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Home > Glands & Hormones > 14 Signs and Symptoms That Indicate a Hormonal Imbalance

14 Signs and Symptoms That Indicate a Hormonal Imbalance

Updated on November 29, 2022
7 min read
By Sarita Sanke, MD | Dermatology

In this article:

  • Signs and Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance
  • Testing, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
  • Risk Factors for Hormone Disorders
  • Prevention Against Hormonal Imbalances
  • Final Word

Hormones are special chemicals secreted by the endocrine glands in your body. They are chemical messengers that send signals to the body cells and tissues and aid in several functions such as metabolism and reproduction. (1)

signs indicative of hormonal imbalances

When the hormone levels of your body are affected by some factors, hormonal imbalances can occur. A hormonal imbalance is a common issue affecting many teenagers and adults today, particularly women. (2)

It is often ignored or unnoticed due to its varying symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and weight gain. These are general symptoms that can happen in many health conditions and are thus not recognized as indications of a hormonal issue soon enough in many women. (3)

This article will present the effects of abnormal hormone levels. (4)(5)

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Hormones are secreted by the endocrine glands into the bloodstream and aid in a number of body functions such as:

  • Growth (6)
  • Regulation of blood pressure
  • Metabolic activities (6)
  • Regulation of blood glucose levels
  • Reproduction and menstruation
  • General mood (6)

Signs and Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance

Here are some common signs and symptoms of a hormonal imbalance you should keep an eye out for:

1. Weight gain

weigh gain is a common symptom of hormonal imbalance

Many types of hormonal imbalances can affect your body weight. Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), thyroid issues, and menopause are known to affect metabolism and cause weight gain in many women. (7)

Abnormal levels of cortisol and aldosterone are also associated with weight gain. (8)

2. Fatigue

If you constantly feel fatigued, sleepy, or unable to concentrate during the day, you may be having a hormonal issue. Fatigue can be a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle, sleep disorder, or abnormal levels of thyroxine (a hormone produced by the thyroid gland). (9)

3. Sleep problems

Sleep problems and hormone fluctuations go hand in hand. Unhealthy sleep schedules, sleeping disorders, etc., can affect your hormone levels. Interestingly, lowered levels of some hormones (such as estrogen and progesterone) can affect sleep patterns as well. (10)

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4. Mental health problems

abnormal thyroid hormone levels can lead to mental health issues

Thyroid problems can cause mental health issues. (11) Abnormal thyroid hormone levels can cause restlessness, anxiety, or depression. 

5. Fertility problems

Hormones are responsible for maintaining proper reproductive systems in both men and women. Women are more prone to developing hormonal issues that can affect fertility. These include PCOD and anovulation, which affect ovulation and the menstrual cycle, making it difficult to conceive. (12)

Men can also be affected by hormonal problems such as abnormal testosterone levels, which can affect sperm quality and quantity. (13)

6. Low libido

Low libido is another problem that mostly affects women near menopause. It occurs due to lowered levels of estrogen. (14)

7. Brain fog

Brain fog technically refers to feelings of confusion, inability to focus on tasks, or trouble making decisions. It is hard to identify and can be brought on by hormonal issues.

8. Chronic acne

chronic acne is also a symptom of hormonal imbalances

Acne is a telltale symptom of hormone fluctuations. It usually occurs during adolescence due to the rising hormone levels that act on the sebaceous glands, making them produce more sebum or oil.

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Some women may also experience acne during menopause due to lowered hormone levels.

Cystic acne or chronic acne can be due to hormonal imbalances in both men and women. (15)

9. Constipation

Estrogen can have a moderate effect on the digestive process. This can lead to constipation or diarrhea in different phases of the menstrual cycle. (16)

10. Excessive sweating

Estrogen can also affect body temperature. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can thus cause sweating, irritability, etc.

The hot flashes or night sweats that occur during menopause are caused by estrogen deficiency. (17)

11. Hair loss

hair loss due to testosterone hormone issues can be seen as a sign

Increased testosterone levels can lead to a form of alopecia. Hair loss due to testosterone problems is seen in both men and women and can be genetic.

In women, hair loss can also be caused by PCOD. (18)

12. Raised blood sugar levels

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is responsible for maintaining blood glucose levels within the normal range. Insulin problems can lead to type 1 or type 2 diabetes, both of which are characterized by increased blood sugar levels. (19)

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13. Muscle and joint pain and swelling

Estrogen has anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect you from heart disease, joint pain, and swelling. Thus, reduced estrogen levels after menopause can cause an increase in joint pain and inflammation in women.

14. Dry eyes and hormonal changes

dry eyes is a lesser-known sign of hormonal imbalances

Certain receptors for testosterone and estrogen are present in the eyes. Hence, dry eyes can also be a lesser-known symptom of a hormonal imbalance. (20)

Testing, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care

If you have more than three of the symptoms listed above, you may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance.

Do not self-diagnose, and visit a doctor for a proper assessment. Your doctor will be able to diagnose hormone disorders by asking about your symptoms and running a few blood tests.

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Treatment may include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and medication.

Risk Factors for Hormone Disorders

Risk factors for hormone disorders include:

  • Genetics: Hormonal issues such as diabetes and PCOD have a strong genetic component. If your parents or siblings have them, you are at risk of developing the condition. (21)
  • Age: Age is a major factor in hormonal imbalances in women. The menstrual cycle and its regulating hormones fluctuate as you grow older.
  • Ethnicity: Certain ethnicities are more prone to developing hormonal issues such as diabetes.
  • Medications: Steroids, birth control, etc., can affect your hormone levels.
  • Previous ovarian surgery: Ovarian surgeries put women at higher risk of hormone disorders.
  • Tumors: Ovarian tumors or adrenal gland tumors can affect the hormone production from these organs.

Prevention Against Hormonal Imbalances

To prevent or lower your chances of hormone imbalances:

  • Maintain a healthy weight of BMI below 25.
  • Consume a healthy, nutritious diet with lots of greens.
  • Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep every night.
  • Avoid processed and fatty foods.
  • Avoid the use of plastic containers.

Final Word

Hormones are important for the proper functioning of the body. Any fluctuations in their levels can bring about a number of changes in your general health.

Follow the preventive measures given above to reduce your chances of hormone diseases.

References
  1. Glands and hormones – genes and disease – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK22231/.
  2. Hoyt LT, Falconi AM. Puberty and perimenopause: reproductive transitions and their implications for women’s health. Soc Sci Med. 2015;132:103-112. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.03.031.
  3. Stanikova D, Zsido RG, Luck T, et al. Testosterone imbalance may link depression and increased body weight in premenopausal women. Transl Psychiatry. 2019;9(1):160. Published 2019 Jun 7. doi:10.1038/s41398-019-0487-5.
  4. Physiology, endocrine hormones – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538498/.
  5. Stachenfeld NS. Hormonal changes during menopause and the impact on fluid regulation. Reprod Sci. 2014;21(5):555-561. doi:10.1177/1933719113518992.
  6. VandeVord PJ, Sajja VS, Ereifej E, Hermundstad A, Mao S, Hadden TJ. Chronic Hormonal Imbalance and Adipose Redistribution Is Associated with Hypothalamic Neuropathology following Blast Exposure. J Neurotrauma. 2016;33(1):82-88. doi:10.1089/neu.2014.3786.
  7. Singla R, Gupta Y, Khemani M, Aggarwal S. Thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome: An emerging relationship. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2015;19(1):25-29. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.146860.
  8. Lizcano F, Guzmán G. Estrogen Deficiency and the Origin of Obesity during Menopause. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:757461. doi:10.1155/2014/757461.
  9. Fischer S, Markert C, Strahler J, et al. Thyroid Functioning and Fatigue in Women With Functional Somatic Syndromes – Role of Early Life Adversity. Front Physiol. 2018;9:564. Published 2018 May 23. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00564.
  10. Kim TW, Jeong JH, Hong SC. The impact of sleep and circadian disturbance on hormones and metabolism. Int J Endocrinol. 2015;2015:591729. doi:10.1155/2015/591729.
  11. Hage MP, Azar ST. The Link between Thyroid Function and Depression. J Thyroid Res. 2012;2012:590648. doi:10.1155/2012/590648.
  12. Barthelmess EK, Naz RK. Polycystic ovary syndrome: current status and future perspective. Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2014;6(1):104-119. Published 2014 Jan 1. doi:10.2741/e695.
  13. The normal menstrual cycle and the control of ovulation – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279054/.
  14. Travison TG, Morley JE, Araujo AB, O’Donnell AB, McKinlay JB. Relationship between libido and testosterone levels in aging men. OUP Academic. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/91/7/2509/2656285. Published July 1, 2006.
  15. Elsaie ML. Hormonal treatment of acne vulgaris: An update. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5015761/. Published September 2, 2016.
  16. Mulak A, Taché Y, Larauche M. Sex hormones in the modulation of irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(10):2433-2448. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i10.2433.
  17. Bansal R, Aggarwal N. Menopausal Hot Flashes: A Concise Review. J Midlife Health. 2019;10(1):6-13. doi:10.4103/jmh.JMH_7_19.
  18. Association AHL. American Hair Loss Association – Women’s hair loss / causes of hair loss. https://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/causes_of_hair_loss.html.
  19. Insulin resistance and diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/insulin-resistance.html. Published August 10, 2021.
  20. Peck T, Olsakovsky L, Aggarwal S. Dry Eye Syndrome in Menopause and Perimenopausal Age Group. J Midlife Health. 2017;8(2):51-54. doi:10.4103/jmh.JMH_41_17.
  21. Khan MJ, Ullah A, Basit S. Genetic Basis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Current Perspectives. Appl Clin Genet. 2019;12:249-260. Published 2019 Dec 24. doi:10.2147/TACG.S200341.
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