What is hormone imbalance?
Hormone imbalance occurs when there are too much or too little of a certain hormone in the body. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol etc regulate many of the body's functions like mood, sleep, appetite, metabolism etc. When these hormones are not in the right proportions, it leads to a hormonal imbalance.
Some common symptoms of hormone imbalance are:
- Irregular periods or abnormal menstrual cycles in women
- Low libido and erectile dysfunction in men
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Sleep disturbances like insomnia or excessive sleepiness
- Mood changes like anxiety, irritability or depression
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Hair loss
- Skin issues like acne, dryness or oily skin
What causes hormone imbalance?
There are various causes for hormonal imbalances like:
- PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) - Common in women, leads to excess androgen like testosterone
- Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Menopause - Decline in estrogen and progesterone
- Andropause - Decline in testosterone in men
- Stress - Leads to excess cortisol
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
- Being overweight or obese
- Certain medical conditions and medications
How is hormone imbalance diagnosed?
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance based on symptoms, it's best to see an endocrinologist. They may recommend:
- Physical exam and medical history
- Blood tests to check various hormone levels like estrogen, testosterone etc
- Other diagnostic tests like pelvic ultrasound for PCOS
Based on the results, the doctor will be able to identify any hormonal imbalance and suggest treatment.
How to treat hormone imbalances naturally?
Some lifestyle changes and natural remedies that can help restore hormonal balance are:
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet low in sugars and processed food
- Exercise regularly - at least 30 mins per day
- Reduce stress via yoga, meditation or mindfulness
- Get adequate sleep daily
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
- Consider supplements like maca, ginseng, Vitex after consulting your doctor
- For women - balance estrogen levels naturally with soy foods
However, for moderate to severe hormonal disorders, medical treatment may be needed in addition to natural remedies and lifestyle changes.
When to see a doctor?
You should consult your doctor if you experience persistent symptoms like:
- Irregular periods and infertility
- Changes in sleep and appetite
- Low libido
- Hot flashes
- Mood changes like depression or anxiety
- Hair loss or hair growth
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Based on the symptoms and test results, the doctor may prescribe hormonal medications or supplements to correct the imbalance.
At Rejuvenate Medical, our endocrinologists specialize in diagnosing and treating various hormone disorders using evidence-based conventional as well as complementary approaches. We provide personalized care tailored to your specific hormonal health needs.