Hormones are chemical messengers that help our body carry out various functions effectively. An imbalance manifests in our body with these tell-tale signs.
Hormones are an important component of your healthy bodily functions. They are secreted by our endocrine system that sends them across different parts of the body to carry out various functions. According to Hormone.org, "Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues or organs to help them do their work." They are responsible for your growth, metabolism, mood, sexual health, and other functions. It is important to ensure there is a hormonal balance in our body. Without hormonal balance, our bodies do not work as efficiently as they should.
Hormonal imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including the food we eat or the lifestyle we lead. While simple things like getting enough sleep and drinking enough water can help restore balance, sometimes it could be an indication of bigger health issues. The hormonal imbalance manifests in your body with very tell-tale signs. If so, you will have to check your habits and try to fix them. But it would be best to consult a doctor as soon as possible who will be able to help you restore hormonal balance medically. These are some of the signs that may indicate your body has a hormonal imbalance.
If you notice a sudden gain or loss of weight with no change in diet or lifestyle conditions, it could be hormone-related. Weight gain or loss can be caused by a number of hormones. As per Hormones Weight Loss, one hormone that causes a gain in weight is estrogen at very high levels. In women, it causes problems like endometriosis, which is a condition that causes painful periods. Similarly, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is also caused due to an imbalance in hormones that makes it hard to lose weight. Cortisol is another hormone that in excess causes weight gain in men and women. This hormone is released due to stress. Weight gain and weight loss can also be impacted by an underlying thyroid condition.
If you constantly feel lethargic and lack energy, it could be from a number of factors and can also vary in severity. It can be fixed by proper nutrition or rest but if there is an underlying condition, it is best to consult a doctor. On Health states that an increased level of progesterone can cause fatigue. Having a good sleep cycle, learning to relax before bed, can help with this. Hormonal imbalance can also cause muscle aches and stiffness in the body, predominantly during menopause. Estrogen helps to reduce inflammation but as it declines, it leads to an increase in inflammation and causes discomfort, according to Healthline.
Your skin, hair, and even nails undergo changes due to hormonal imbalance. As per The Well, hormones called androgens stimulate oil glands and hair follicles in the skin. Although known as the "male" hormone, when there is an imbalance in the hormone levels it impacts both women and men alike. It causes hair loss, acne or bad breakout, dry skin, and in some cases psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. On the other hand, an increase in the amount of facial hair is also an indication of the imbalance.
You may have trouble sleeping if there is just too little progesterone or high levels of cortisol. The hormone is usually released in a fight or flight situation to help us react to a perceived threat. Our busy lifestyles confront us with extended amounts of "perceived threats" that end up releasing too much cortisol that keeps running through our body keeping us alert even when it's time to sleep. This also has an impact on your ability to focus on tasks.
An imbalance in hormones can also be causing increased anxiety, mood swings, and depression. This may be elevated especially before a menstrual cycle or before menopause. Estrogen has an impact on neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Medications for anxiety or antidepressants may not do the trick if it is a hormonal imbalance. So if you feel anxious or depressed it would be best to consult a doctor for appropriate medication.
References:
https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones
https://hormonesweightloss.com/5-causes-of-hormonal-weight-gain-and-how-to-prevent-it/
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/pain
https://www.the-well.com/editorial/5-signs-your-hormones-are-out-balance
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