Hormones are chemicals that are produced by glands in the endocrine system. Hormones transit through the bloodstream into the tissues and organs and prepare the organs on what to do by delivering signals.
Hormonal imbalances arise when there is too little or too much of a hormone in the bloodstream. Because of their key role in the body, even slight hormonal imbalances can cause side effects throughout the body.
Causes of Hormone Imbalance in Women
Hormonal imbalances are caused by many external factors, such as hormone medications or stress. However, they can also be caused by any medical conditions that impact the endocrine system or glands. Doctors at the IVF center in Dilsukhnagar provide the best advice on lifestyle transformations that any person can resort to repair hormonal imbalances to avoid infertility. Some of the reasons for hormonal imbalance in women are as follows:
- Stress
- Side effects of drugs
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism
- Pituitary tumors
These are some significant reasons which can cause hormonal imbalance in women. Apart from this, it can also occur due to other reasons.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Women
Hormones play a major role in a person’s health, affecting the overall physical and mental well-being. They control many different processes in the body and affect mood swings like the kind of food you want to eat, how you feel, and even your weight.
It is common for hormone levels to fluctuate throughout your lifetime. However, too little or too much of a specific hormone can deeply affect your body.
Here are some symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women.
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Irregular periods
This refers to getting heavier periods than usual or irregular or missing altogether, contributing to health issues such as diabetes and heart diseases. In most cases, hormonal imbalance also results in excessively painful and heavy periods.
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Persistent fatigue and mood swings
Constant fatigue and fluctuating mood swings are common symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women. Hormonal changes in the brain control the thyroid glands, which can cause fatigue and depression. When your thyroid glands produce too little thyroid hormone, that can sap your energy, leaving you lethargic, and excess progesterone makes you feel tired and sleepy all the time.
Low estrogen levels in the body can cause rapid mood changes or frequent anger. Estrogens directly affect neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting serotonin, the feel-good hormone.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the emotional and physical symptoms that are experienced days before a woman’s period. It usually presents through irritability, mood swings, food cravings, fatigue, tender breasts, and depression. Disturbed estrogens levels can also cause PMS and depression.
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Low sex drive
Many factors, including hormones, influence women’s sexual desire. A drop in estrogen levels can cause a loss of urge for sexual intercourse. This imbalance can also cause dryness and itching in the vagina, making sex painful, further decreasing the desire for sexual intercourse.
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Unexplained or persistent weight gain
High levels of cortical, low levels of thyroid hormones, and other hormonal imbalances can cause unexplained weight gain. If you notice difficulty losing weight or persistent unexplained weight gain, hormonal imbalance may be the culprit.
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Infertility
Hormonal imbalance is the leading cause of female infertility and reduces the chances of conceiving naturally for women. It affects the menstrual cycle or disrupts ovulation, making it harder to get pregnant.
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Insomnia
A condition in which the person has trouble sleeping is referred to as insomnia. This is the most common symptom in menopausal and peri-menopausal women. When estrogen levels drop, they disrupt sleep and contribute to fatigue and lack of energy.
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Bloating and Digestive Problems
Cells in the digestive tract have receptors for estrogens and progesterone. Any transitions in the levels of these hormones may affect a person’s digestion resulting in bloating. It can also cause bowel and digestive problems like abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea.
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Night sweats
Reduced estrogen levels can cause night sweats and hot flashes during sleep or when you wake up. Occasional night sweats may be normal, but there is a problem if it is regular.
- Hair loss and skin issues
Low levels of estrogens and progesterone can lead to skin problems, such as dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Some women experience hair loss and get acne.
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Brittle bones
Hormonal imbalance can also weaken women’s bones leading to problems such as osteoporosis.
Nearly every woman experiences at least one or two periods of hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalances are more common during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. But some people experience continual, irregular hormonal imbalances.
Conclusion:
Hormonal imbalance is the leading cause of female infertility but is often treatable with medications and lifestyle changes. It is advised to visit or speak to a doctor about unexplained long-term symptoms, particularly those that cause discomfort, pain, or hinder everyday activities. Visit Oasis fertility Dilsukhnagar to find out about the treatments and lifestyle changes that need to be taken to maintain fertility.
