Balancing Hormones: Causes & Signs of Hormone Imbalance

From digestion to fertility – our endocrine system sends hormones throughout our bloodstream to help our body regulate essential functions. Factors like poor sleep, stress, infections, and hormonal birth control can contribute to a hormone imbalance affecting your everyday life. 

Hormone imbalances happen when there is too little or too much of a hormone in the bloodstream. Even the smallest offset can cause side effects throughout the body. 

Essential for regulating most bodily functions, hormone imbalances can cause disruptions in:

• Metabolism rate and appetite
• Heart rate
• Sleep cycles
• Reproductive cycles and sexual function
• General growth and development
• Mood and stress levels
• Mody temperature

Causes of Hormone Imbalances

• General Causes of Hormone Imbalances:

1. 1. 1. 1. Hormone therapy
         2. Medications (including birth control)
         3. Intense treatments (such as chemotherapy)
         4. Tumors (cancerous or benign)
         5. Eating disorders
         6. Poor diet and nutrition
         7. Stress
         8. Puberty
         9. Aging
         10. Injury
         11. Trauma

• Specific Conditions Causing Hormone Imbalances 

1. 1. 1. 1. Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
         2. Diabetes Insipidus
         3. Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism 
         4. Thyroiditis
         5. Hypogonadism
         6. Cushing Syndrome (or high levels of cortisol)
         7. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
         8. Addison’s Disease
         9. Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia

• Causes Unique to Women:

1. 1. 1. 1. Menopause
         2. Primary ovarian insufficiency (premature menopause)
         3. Pregnancy
         4. Breastfeeding
         5. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

• Causes Unique to Men:

1. 1. 1. Prostate cancer
      2. Hypogonadism (low testosterone)

The 5 Main Signs of Hormone Imbalance 

1. 1. Unexplained weight gain or trouble losing weight
   2. Trouble with digestion
   3. Mental fog, loss of energy, or trouble sleeping 
   4. Hair and skin issues 
   5. Low sex drive 

Other Signs and Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances

Men and women present slightly different symptoms when experiencing a hormone imbalance. Women may also experience imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels, while men are more likely to experience imbalances in testosterone levels.

Signs and Symptoms Most Prominent in Women:

There are specific symptoms of a hormone imbalance more commonly seen in women than in men. Too much or too little of any hormone can cause dysfunction and disease within a woman’s body. Upon experiencing a hormone imbalance, women may present with any of the following symptoms as a result: 

Signs and Symptoms Most Prominent in Men:

Men also have specific symptoms caused by hormone imbalances less commonly seen in women. Low levels of the male reproductive hormone testosterone can cause many ailments within a man’s body and present symptoms that are disruptive to daily life and regular bodily functions. An imbalance of any hormone can induce any of the following symptoms:  

Next Steps

The first step is identifying the problem. Many approaches only address the symptoms — providing a temporary fix. A trained medical professional specializing in hormone health can set you on the right path towards a balanced life by determining which type of hormone imbalance you have.

Ready to take the next step?

Book an appointment with one of our practitioners today.