SIGNS OF HORMONE HEALTH IMBALANCE YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE.
When it comes to your hormone health, it is no joke. Seriously, your hormones affect EVERYTHING. Hormones are powerful messengers in our bodies, influencing everything from mood and energy to metabolism and fertility. When these hormones are in balance, we feel great. But when they become imbalanced, even slightly, it can lead to a host of symptoms that can affect your overall well-being.
An imbalance occurs when there is an excess or low amount of one or more hormone. Our bodies are constantly sending us messages about the state of our health. For instance, every month that you get your period, consider the symptoms and biomarkers that occur as a health report of the previous month. When you know the language your hormones are speaking, you can understand when there is something off that needs to be addressed.
Here are a few signs of hormone health imbalance that you should not ignore:
1. **Fatigue and Low Energy**
Feeling tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep, could be a sign that your hormones are out of balance. If you're struggling to get through the day without needing an afternoon nap or relying heavily on caffeine, it could be time to investigate your hormone health.
2. **Mood Swings and Irritability**
Have you noticed that you’re feeling more emotional, anxious, or irritable than usual? Hormones heavily influence mood, and fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, or cortisol can lead to significant mood swings. If your emotional ups and downs are more intense or frequent than what’s typical for you, hormone imbalances might be at play.
3. **Unexplained Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight**
Sudden weight gain or difficulty losing weight, despite healthy eating and exercise habits, could be a sign of hormonal imbalance. Hormones like insulin, thyroid, and cortisol influence your metabolism.
4. **Sleep Disturbances**
Hormonal imbalances can disrupt sleep in a variety of ways. High cortisol levels from chronic stress can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Estrogen and progesterone imbalances during menopause can also contribute to insomnia or night sweats. If you're waking up frequently at night, struggling to get restful sleep, or dealing with insomnia, hormones could be the culprit.
5. **Irregular Periods or Changes in Menstrual Cycle**
For women, irregular periods, heavy bleeding, missed periods, or extremely painful periods can all be signs of hormonal imbalances. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalances, or perimenopause can cause these issues. If you notice your menstrual cycle becoming unpredictable or significantly more painful, it’s important to have your hormone levels checked.
6. **Acne or Skin Changes**
Hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone, can influence the health of your skin. If you notice a sudden increase in acne, especially around your chin, jawline, or neck, it may be related to hormonal shifts. This is common during puberty, pregnancy, or when entering perimenopause, but it can also occur due to conditions like PCOS or stress-related hormone fluctuations.
7. **Hair Loss or Thinning**
Hormonal imbalances can lead to hair thinning or hair loss. If you're noticing more hair in the shower drain or a noticeable thinning of your hair, it could be a signal that your hormones need attention.
8. **Brain Fog or Difficulty Concentrating**
Hormones like estrogen and thyroid hormones play a significant role in brain function, including memory, focus, and mental clarity. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or feeling "scattered."
9. **Hot Flashes and Night Sweats**
For women, hot flashes and night sweat symptoms can occur in the presence of certain hormonal conditions. If you're experiencing sudden heat waves, intense sweating at night, or feeling flushed without an obvious cause, it's important to check in with your hormone levels.
10. **Low Libido**
Hormonal imbalances can lead to a reduced interest in sex. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all play roles in sexual desire. Low levels of estrogen (common during menopause), low testosterone (in both men and women), or imbalances in cortisol due to stress can significantly affect libido. If you've noticed a drop in your sex drive that feels unusual or persistent, your hormones may be out of balance.
What to Do if You’re Experiencing These Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any of the above signs of hormone imbalance, it’s important to listen to your body and take action. A hormone coach can help guide you through lifestyle changes, diet adjustments, and natural remedies to support hormone health. Hormone testing (e.g., blood tests, saliva tests, or urine tests) may be recommended to identify any imbalances.
In many cases, balancing your hormones doesn’t require drastic medical interventions. Adjustments to diet, stress management, exercise, and sleep can all have a positive impact on your hormone levels. For some, hormone replacement therapy or medications may be necessary, depending on the severity of the imbalance.
Remember, hormonal imbalances are common, and many people experience them at various stages of life. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through them. Identifying the signs early and addressing them with the help of a hormone coach can help you regain balance and feel like yourself again.
Take Action Today!
Are you noticing any of these signs of hormone imbalance? Don’t ignore them. Early intervention can help prevent more serious health issues down the road. Whether it’s adjusting your lifestyle, seeking professional advice, or working with a hormone coach, taking proactive steps to balance your hormones can help you feel more energized, focused, and balanced.
If you’re unsure where to start, a hormone coach can help guide you toward the right resources and strategies for optimal hormone health.
If you need extra support for your hormone health, whether that is coaching or blood labs to test your hormones, head to the ‘WORK WITH ME’ page and let’s start your journey to optimal hormone health!
