- Missed periods
- Unexplainable weight gain
- Dry Skin
- Headaches
- Night Sweats
- Insomnia
- Moodiness
6 Horrific Problems Caused By Unbalanced Hormones
Your hormones play a vital role in your body's functioning, and an imbalance of these hormones can cause severe side effects such as palpitations, mood swings, infertility, hair loss, and much more. A hormonal imbalance is caused due to inadequate or excessive amounts of a certain hormone in the bloodstream. In women, hormonal imbalances can be the leading cause of several medical complications and can be fatal or even life-threatening if left untreated. Some hormonal imbalances are more common and manageable, while others can be more dangerous and have significant long term impacts on the body.
Hormones are produced by the endocrine system and act as our body's messengers. Their primary functionalities include regulating the body's metabolism, appetite, mood, stress levels, reproductive functions, etc.
Imbalances in insulin, growth hormones, and adrenaline can affect both female and male bodies. While women may also experience issues due to imbalanced estrogen and progesterone levels, Men are more likely to suffer from an imbalance of testosterone levels. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women and men can be different. For women, the most common signs of hormonal issues are irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth, and abnormal weight gain/loss. Some common symptoms include decreased sex drive, hair loss, and muscle loss for men.
Sometimes hormonal imbalances might indicate much more profound and severe problems such as thyroid, glandular issues, or in some cases, even tumors. In females, a hormonal imbalance could indicate early menopause (causing several irregularities in the body), polycystic ovary syndrome, and even fatal ovarian cancer. Similarly, hormonal imbalances in men could indicate other conditions, such as prostate cancer.
NOTE: A hormonal imbalance should not be taken lightly and requires immediate medical attention as it could indicate something much more severe and life-threatening. Contact a health care professional immediately if you notice any irregularities. Better safe than sorry.
Below is a summarized list of six horrific problems caused by unbalanced hormones.
#1. Abnormal Weight Gain
In female bodies, changing estrogen levels is the leading cause of unexplainable weight gain, especially during menopause. Women might notice abnormal weight gain or difficulty in losing weight. Estrogen fluctuation can be due to several reasons, and menopause is one of the most common causes. Estrogen is an essential hormone in the female body responsible for regulating metabolism and body weight. Weight gain due to estrogen imbalance is usually noticed around the midsection and abdomen, especially during menopause. This specific type of fat is known as visceral fat and can be dangerous as it is linked with several other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even some types of cancers
Estrogen is an essential hormone and plays a vital role in other functions such as regulating blood cholesterol levels, maintaining mood swings and promoting bone health.
Below if a list of some of the most common symptoms of low estrogen:
Managing weight gain due to estrogen issues can be more difficult than it seems. As expected, it starts with maintaining a healthy diet and staying active. Some quick tips to manage weight due to hormonal imbalance:
- Avoid processed and packed foods.
- Maintain a diet that’s packed with large amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid soda, packed juices, alcohol.
- Stay hydrated.
- Maintain a balanced diet that includes healthy cars, grains and lean protein with plant based fats.
#2. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a highly discussed, common health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS face several complications due to hormonal imbalance. It causes metabolic issues, infertility, and other health complications. PCOS is a common health problem in women that is caused by an imbalance in the hormone levels. This imbalance causes several complications in the ovaries and negatively impacts a healthy menstrual cycle. The most common sign of PCOS is frequently missed or irregular periods.
PCOS is caused due to high levels of androgens and insulin in the female body. While PCOS's exact cause is still not clear, scientists are certain that genetics plays an important role. PCOS is often linked with other health issues such as diabetes, unhealthy cholesterol levels, sleep apnea, depression, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer.
#3. Frequent Headaches
A plethora of factors can cause headaches, and some can be more severe than others. If you are dealing with frequent painful headaches, there is a good chance it results from hormonal imbalance. Hormone-related headaches can worsen over time. These are caused due to hormonal imbalances, and the intensity can vary depending on days of the menstrual cycle.
Migraine headaches, especially for women, have been linked with variation in estrogen levels. A drop in the level of estrogen in the body can trigger a headache. Below is a list of symptoms of hormonal headaches:
- Fatigue
- Acne
- Constipation
- Lack of coordination
- Sudden cravings
- Joint pain
- Appetite loss
Though not life threatening, frequent hormonal headaches can cause hindrance in your daily activities. Home remedies are usually the best way to treat simple headaches.
Some quick tips:
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Take a nap, in a quiet, dark room.
- Try meditation and relaxation exercises.
- Lie down wet cloth on your head.
- Get a soothing massage.
Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor. Doctors might prescribe you hormone therapy. Depending on the details of your condition, you might be given estrogen pills or a pitch.
#4. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, under-active thyroid, is a medical condition in which your thyroid gland is incapable of producing adequate amounts of certain hormones. Hypothyroidism might be less evident in the early stages; however, it can become more severe over time and cause numerous health issues such as obesity, infertility, and even heart diseases.
Anyone can develop hypothyroidism. Some of the major causes are autoimmune diseases, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, and certain medications. However, it can be especially risky if:
- You are a woman.
- Above 60 years.
- Have a family history of thyroid issues.
- Have had some thyroid surgery.
- Are pregnant or have had a baby in the past 6 months.
- Have an autoimmune disease.
- Received radiation on the upper body.
Though common, hypothyroidism can lead to a number of health problems including but not limited to mental health issues, goiter, heart problems, infertility, birth defects, and peripheral neuropathy.
#5. Mood Swings and Depression
Hormonal fluctuations can be a significant cause of depression and frequent mood swings, especially in women. Hormonal imbalances are associated with emotional wellbeing, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. The hormones involved with such problems are progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. Estrogen plays a significant role in the serotonin levels and endorphin levels in our body, a sudden drop in serotonin levels can cause you to feel depressed and sad. A decrease in the levels of cortisol can also cause mood swings, insomnia, and lowered libido.
The hormone progesterone is responsible for regulating the levels of estrogen in the body. These levels can fluctuate throughout the different stages of human life. For women, the stress hormone and cortisol levels are immensely affected during menopause, leading to weight gain and insomnia. Women experiencing mental health issues due to hormonal imbalance might also present other symptoms such as insomnia, guilt, worthlessness, fatigue, indecisiveness, and appetite fluctuation.
#6. Severe Acne Trouble
Acne trouble is often associated with fluctuation in the hormone levels, especially during puberty. Puberty acne is normal; it usually appears in the face's T-zone, which includes your nose, forehead, and chin. Other hormone-related acne typically appears on the lower part of your face, such as the chin, bottom of your cheeks, and around the jawline. Hormonal acne can sometimes also present itself in different forms, such as blackheads, whiteheads, and small bumps/cysts on the head.
Sometimes, hormonal acne can indicate an underlying issue such as menstruation, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fluctuating androgen levels and menopause.
Below is a list of a few natural remedies to treat hormonal acne:
- Tea tree oil
- Green tea
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey and cinnamon mask
- Aloevera
References
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