Everyone goes through a hormonal imbalance - women more than men - at some point in their lives. And chances are that you have often heard someone you know complain that they suffer from a hormonal imbalance. So, what exactly is it and what are the signs that you should watch out for?
What is a Hormonal Imbalance? - Whether you like it or not, hormones fluctuate. A wide number of things could cause an imbalance, hence it is first important to pinpoint what triggers off your hormones. Simply put, a hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on your body's natural functioning, causing a number of health woes. Among the most common reasons listed are a problematic menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the type of contraception you may be using, menopause, thyroid problems or even diabetes. Apart from this, certain lifestyle choices can also throw your hormones off balance. Following an inconsistent diet, leading a very sedentary lifestyle and even not sleeping enough can lead to a fluctuation in your hormones.
Common signs to watch out for:
- While feeling moody and irritable are characteristics that most women will readily identify with, if you notice (or someone points out to you) that you suffer from wild mood swings, oscillating from tremendous euphoria to crushing sadness, every other day, you could be suffering from a hormone disorder. Often diagnosed in menopausal women, you need to visit your doctor, who will conduct tests to determine the cause. Depression could be another indication of a disorder. Hence, instead of waiting for things to improve, it is advisable to seek professional help.
- Unable to sleep properly? While it is normal to have slight sleep problems now and then, if you perpetually find yourself staring at the ceiling and counting sheep for hours, you may have a problem. Experts reckon that this occurs in a lot among women just before their monthly menstrual cycle. This could be attributed to the fact that there is a steep reduction in progesterone, a hormone known to help you relax. This, in turn, makes you anxious and affects your sleep. If you notice this pattern month after month, it is best you schedule an appointment with your family doctor.
- While a large number of women heave a sigh of relief at bidding goodbye to teenage acne, a substantial number aren't so lucky. Adult acne, in several cases, can be attributed to a disturbed hormonal cycle. An odd pimple here and there is considered normal by dermatologists, who say this occurs due to variation in your hormones. However, being afflicted with heavy acne that leaves scars is a cause for concern. This is probably caused due to high levels of androgens (male hormones). When you have a high number of male hormones in your body, it causes (among other things) regular acne breakouts.
- Your sex drive doesn't always have to be at full throttle. Everyone goes through highs and lows in the bed-room, but if there is a severe loss of libido, it's time to find out any underlying causes. A number of studies have proven that hormonal imbalances can cause your sex drive to take a nosedive. This happens because your estrogen levels decrease. Your doctor will prescribe medication or an estrogen vaginal cream as treatment.
- Often, your body may be giving out signs of a hormone disorder, but you might have not noticed the symptoms. It is a good idea to give yourself a breast exam at least once a month so that any lumps or changes can be immediately studied. As you age, your breasts will get more tender, so make sure that you go for regular checkups. Another sign of a hormonal imbalance is vaginal dryness. Occurring mostly in women who are nearing menopause, this happens because of low estrogen levels, leading to dryness and, in turn, painful sex. Ask your doctor for a lubricant if the discomfort is unbearable.
- Suffering from regular migraines or headaches around your menstrual cycle could be an indication of a hormonal disorder. Keep track of when these headaches occur - it will help your doctor figure out what could be triggering them and whether it is indeed a hormonal imbalance.
- While gaining weight gets easier with, sudden weight gain could have several underlying causes. One of the first things you need to do is to get your thyroid checked. An out-of-control thyroid often causes severe hormonal changes and weight gain is just one of the symptoms.
- Feeling constantly tired is also a sign of a hormone cycle that is not functioning properly. It could be attributed to hypothyroidism, which causes your metabolism to slow down drastically, making you feel sluggish and exhausted.
---------------------------------------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment