Our bodies are miraculous machines controlled by an array of complex systems, and one of the most complex and most important systems in the body is that of the endocrine system. A byproduct of that system? Our hormones, which maintain a delicate balance in order to keep our bodies working like they should. When our hormones are off-balance, we tend to notice a few changes in our bodies and moods. Learn more about the top five signs of hormonal imbalance down below.
The average female patient experiences her period within cycles of twenty-one to thirty-five days. However, some women might not undergo their period around the same time each month, or might notice that their period doesn’t come some months. This could possibly be related to having too little or too much of hormones like progesterone and estrogen, health problems like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or perimenopause—the period of time before menopause—if you’re in the age range of forty to fifty-five.
While it’s common for women to have breakouts occur before their period, acne that just won’t go away could be indicative of hormonal issues. Androgens, a male-dominant hormone that men and women both have, can have an effect on the skin cells in and around hair follicles, leading to clogged pores. Excess levels of androgens can also lead your oil glands to overproduce, resulting in a more frequent occurrence of acne.
Plenty of women experience vaginal dryness from time to time, but if you’re noticing that your vagina is irritated or dry on a regular basis, you may have low levels of estrogen. Estrogen contributes to vaginal tissue’s ability to retain moisture, allowing you to stay comfortable. If estrogen levels drop, you may feel a tightness in your vagina and a reduction in vaginal fluids.
Progesterone helps you get good quality sleep, so if your progesterone levels are low, it might explain why you’re having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Additionally, having lowered estrogen levels can result in night sweats and hot flashes that can distract you from falling asleep or interrupt your normal sleep pattern.
