When there is an excess or not enough of a specific hormone found in the bloodstream, it is called a hormonal imbalance. This often results in numerous side effects because hormones are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Even a very small imbalance can result in unpleasant side effects. Glands located in the endocrine system are responsible for producing hormones. A hormone is a type of chemical traveling to the organs and tissues of the body through the bloodstream. The hormones instruct the organs as to what needs to be done and when. Hormones regulate the majority of the processes in the body. This includes:
• Heart rate
• Sexual function and reproductive cycles
• Stress levels and mood
• Appetite and metabolism
• Overall development and growth
• Sleep cycles
• Body temperature
Women usually have a hormonal imbalance in progesterone and estrogen and men in their testosterone levels. The symptoms are dependent on the hormones and glands impacted by the imbalance. The symptoms for both men and women include:
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in the heart rate
• Excessive sweating with no apparent cause
• Skin rashes or extremely dry skin
• Anxiety and irritability
• Changes in the concentration of blood sugar
• Depression
• More or less frequent urination
• Appetite changes
• Losing or gaining weight with no apparent cause
• A decreased sex drive
• Bloating
• Weak or brittle bones
• Long-term fatigue with no apparent cause
• Headaches
• Changes in blood pressure
• Infertility
• Blurry vision
• A different reaction to heat and cold
• Tenderness of the breasts
• Brittle or thinning hair
• A neck bulge
• Increased thirst
• Puffiness in the face
When the endocrine glands fail to work properly, the result is often a hormonal imbalance. This is a specialized gland responsible for the production, storage and release of hormones into the bloodstream. There are several conditions capable of impacting the endocrine glands. An imbalance can also be triggered by certain environmental factors and lifestyles.
What are the Causes?
• Poor nutrition and diet
• Anabolic steroid medication abuse
• Excess weight
• Addison’s disease
• Pituitary tumors
• Extreme or chronic stress
• Benign cysts and tumors
• Injury to the endocrine gland
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy
• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperglycemia
• Prader-Willi syndrome
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Severe infections or allergic reactions
• Cancers affecting the endocrine gland
• Both types of diabetes
• Thyroid nodules
• Hereditary pancreatitis
• Birth control medications
• Iodine deficiency
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Turner syndrome
• Exposure to certain chemicals, pollutants and toxins
• Too high or low production of the parathyroid hormone
• Anorexia
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Phytoestrogens, a plant estrogen contained in soy products
Women often experience an imbalance while they are pregnant. The other normal periods for an imbalance include puberty, menstruation, childbirth, breastfeeding, menopause, perimenopause and postmenopause. The chance of a woman developing one of several different types of imbalances is higher than it is for men. This is due to the different cycles and endocrine organs of the male body. There are numerous medical conditions capable of triggering an imbalance in women including:
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Early menopause
• Ovarian cancer
• Birth control medications
The most common signs a woman has a hormonal imbalance include:
• Night sweats and hot flashes
• Frequent indigestion
• An increase in the growth of hair on the face, chest, neck or back
• Painful, irregular or heavy menstrual cycles
• Acne triggered by the menstrual cycle
• Gaining excess weight
• Vaginal dryness
• The voice becomes deeper
• Hair loss or thinning hair
• Osteoporosis
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Bleeding from the uterus other than the menstrual cycle
• Tenderness of the breasts
• An enlargement of the clitoris
• Infertility
• Abnormal growths or skin tags
Men also have hormonal imbalances during the course of their life. The cause is generally natural such as puberty and the aging process. The type of imbalance developed by men is not the same as for women due to their different cycles and endocrine organs. Certain medical conditions can cause an imbalance in men such as a low testosterone level and prostate cancer. The most common symptoms of an imbalance include:
• Erectile dysfunction
• Reduction in muscle mass
• Breast tissue becomes over-developed
• Decreased sex drive
• Osteoporosis
• Decreased hair growth on the body
• Low sperm count
• Tenderness of the breasts
The Treatments for a Hormonal Imbalance
The correct treatment for a hormonal imbalance must be based on the cause. Different treatments are required for the specifics of each case. The best treatment for each individual can be determined by our professional at Infinity MedSpa in Sudbury. If you are interested in a treatment for a hormonal imbalance, please feel free to contact us today to book a consultation and get started!
