What is hormone imbalance? A hormone imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Hormones are chemicals produced by the endocrine glands and released into the blood to communicate messages to various parts of the body.
Some key points about hormone imbalances:
- Hormones work together to regulate important bodily functions like growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, mood, etc. So an imbalance in one hormone can affect many aspects of health.
- Some common causes include stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, aging, toxicity, inflammation, and certain medical conditions.
- Symptoms vary widely but may include:
- Fatigue
- Mood changes or depression
- Acne and other skin issues
- Hot flashes
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Infertility or irregular periods
- Brain fog
- Changes in sex drive
Some major hormones that can be out of balance:
- "Estrogen dominance" - too much estrogen relative to progesterone in women causes symptoms like weight gain, bloating, heavy periods, mood swings.
- Low testosterone in men causes low energy, reduced muscle mass, low libido, erectile dysfunction.
- Adrenal fatigue - chronically high cortisol from stress weakens adrenal glands over time.
- Thyroid disorders - both hypothyroidism (underactive) and hyperthyroidism (overactive) greatly impact energy, weight, mood.
Testing: Diagnosis typically begins with blood tests of hormone levels as well as thyroid testing. Saliva testing can also evaluate reproductive and stress hormones.
Treatment: Approaches will differ depending on the hormone imbalance. Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and stress management may help rebalance. In some cases, bioidentical hormone therapy, supplements or medication is used. Working with a doctor who understands hormones is key.
In summary,
hormone imbalances can really impact one's sense of wellbeing. They occur when too much or too little hormone is circulating, which affects many vital processes. Rebalancing hormones can often bring remarkable improvements to energy, sleep, mood, weight, and more. Seeking professional help from Harmonize Wellness Clinic to identify and correct deficiencies is key to regaining optimal health.