Hormonal Imbalances and How to Correct Them
Table of Content
Summary
Hormonal Imbalances occur when the body produces too little or too much of a particular hormone. This disrupts normal physiological functions like metabolism, growth and reproduction. These imbalances often stem from dysfunction in one or more endocrine glands. Factors like stress, poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise and exposure to toxins can lead to temporary imbalances which can be reversed with a change in habits and stopping certain medications. Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism and PCOS are caused by genetic factors, tumors or autoimmune conditions. These result in more lasting hormonal disruptions. Symptoms of hormonal imbalances vary but commonly include weight fluctuations, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog and reproductive issues. Treatment for hormonal imbalances depends on the underlying cause but may involve hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes or medication to manage the condition effectively.
What is a Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormones are the body’s way of sending chemical signals. They are produced by various glands in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream, to relay messages to different organs and tissues. Hormones are needed to regulate most physiological functions including digestion, metabolism, growth, sleep and reproduction. Hormonal signals are very strong, and even a slight excess of a certain hormone can cause major changes in the body. Hormonal imbalances are also known as endocrine disorders, because each hormonal disorder typically involves anomalies in the function of at least one endocrine gland.
What causes Hormonal Imbalances?
Hormone levels gradually change according to the time of day, the time of year, and for women the time of the month. Certain milestone events in a person’s life see dramatic but natural hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause. However, hormone levels also dramatically fluctuate when the endocrine glands aren’t functioning properly. This could be due to stress, poor nutrition, obesity or exposure to toxins, pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The use of certain drugs and medications can also cause hormonal imbalances. These causes are temporary, so the hormonal imbalances are easier to reverse. If you stop taking the medication, work on reducing stress or improve your diet, your hormonal imbalances can correct themselves, with some consistency.
Some medical conditions can also cause hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, Addison’s disease and growth hormone deficiency in children. These conditions tend to be chronic. They are usually caused by tumours or other growths on the endocrine glands, trauma or infection to the endocrine glands, or autoimmune conditions.
Women are more likely to develop reproductive hormonal imbalances compared to men. This includes conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and ovarian cancer. Exposure to endocrine disruptors in cosmetics, perfumes and cleaning products can cause this. Birth control medication can also cause hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in the Body
The body produces about 50 different hormones, all of which are essential to good health. Imbalance in each of these hormones cause different signs and symptoms. Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance include:
– Weight gain
– Unexplained, rapid weight loss
– Fatigue
– Muscle aches, stiffness, or tenderness
– Pain and inflammation in the joints
– Changes in normal heart rate
– Increased sensitivity to extreme temperatures
– Frequent urination
– Dry skin
– Inflamed acne
– Hair fall or thinning of hair
– Puffiness in the face
– Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
– Decreased sex drive
– Infertility
– Skin tags
Having one or few of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily point towards a hormonal imbalance. However, a sudden notable change in the body with a combination of these symptoms is a sign that you should consult your endocrinologist.
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women specifically include:
– Vaginal dryness
– Excessive hair growth on the face, chin and neck, also known as Hirsutism
– Heavy flow during periods or irregular, missed and stopped periods
– Acne breakouts on the face, chest and upper back
– Hyperpigmentation along the neck creases, in the groin or under the breasts
– Hot flashes
– Breast tenderness
– Vaginal atrophy
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, please visit your gynaecologist for a consultation.
Correcting Common Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances are surprisingly common and affect people of all ages and genders. In this section, we will explore some of the most common diseases caused by hormonal imbalances and how they can be treated:
Diabetes – Diabetes is the most common endocrine disease. It specifically revolves around the hormone insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to absorb glucose in the blood into its cells and convert it to usable energy. Without enough insulin, the blood sugar levels rises as the cells continue to starve. Type 1 diabetes is caused when the islet cells in the pancreas reduce insulin production. This is normally diagnosed in children and young people. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance developed by the body with age. Patients with diabetes are treated with insulin hormone therapy. This can be in the form of an insulin injection, inhaled insulin, amylin supplements or biosimilar insulin. Insulin hormone therapy should be combined with dietary changes and exercise to bring blood sugar back down to healthy levels.
Cushing Syndrome – Cushing syndrome happens when the body has an excess of cortisol over extended periods of time. Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys. Cortisol regulates how the body metabolises nutrients into energy. It also helps control blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Cushing syndrome causes weight gain in the body, while the limbs stay thin. It is the creator of the “skinny fat” body type. Cushing syndrome also causes bloating and weight gain in the face. It results in acne and a fatty lump between the shoulders called a “buffalo hump”. Patients with Cushing syndrome are advised to reduce stress levels and engage in moderate-impact exercise. Eating nutritious foods in moderation, with enough protein, vitamin D and calcium can help lose the excessive weight gained due to the cortisol imbalance. Taking care of your mental health is also important, to keep stress levels, and subsequently cortisol levels, low.
Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism – According to endocrinologists, thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid glands, located in the throat, make too much or too little thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is butterfly shaped and regulates many vital functions including digestion, metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, fertility, skin and hair maintenance. Hypothyroidism occurs when the body has low thyroid hormone levels. This causes brain fog, fatigue, unexplained weight gain, high blood cholesterol levels, anxiety and dry skin. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the body has high thyroid levels. This causes your metabolism to speed up, resulting in rapid heart beat, increased appetite, weight loss, anxiety, hair loss, sleep issues and excessive sweating. Hypothyroidism is treated with hormone replacement therapy. The patient is given medication to replace the missing hormones. Hyperthyroidism is treated with radioactive iodine, or beta blockers. These either absorb excess thyroid hormone in the blood, or prevent the excess thyroid hormone from acting.
PCOS – Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS experience menstrual disorders, i.e. they either do not get their period regularly, or their period lasts more than a week. PCOS is usually caused by excess androgen in women. Insulin resistance can cause excess androgen production. The excess androgen causes cysts containing immature eggs to form around the edges of the ovaries, preventing them from releasing mature eggs. Patients with PCOS also tend to grow excess facial and body hair and have severe hormonal acne. PCOS symptoms tend to be worse in patients who are overweight and obese. In addition to hormonal birth control pills to regulate androgen production, PCOS patients are also advised to lose weight. Having a healthy weight regulates both insulin and androgen levels, and can restore ovulation.
Low Testosterone in Men – Low testosterone or hypogonadism is a condition in which men don’t produce enough of the “male” hormone testosterone. Testosterone is the main hormone responsible for sperm production. Testosterone also helps build and maintain muscle mass, bone density and correct levels of red blood cells. The amount of testosterone produced in the Leydig cells of the testes is controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. Low testosterone is treated with testosterone replacement therapy. This can take the form of externally applied gels, intramuscular injections, testosterone patches or tablets. Avoiding alcohol and drugs, eating healthy and exercising can help prevent low testosterone. Testosterone production decreases with age, and this is unavoidable.
Adrenal Insufficiency – Adrenal Insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, is a condition in which the adrenal glands don’t make enough cortisol. Low cortisol causes weakness, fatigue, dizziness, darkening of the skin, weight loss, dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, low blood pressure and low blood sugar levels. Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the body has an auto-immune response that targets the adrenal glands. Excessive use of steroids can also cause adrenal insufficiency. This condition can be deadly, and must be medically diagnosed and treated immediately. Patients are usually given corticosteroids, which can be taken orally or via IV.
For comprehensive care and expert treatment of hormonal imbalances, trust the experienced medical team at Kauvery Hospital. With branches strategically located in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, we’re committed to serving the community with top-quality healthcare for endocrine disorders and more. Reach out to us today for your complete health solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hormonal imbalance?
A hormonal imbalance occurs when your body produces too much or too little of a hormone, affecting various body functions.
What causes hormonal imbalances?
They can be triggered by factors like stress, poor diet, obesity, toxins, or chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and PCOS.
What are common symptoms of hormonal imbalance?
Symptoms include weight gain or loss, fatigue, mood swings, muscle aches, and changes in skin or hair health.
How can hormonal imbalances be corrected?
They can often be managed with hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, medication, and regular consultations with healthcare professionals.
What are some conditions related to hormonal imbalances?
Common conditions include diabetes, Cushing syndrome, thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), PCOS, low testosterone, and adrenal insufficiency.
When should I consult a doctor about a hormonal imbalance?
If you notice sudden or significant changes in weight, energy, mood, or other symptoms, it’s best to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
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