Hormonal Imbalances:
Learn to live balanced.
What is a hormonal imbalance?
Hormones are proteins or chemical messengers that are part of the endocrine system. They are produced in the tissues and glands of the body to help regulate functions such as metabolism and reproduction. A hormonal imbalance occurs when there becomes too much or too little of a certain hormone.
This can cause the body's function to fall into a disequilibrium. These imbalances can be temporary or chronic and may require treatment, but can be regulated and balanced naturally through specific practices.
Causes:
Hormonal imbalances can be triggered by many different factors. These can include chronic stress, puberty, pregnancy, certain medications, autoimmune conditions, endocrine gland injury, or tumors/abnormal growth in the adrenal glands.
Common Imbalances:
There are different types of hormonal imbalances that women can struggle with. The most common one's will be listed below in more depth.
Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance may range from irregular periods, anxiety, acne, sugar & caffeine cravings, or struggles with weight gain and/or loss.
ESTROGEN:
Estrogen dominance, a hormonal imbalance characterized by an excess of estrogen relative to progesterone, is a condition that can affect women of all ages. While estrogen plays crucial roles in the body, an imbalance can lead to various symptoms and health concerns.
An imbalance in estrogen levels can be due to:
-Hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy),
-Chronic stress/ disruption in the adrenal glands
-Poor diet lacking essential nutrients
-Environmental factors (exposure to toxins and chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, & pollutants)
-Medications/Hormonal Treatments such as contraceptives (birth control), hormone replacement therapy, and some fertility treatments
-Excess body fat (especially around the abdomen)
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Estrogen dominance has also been associated with conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain cancers.
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Common symptoms of estrogen dominance include:
-Irregular/heavy periods
-Breast tenderness
-Mood swings
-Bloating
-Water retention,
-Weight gain
-Headaches
PROGESTERONE:
An imbalance in progesterone levels can occur due to various factors and can have implications for women's health. Progesterone is a hormone primarily involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and plays a crucial role in supporting pregnancy. Progesterone imbalances can be a result of hormonal disorders such as PCOS, stress, and certain medications including birth control.
Symptoms of low progesterone include:
-Irregular cycles,
-Infertility or trouble conceiving
-Mood swings,
-Insomnia,
-Headaches
PCOS:
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal condition that affects women during their reproductive years. It can bring about challenges that may impact different aspects of a woman's health. Some of the common symptoms include irregular or absent menstrual periods, the presence of ovarian cysts, and higher levels of androgens (male hormones). It's important to remember that PCOS is a complex condition and can vary from person to person. The root cause of PCOS is still unknown but may be hereditary.
Common symptoms of those who experience PCOS include:
-Irregular or no periods
-Difficulties with fertility
-Metabolic function (weight gain or difficulty with weight loss)
-Insulin resistance (can result in becoming pre-diabetic/Type 2 diabetes)
-Excess hair growth
-Acne
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THYROID DISORDERS:
Thyroid disorders can lead to hormonal imbalances and have a significant impact on various bodily functions. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate metabolism and play a crucial role in the body's growth and development. When the thyroid gland fails to function properly, it can result in hormonal imbalances.
-Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to a slowdown in metabolism and a decrease in hormone levels, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin, and depression.
-Hyperthyroidism on the other hand, is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, leading to excessive production of thyroid hormones. This can result in increased metabolism and higher hormone levels, including T4 and T3. Symptoms may include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, excessive sweating, and heat intolerance.​
-Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, this can lead to hypothyroidism as the gland becomes damaged and unable to produce sufficient hormones.​
-Graves' Disease is another autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excess thyroid hormones.
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Hormonal imbalances caused by thyroid disorders can affect various bodily functions, including metabolism, body temperature regulation, energy levels, mood, and fertility. Symptoms that are a result of a hyperthyroid include fatigue, cold sensitivity, weight gain, constipation, depression, etc.