Are you experiencing irregular periods, acne breakouts, and insomnia? Perhaps you are struggling with muscle mass loss and weight gain? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The symptoms that we mentioned can be all possibly caused by an existing hormonal imbalance. If you want to find out what causes a hormonal imbalance and what other symptoms can be expected, please join us in the next couple of minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hormones are our chemical messengers. In the human body, there are up to 50 different hormones circulating the bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may recognize some of them including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, cortisol, etc. Each of these hormones is produced and secreted by our endocrine glands. The testes, ovaries, and thyroid gland are some of the best well-known endocrine glands in the human body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is up to the hormones to travel through the bloodstream and give orders to each body organ. Hormones are very important. They control all bodily functions \u2013 from metabolism, body temperature, reproduction, and even your stress levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing that it is essential that we keep each hormone within its normal ranges. This is referred to as hormone balance. Having too little or too much of any hormone can greatly impact our body and mind. Often, a present abundance of one hormone causes the levels of another hormone to drop. The term we use to describe this condition is \u201chormone imbalance\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hormone imbalance is a much more serious and complicated issue than many believe it to be. What makes it so complex is the wide range of symptoms. The hormone imbalance symptoms<\/a> also variate depending on the patient\u2019s age, gender, general health status, and other factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the biggest reason behind the wide variety of symptoms is the cause. The patient experiences different symptoms depending on which hormone is out of balance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the majority of cases, we see either cortisol or an insulin imbalance. You may recognize these as the \u201cstress\u201d and \u201cblood sugar\u201d hormones. Cortisol is one of the many hormones produced by the adrenal gland, while the \u201cblood sugar hormone\u201d is produced by the pancreas<\/a>. Here are some general hormonal imbalance symptoms that are seen in both men and women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But some symptoms are specific to men, and those that are specific to women only. Women mostly face with estrogen and progesterone imbalance, whereas men struggle with a testosterone imbalance. Let\u2019s take a look into the different symptoms of a hormone imbalance<\/a> that women and men experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In women, there are two main sex hormones with that being estrogen and progesterone. Small amounts of testosterone are present as well, however insignificant they may be in this case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During different periods of their lives, women experience somewhat normal hormonal imbalances, especially regarding their estrogen levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause are all causing evident changes in hormone production. Certain conditions also contribute to the estrogen imbalance<\/a> as well. As a side-effect, the estrogen hormone level increases or decreases, thus causing the following symptoms to take place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heavy\/missed\/frequent\/irregular periods;<\/p>\n\n\n\n Men have only one main sex hormone and that is testosterone. Small traces of estrogen are present within the male body as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the estrogen levels<\/a> are not maintained within the normal ranges, this can result in estrogen dominance<\/a>. The following symptoms are a result of low testosterone levels and\/or estrogen dominance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wide variety of symptoms is not the only thing complex when it comes to imbalanced hormones. Often, doctors struggle with determining the exact cause that has led to changes in their patient\u2019s menstrual cycle<\/a>, sleep, or testosterone levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You see, many possible causes can take your hormones out of balance. And like the symptoms, there are also certain causes specific to women and men only. But first, we will review the most common general causes of hormonal imbalances in both genders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of gender-specific causes, the cause is almost always related to the specific reproductive hormone. Anything that disturbs the natural estrogen and testosterone production<\/a> will result in these symptoms. Now let\u2019s take a look at the specific hormone imbalance causes for women and men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that other causes outside this list can be the reason for your hormone imbalance symptoms. Consult a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaving your hormonal imbalance untreated is never an option. Of course, that there is not much that one can do about the hormonal imbalances during puberty, but the rule does not apply when it comes to the much more serious causes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Menopause, natural decline in testosterone production<\/a>, prostate cancer, and PCOS, among others, can all be efficiently treated. Leaving a hormonal imbalance untreated exposes you to great health risks, including the following ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your visit to the doctor\u2019s office will start with a routine physical exam and medical history. Depending on the present symptoms, the doctor may need to perform one or multiple tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since almost all hormones are found in the blood, a blood test will be ordered. After collecting a sample of your blood, the doctor will proceed to analyze the results and make a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other than this standard hormone test, a pelvic\/scrotum exam, ultrasound, biopsy, X-ray, and an MRI scan<\/a> are some of the additional tests that can be ordered. Doing these tests will help the doctor to determine the exact cause behind the symptoms as they proceed to eliminate all potential causes one by one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Testing your hormone levels at home is only possible in the case of menopause. If a woman suspects that she is in perimenopause or menopause, she can use a home testing kit to confirm her suspicions. The home testing kit will measure the FSH levels in the urine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the results show a higher than normal FSH level, then chances are that you have entered menopause. But keep in mind that the FSH levels naturally change during the normal menstrual cycle. For any additional questions, schedule a consultation with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As soon as the doctor has determined the exact cause, they will then proceed to treat the issue. Depending on the issue itself, the following treatments may be used:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In patients with hypothyroidism, a drug called Levothyroxine is used. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), the thyroid hormone found naturally in our body. This hormone therapy helps replace the missing T4, thus relieving some of the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doctors often prescribe estrogen replacement therapy<\/a> to patients who have a hard time going through menopause<\/a>. In this case, the hormone replacement therapy helps by compensating the low estrogen levels. With that, a significant improvement in symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes, and insomnia can be achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A popular hormone therapy method is using vaginal estrogen cream, ring, or tablet. The estrogen cream helps soothe any vaginal dryness and prevent vaginal pain during intercourse. This is the usually preferred option compared to the standard estrogen therapy<\/a> since it helps avoid the common side-effects linked to this treatment method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For men struggling with low testosterone levels, the doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone therapy<\/a> is available in several forms. One can choose from using a patch, an injection, or gel. Nowadays, testosterone therapy is often used in adolescents with delayed puberty where it helps stimulate the start of puberty. A common use is to treat the symptoms of low testosterone levels, especially erectile dysfunction and infertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the last couple of years, we have had the pleasure to enjoy an advanced form of hormone therapy. It is known by the name of bioidentical hormone therapy. The BHRT can be used in both men and women who struggle with frequent hormone imbalances. BHRT is usually used in those with perimenopause and menopause, but also in cases of insulin resistance<\/a>, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin<\/a> is originally used as a diabetes type 2 medication. However, lately, it has also been used in those struggling with PCOS. While the use of metformin is still not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some doctors prescribe their patients metformin to help lower androgen levels and encourage ovulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Women who experience symptoms of high androgen levels, including hair loss, increased facial hair growth, and frequent acne breakouts<\/a>, can benefit from using anti-androgen drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that other treatment methods other than these are available. Your doctor is the only one that can recommend the right treatment method. Use this information only as a guide and do not take any medications without consulting your doctor first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As always, Mother Nature is here to take our troubles away. For thousands of years now, people have relied on natural remedies and supplements to treat any hormonal imbalances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although none of these alternative treatments has been scientifically proven to work, it is worth giving them a try. In the following, we will discuss some of the most popular natural remedies for hormonal imbalances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nWhat causes a hormonal imbalance?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The thyroid gland is the small endocrine gland in the front of the neck. It produces two essential hormones \u2013 thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). It just so happens that hyperthyroidism<\/a> and hypothyroidism, both of which are related to the thyroid gland, are common issues during pregnancy. These issues cause serious symptoms that require immediate treatment.
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Its main function is to secrete a fluid that is nourishing and supporting the sperm only to be later excreted in the form of semen during ejaculation. Prostate cancer<\/a> represents an abnormal growth of cancer cells inside the prostate. Unfortunately, this continues to be a growing health issue and is the second leading cause of death among men in the United States. Prostate cancer too can cause hormonal changes that are often treated with testosterone therapy.
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What effect does hormonal imbalance have on the body?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nHow is hormonal imbalance diagnosed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can you test hormone levels at home?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatment for hormonal imbalance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid hormone therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Estrogen therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Testosterone therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Metformin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Anti-androgen drugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Natural treatments <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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