Hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. If you suspect that you may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance, it is important to speak with your doctor so that you can receive treatment. You can also opt for hormone imbalance testing in the comfort of your own home to get a better understanding of your current hormone levels. Whichever method you choose, be sure to stay proactive about your health and seek help if you need it.
- Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of a hormonal imbalance is fatigue. Fatigue is more than just being tired. It is a feeling of overwhelming exhaustion that can make it challenging to get through the day. Fatigue can impact all aspects of your life — from your work productivity to your ability to engage in activities you enjoy. If you’re dealing with a hormone imbalance, no matter how much sleep you get, you may still feel exhausted. While getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night is important, you may not see the usual benefits if you’re dealing with a hormonal imbalance.
To determine if fatigue is one of your symptoms, keep a sleep journal or use an app to log how many hours you’re actually sleeping as well as how rested you feel when you wake up.
- Weight Gain
Weight gain is another common symptom of a hormonal imbalance. As we age, our bodies naturally undergo some changes. However, if you’ve been eating healthy and exercising but still can’t seem to shed those extra pounds, it could be due to a hormone imbalance. When your hormones are out of whack, it can lead to insulin resistance, which can cause weight gain.
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If you’re struggling to manage your weight, keep track of your calorie intake and how much you’re exercising. Certain foods or snacking habits might cause you to gain weight. However, if you’re doing everything right and still can’t seem to lose weight, it could be due to a hormonal imbalance.
- Mood Swings
Hormonal imbalances can also cause mood swings. If you find yourself feeling suddenly irritable or uncharacteristically emotional, it could be due to a hormonal imbalance. This is because hormones play a significant role in regulating mood. When they’re out of balance, it can lead to mood swings. It’s important to note that a mood swing is different than just feeling a little down. A mood swing is a drastic change in mood that can happen suddenly and for no apparent reason.
Mood swings are usually quite apparent to our family and friends, but they may catch us off guard. If you find yourself having mood swings regularly, no matter how much self-care and meditation you’ve packed into your life, it’s time to consider hormone imbalance testing.
- Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and despair. It is different from just having a bad day, as it can significantly impact a person’s ability to function normally in everyday life. Depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances. For example, hormonal imbalance symptoms in women due to menopause may be more likely to manifest depression. Similarly, people with thyroid disorders may also be more prone to depression.
Many people find that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps to relieve their depression symptoms. However, if you’re struggling with depression after undergoing this treatment, it’s important to seek professional help. Depression is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly.
- Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease that can be mild or severe. It’s different from being overwhelmed occasionally because anxiety is a more consistent feeling that can be difficult to control. It’s also different from mood swings and depression but can come alongside them. Anxiety is often caused by hormonal imbalances in aging adults with no medical history of anxiety disorders. Anxiety can manifest in different ways, including physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing. Mentally and emotionally, anxiety can cause a person to feel on edge, have difficulty concentrating, and experience irritability.
Keep track of these feelings in a daily journal and monitor your anxiety levels. If they seem to be consistently high, it’s essential to seek professional help, as anxiety can be a debilitating condition. And while there are anti-anxiety medications on the market that may help to ease your symptoms, many of these come with their own set of side effects. We recommend treating the cause rather than the signs of anxiety. So if a hormone imbalance is to blame, seeking hormone therapy may be the best route to take.
- Hair Loss and Dry Skin
It’s no secret that hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on our bodies in several ways, including hair loss and dry skin. These are both common signs of aging, but they may be exacerbated by hormonal imbalances. For most of us, these changes can feel overwhelming and seriously affect our self-esteem. Often, we turn to creams and high-quality shampoos as solutions, but they aren’t enough if hormones are out of balance.
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If you’ve noticed sudden or excessive hair loss or unusually dry skin, it’s important to consider that hormones may be to blame. Hormone replacement therapy can help to replenish lost hormones and restore balance.
Final Thoughts
If you are struggling with a hormonal imbalance, know that you are not alone. Millions of people across the country are affected by this condition, and many treatment options are available. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your doctor or other healthcare professionals. With the proper treatment, you can get your life back on track and feel like yourself again.