Hormones are the chemical substances that play the role of messengers in our body and control many functions, including metabolism and reproduction. If the levels of these hormones increase or decrease or if the balance is disrupted, it can cause numerous health problems. Hormonal imbalance in women is a health issue that is prevalent among women of all ages. Knowing the causes, identifying the symptoms, and searching for cures can assist in the proper management of this condition.
What is Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance is a condition whereby the body contains high or low levels of a particular hormone. Since hormones control vital body functions, even minor fluctuations can cause noticeable problems. Female hormones are known to fluctuate at various stages in a woman’s life including puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and menopause. However, when these fluctuations are extreme or persistent, they can cause health problems.
Causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Women
Given below are several factors that can lead to hormonal imbalance in women:
Stress
As per NCBI, stress can have a long-term effect on hormones. It leads to the release of cortisol, which in turn affects other hormones, hence causing an imbalance.
Poor Diet
Poor diets that are filled with processed foods or those that are nutrient-deficient can impact the body’s ability to produce hormones and regulate them. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar or refined carbohydrates increases insulin levels, which is a cause of imbalance of the hormones.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS affects women’s ovaries and causes them to release higher-than-normal amounts of androgens, which are male hormones that can lead to irregular periods, weight gain, and hormonal disruption.
Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid gland plays an essential role in the body’s metabolism regulation process. Both hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can disrupt hormonal balance.
Menopause
As women age, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone decrease, leading to hormonal imbalance.
Birth Control Pills
Hormonal contraceptives can alter the levels of hormones in the body, especially when one begins or stops using the contraceptives.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Women
The hormonal imbalance symptoms in females can be broad, affecting various aspects of health. Recognising these symptoms early can lead to proper treatment and management. Here are some common symptoms listed:
Irregular Periods
Fluctuations in the menstrual cycle are some of the most apparent hormonal imbalance symptoms in females. The periods, due to hormonal level fluctuations, may be delayed, become too frequent, too long, or not occur.
Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight
Metabolism is regulated by hormones, and any disturbance in the hormonal balance can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area.
Fatigue
Lack of energy or fatigue even after having a good night sleep is another sign of instability of the hormones. Thyroid and cortisol are hormones that regulate energy and any interference with them results in severe fatigue.
Mood Swings and Depression
Hormones also control emotions, and their changes may cause mood swings, anxiety, or depression. These changes are common in women during their menstrual periods, pregnancy, or menopause.
How to Cure Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
The first step in treating this hormone instability is to determine the cause of the imbalance. Here are some approaches to how to cure hormonal imbalance in females:
Lifestyle Changes
Hormonal imbalance can be managed by taking a lot of whole foods, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats in the diet. The best way to maintain the insulin level is by reducing the intake of processed foods and refined sugars. Exercise also helps in hormonal balance by controlling weight and stress.
Natural Remedies
Some herbs and supplements can help to regulate hormones naturally. Maca root is known to have a positive effect on fertility and the endocrine system. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for hormone synthesis, also help to decrease inflammation which is associated with hormone instability.
Medical Treatments
Hormone disruption in females may require medical interventions. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is commonly prescribed for women during the menopausal stage to control oestrogen and progesterone hormones. This disproportion of the hormones also could be due to thyroid disorders that can be treated by thyroid medications, and to control the menstrual cycles, birth control pills may be prescribed.
Regular Check-ups
Hormonal levels should be checked frequently to diagnose the symptoms. Hormonal levels can be easily determined through a blood test, and thus, treatment can be prescribed according to the results. It is essential to seek professional medical advice to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for this condition.
Conclusion
Hormonal imbalance can affect a woman’s well-being and quality of life in a rather negative way. The symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women range from mood swings to irregular periods and can be quite disruptive. It is important to note that there are early hormonal imbalance symptoms, and if one is able to identify them and seek help, it will go a long way in helping. In case you think that you are experiencing this condition, it is advisable to seek the services of a doctor for proper diagnosis and management.
