A healthy, properly functioning endocrine system releases the appropriate hormones into the bloodstream in the right amounts. These hormones help to regulate the body’s organs, tissues, and cells to keep a person feeling energetic, healthy, and happy. As we age, the endocrine system may falter, creating an imbalance in hormone levels which can be felt in numerous ways.
A hormone imbalance may be the result of any number of factors including the aging process, a poor diet, high stress levels, or an illness. Regardless of the reason, a hormonal imbalance generally comes with many side effects which can affect the well-being of a patient. Here are 5 common symptoms experienced during a hormonal imbalance:
- A decrease in energy – As the inevitable aging process takes place, hormone levels may take a dive, causing a decrease in energy levels. This can be frustrating to anyone who has been getting up early and staying up late for decades, or someone who was always happy to be physically active and engaged.
- Irregular periods – For women specifically, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can often be to blame for irregular menstruation. Abnormal levels of hormones as they are released from the pituitary gland in the brain may also to blame. As women age and approach menopause, their periods may become less and less predictable. Overall, for women experiencing a hormonal imbalance at any phase of life, periods can fluctuate in regularity and flow.
- Thinning hair of the scalp – Hormone imbalances can often cause a loss or thinning of hair among women and men alike. Patients with an overactive or underactive thyroid gland will frequently experience an overall thinning of the hair on their heads, which is why we always recommend monitoring the thyroid gland (and hormones associated with it) for any patient experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
- Hot flashes – Hot flashes are periods of sweating and overheating that occur in nearly 85% of women as they approach menopause. Hot flashes may also occur in younger women who are suffering from primary ovarian insufficiency when the ovaries don’t produce enough estrogen. Although hot flashes are most often attributed to women, men can also experience hot flashes during a hormonal imbalance.
- Mood swings – The tendency to feel moody or depressed due to hormonal imbalance can be very difficult for anyone to deal with and may cause problems in relationships as well. Just like hot flashes, most often mood swings are attributed to women, but men also experience mood swings, especially during andropause (the male equivalent to menopause).
If you’re feeling unhappy with the changes you’re experiencing due to a hormonal imbalance, there is medical assistance available which can do a lot to alleviate these symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has improved the lives of thousands of patients as they age or deal with hormonal fluctuations. We encourage you to contact us for more information and to learn more about treatment options.