Hormones are like messengers in our body that help things work properly. They keep everything in balance and make sure everything runs smoothly. But sometimes, these messengers can get out of balance, causing problems. It’s important to know the signs of hormone imbalance so we can recognize when something might be wrong.
Let’s talk about the symptoms of hormone imbalance and where you can go to seek treatment for hormonal imbalance in Spring, TX.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are special chemicals made by different parts of our body. They perform various important functions like controlling how fast we burn food for energy (metabolism), helping us grow, and keeping our reproductive system working well.
Different body parts make different hormones, and they all work together to keep us healthy. Body organs and tissues that make hormones include the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, and reproductive organs.
These hormones are responsible for a wide range of bodily functions, including:
- Blood pressure
- Body temperature
- Growth and development
- Hunger and appetite
- Immune function
- Metabolism
- Mood and emotional well-being
- Reproduction
- Sleep cycles
- Stress response
Hormone levels need to remain within a specific range for the body to function optimally. When your hormones get out of balance, it means you have either too much or too little of certain hormones.
Having imbalanced hormones can cause major changes in your body and sometimes lead to health problems that need to be treated. Some hormone imbalances go away on their own, while others last a long time. Some imbalances need treatment so you can stay healthy, while others might not need any treatment at all.
Hormone imbalance can lead to a range of symptoms and health issues.
Metabolism-related Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
Heartbeat irregularities
Hormone imbalance can affect the way your heart beats. It can cause your heart to beat too slowly or quickly, known as tachycardia. If you notice any changes in your heartbeat along with the following symptoms, it may be a sign of a hormone imbalance.
Unexplained weight changes
Hormone imbalances can lead to sudden and unexplained weight gain or weight loss. Even if you haven’t made any changes to your diet or exercise routine, your body may start gaining or losing weight, which could be a result of hormonal issues.
Fatigue
Feeling excessively tired or lacking energy can be a symptom of hormone imbalance. When your hormones are out of balance, it can affect your overall energy levels and leave you feeling fatigued even after getting enough rest.
Digestive issues
Hormonal imbalance can disrupt your digestive system, leading to problems such as constipation, diarrhea, or experiencing more frequent bowel movements. Your body’s ability to process and digest food may be affected.
Numbness and tingling
Hormone imbalance can sometimes cause sensations of numbness and tingling, particularly in the hands. This can be an indication that your hormones are not properly regulated.
Abnormal cholesterol levels
Hormones play a role in regulating cholesterol levels in the body. When there is a hormone imbalance, it can cause higher-than-normal blood cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
Emotional changes
Hormone imbalances can have an impact on your mood and emotions. It can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety, making it difficult to maintain a stable emotional state.
Temperature intolerance
Hormonal imbalance can affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. You may find yourself unable to tolerate cold or warm temperatures, feeling either too hot or too cold compared to the surrounding environment.
Skin and hair changes
Hormones play a role in maintaining healthy skin and hair. Hormonal imbalances can cause dry, coarse skin and hair or thin, warm, and moist skin. Changes in the appearance and texture of your skin and hair may be indicators of hormone imbalance.
Irregular body fat distribution
Hormone imbalances can lead to noticeable changes in where your body stores fat. You may notice changes in body fat distribution, such as increased fat accumulation in certain areas or difficulty losing fat from specific areas.
Skin abnormalities
Hormonal imbalances can cause darkened skin in areas like the armpits or the back and sides of the neck. It can also result in the presence of small skin growths called skin tags.
Excessive thirst and frequent urination
Hormone imbalances can affect the regulation of fluids in your body, leading to excessive thirst and more frequent urination. If you find yourself constantly thirsty and needing to urinate more often than usual, it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance.
Sex Hormone Imbalance Symptoms for People Assigned Female at Birth
In females and people assigned female at birth, there can be an imbalance in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This imbalance can result in symptoms, such as
- Acne: Breakouts on the face, chest, and upper back.
- Hair loss: Thinning hair or hair loss.
- Menstrual irregularities: Heavy periods or irregular menstrual cycles.
- Hirsutism: Excess body hair growth in unwanted areas.
- Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of intense heat.
- Infertility: Difficulty conceiving or getting pregnant.
- Loss of interest in sex: Decreased libido or sexual desire.
- Vaginal changes: Vaginal atrophy (thinning and dryness) or vaginal dryness.
Sex Hormone Imbalance Symptoms for People Assigned Male at Birth
Men and people assigned male at birth can have an imbalance in the level of a sex hormone, testosterone, which is produced by the testes. The imbalance of testosterone and other sex hormones can result in symptoms like:
- Decrease or loss of body hair.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED), which is difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Gynecomastia, a condition in which there are enlarged breast tissues.
- Infertility
- Reduced libido or decreased sexual desire.
- Loss of muscle mass and decreased strength.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Hormonal Imbalance
Fortunately, there are treatment options available to restore hormonal balance and alleviate these symptoms. One such treatment is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which involves supplementing deficient hormones with bio-identical hormones.
HRT for women may involve the use of estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both to address specific needs and symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy for men involves supplementing testosterone to restore hormone levels and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.
Hormone Imbalance Treatment Near Me in Spring, TX
Hormonal imbalances can affect your health and well-being in different ways. Identifying the symptoms of hormonal imbalances can help you seek medical attention to avoid chronic health problems. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed in this article, consult our Weight loss and management expert, Dr. Larry Richardson, here at Family Weight & Wellness Clinic and Medi-Spa. We offer personalized weight loss and management services to help you and your family become healthier for longer.
To know more about our services or set up a consultation with one of our providers, call us today at (281) 292-2300 or fill out our online appointment request form.
