You might experience lighter periods or skip a month all together. 

If your periods become more frequent, longer, or heavier, you should discuss this with your healthcare professional. Those signs could indicate menopause but they might be a hormone imbalance. 

2 Hormonal Imbalance PCOS Symptoms

Cleavland Clinic states that polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman's hormones. People suffering from PCOS might also be at a higher risk for other health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. 

Once a person develops PCOS, they suffer from hormone imbalances. The condition destabilizes your reproductive hormones, causing issues with your reproductive health. 

Some of the hormones that might get affected in your body include:

• Testosterone
• Luteinising hormone (LH)
• Sex hormone-binding globulin
• Prolactin

It is possible to have PCOS without having a hormone imbalance since every person's body is different. If you start experiencing PCOS symptoms, your doctor will first test your hormone levels to check whether or not you have a hormone imbalance. Let's discuss some common hormonal imbalance PCOS symptoms. 

For more information check out PCOS and Hormones: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Menstrual Cycle Problems

Irregular, infrequent, or even heavy periods are a symptom of a hormonal imbalance. Some women also suffer from fertility issues if they have PCOS. 

Hair, Body, and Skin Issues

Individuals with PCOS could also experience excessive hair growth on their faces. They might also get thin hair patches on their head. 

Dark patches of skin can also form in the creases of their body. Some areas to look out for include underneath the breasts, in the groin area, and on the neck. Weight gain or trouble losing weight is another sign of PCOS. 

As we said earlier, having both PCOS and a hormone imbalance aren't mutually exclusive. However, it can be confusing because many PCOS symptoms are the same as those associated with a hormone imbalance. If you're experiencing any symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. 

Find the Right Support for Hormonal Imbalance

If you have any of the above side effects, make an appointment with your doctor. They'll conduct a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. Depending upon what you're experiencing, they might suggest different tests to evaluate your hormone levels. 

These tests can include:

• Pelvic Exam: Check for cysts and lumps
• Blood Test: Evaluate your estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, insulin, cortisol, and other hormone levels
• Ultrasound: Obtain images of your thyroid, ovaries, pituitary gland, and uterus 

There are a few different hormone imbalance treatment options for you to explore. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common one. 

Estrogen Therapy 

For those experiencing menopausal symptoms, estrogen therapy is an option to provide you with relief. You can receive estrogen therapy in the form of a pill, patch, or vaginally. 

An estrogen patch is placed onto your abdomen and usually worn a week at a time. Sometimes the patch contains a mixture of both progestin and estrogen, depending upon your unique hormone levels. 

Vaginal estrogen is available in a variety of forms, such as tablets, a ring, or a cream. Your doctor will work with you to find the right product and dosage for you if that's the treatment plan they recommend. 

PCOS Therapy

If your doctor determines your hormone imbalance is related to PCOS, they'll likely recommend hormonal birth control pills. These can be effective in balancing the hormones of those not seeking to get pregnant. Birth control pills can regulate your periods and help with hormonal acne and unwanted hair growth. 

Natural Methods

You can explore different supplements, such as the Knowell supplement, to help regulate and balance your hormones. You can also incorporate other lifestyle changes, such as:

• Avoiding stress
• Eating healthily 
• Managing your weight
• Getting the right amount of sleep

As always, you should speak to your healthcare provider about any major lifestyle changes you want to make. Seeking treatment as quickly as possible can help you manage your side effects and potential complications. 

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance 

Signs your hormones are balanced include your body running smoothly without any irregularities. While our hormones shift over time, it's important to know the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance. You want to be able to differentiate between what's a normal fluctuation and when you should be concerned. 

Check out our online store to learn more about the Knowell supplement that's designed to balance your reproductive health.