Do you feel like you’re losing your mind? Are you moody, irritable, anxious, or depressed for no reason? Do you have no energy, trouble sleeping, or a low sex drive? Unfortunately, if you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be suffering from hormonal imbalance.
Don’t worry. You’re not alone. A hormonal imbalance is a common problem for women, especially as we age. But there is hope.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help restore your hormones to their proper levels, resulting in improved mood, energy, and overall well-being. And with HRT treatment being widely available, there’s no reason to suffer any longer.
A Quick Primer on Hormones
Before we get into the specifics of the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance, it’s important to understand what hormones are and how they work. Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate the various functions of our bodies, such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood.
Our endocrine glands produce them and release them into the bloodstream, where they travel to different parts of the body to do their job.
Hormones are constantly changing, and our bodies are constantly adjusting to maintain a delicate balance. But sometimes, this balance is disrupted, resulting in a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by various factors, including stress, diet, alcohol consumption, certain medications, and menopause.
Traditional HRT vs. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
There are two main types of hormone replacement therapy: traditional hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Traditional HRT uses synthetic hormones that are similar to but not identical to the hormones produced by your body.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy uses hormones identical to the ones made by your body. These are derived from plant estrogens, such as yams and soybeans. BHRT is a more natural approach to hormone replacement and has fewer side effects than traditional HRT.
Both types of hormone replacement therapy can effectively treat the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. However, BHRT has a few advantages over traditional HRT. First, because bioidentical hormones are identical to the ones produced by your body, they are more easily absorbed and used by your body’s cells.
This means that you are less likely to experience side effects with BHRT than with traditional HRT. Additionally, BHRT can be custom-tailored to your specific needs based on blood tests and other factors, whereas conventional HRT is a one-size-fits-all approach.
You May Need HRT If…
- You’re Experiencing Unexpected Weight Gain
If you’re gaining weight without making any changes to your diet or exercise routine, it could be a sign that your hormones are out of balance.
Weight gain is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. It is also common during menopause when estrogen levels start to decline.
- You’re Feeling Tired All the Time
Feeling tired all the time is another common symptom of hormone imbalance. If you’re not getting enough sleep, it can exacerbate fatigue. But even if you get enough sleep, you may still feel exhausted due to hormonal imbalance.
- You Have Difficulty Concentrating
Hormone imbalance can also affect your ability to concentrate and focus on tasks. This is because hormones regulate the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are responsible for sending messages between nerve cells.
- You Have Low Libido
Low libido is another common sign of hormone imbalance in both men and women. Hormones such as testosterone and estrogen play an essential role in sexual desire. When levels of these hormones are low, it can lead to a decreased libido.
- You’re Experiencing Mood Swings
Mood swings are another common symptom of hormone imbalance. A mood swing is a sudden and drastic change in mood.
This happens because hormones play a role in regulating mood. When hormone levels are off, it can cause irritability, anxiety, and depression.
- You Have Hot Flashes or Night Sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats are two more common symptoms of hormone imbalance, particularly in women going through menopause. These symptoms occur when estrogen levels drop suddenly, causing a sudden increase in body temperature.
- You Have Dry Skin or Brittle Nails
Dry skin and brittle nails are two more physical signs of hormone imbalance. This is because hormones play a role in keeping skin and nails healthy. When hormone levels are off, it can lead to dryness and brittleness.
- Your Hair Is Thinning
Hair loss is another physical sign of hormone imbalance. Hormones play a vital role in hair health and growth by regulating the hair cycle. When hormone levels are off, it can disrupt the hair cycle and lead to thinning hair.
Both men and women suffer from thinning hair and hair loss due to hormone imbalance. Surprisingly for some, around 40 percent of hair loss sufferers are women.
- You Have Sleep Problems
Sleep problems are another common symptom of menopause and hormonal imbalances. Women may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night.
They may also wake up feeling unrested and tired during the day. Sleep problems can be caused by hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, and depression. However, insomnia can also be exacerbated by low levels of the hormone progesterone.
- You Have Memory Problems
Memory problems are another symptom in individuals with hormonal imbalances. You may have difficulty remembering recent events or retaining new information.
Studies show that memory and cognitive function may be impacted by sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, as well as stress hormones such as cortisol. That’s why hormone imbalances can lead to forgetfulness and “brain fog.”
- You Have Vaginal Dryness or Painful Intercourse
Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause and hormone imbalance that can cause discomfort during intercourse. The vaginal walls may become thin and less elastic, making intercourse painful.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been experiencing any of the above issues, reach out to qualified healthcare professionals and get hormone imbalance testing. From there, you can decide whether or not hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
Though it may seem daunting, treatment options for hormone imbalances have come a long way in recent years. Millions of people have found relief through HRT and BHRT. You don’t have to suffer through these symptoms. Help is available.
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Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.