Approximately 43% of women have claimed hormones have negatively impacted their well-being. Issues related to hormones can impact the entire body and cause an array of issues and symptoms.
If you have ever dealt with a hormone-related issue, you know how challenging it can be to deal with it. While this is true, by getting to know some of the most common causes of hormonal imbalance, you may be able to prevent these issues.
Keep reading to learn what some of the most common causes of a hormonal imbalance are.
Common Causes of Hormonal Imbalance
While many things can cause a hormonal imbalance, some are more common than others. The most common are found below.
Thyroid Issues
If you have an underactive or overactive thyroid, it can cause an imbalance of the thyroid hormone in your body. These problems may occur because of tumors, medications, autoimmune conditions, and more.
Your doctor can conduct a blood test to know if there is an issue with your thyroid.
Age and Menopause
As time passes, hormone levels will drop in women, which causes menopause. Sometimes, hormone imbalances can occur due to this “change.”
If you have unhealthy habits, it may increase the issues you experience related to menopause and hormone imbalances. This can also lead to premature aging and faster hormonal decline.
Stress
When you are stressed, your body produces cortisol. Excessive cortisol can cause Cushing syndrome.
If you are dealing with long-term stress, your body is exposed to higher cortisol levels for longer periods. This may impact the other hormone levels in your body. You can find more information here about this issue.
Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, you may experience sudden changes in hormone levels. Several hormones play a huge role in pregnancy, including HPL, HCG, progesterone, and estrogen.
HPL and HCG are made in your placenta, which prepares your body for pregnancy. HCG may also cause nausea and vomiting issues women experience.
Progesterone and estrogen are female sex hormones. Both will increase during pregnancy.
When these levels increase, you will experience imbalances that result in low blood pressure, skin changes, gastrointestinal symptoms, and hair growth.
Eating Disorders
Certain eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa, may impact your hormone levels. This can result in too little estrogen, which causes low bone density and more issues.
Birth Control
Like IUDs, patches, and contraceptive pills, some birth controls can release hormones in your system designed to prevent the fertilization or ovulation of eggs. Be sure to discuss the potential side effects of these with your doctor before taking them.
It is not uncommon to experience hormone imbalance issues.
Besides prescribed medications, other drugs can impact the normal production of hormones, too. MDMA, heroin, and some performance enhancement drugs can cause permanent hormone changes.
How Hormonal Imbalances in Women are Diagnosed
If you believe you may be dealing with a hormonal imbalance, you should speak to your doctor. They can diagnose the problem and help you get the treatment needed.
To diagnose a hormone imbalance, your doctor needs a full overview of your symptoms. They will also provide a physical exam.
Some of the tests your doctor may use include:
- X-rays
- Blood tests
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound of ovaries, uterus, or thyroid
- Biopsy
- MRI
Once the results of the testing are acquired, your doctor can develop a customized treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Hormonal Imbalances
Treatment for a hormonal imbalance can vary. It is usually dependent on what caused it. Each person may require a unique treatment plan for hormonal imbalances.
Some of the top treatment options for women with hormonal imbalances can be found here.
Assisted Reproductive Technology
If you are trying to get pregnant but have PCOS-related complications, IVF may help. Your doctor can let you know if this is an option.
Eflornithine
This prescription cream may be beneficial for hormonal imbalances that result in excessive facial hair growth in women. It is also known as Vaniqa.
Birth Control or Hormone Control
If you aren’t actively trying to get pregnant, using medications with progesterone and estrogen can help regulate an irregular menstrual cycle and the symptoms related to this.
You can take birth control as an intrauterine device, shot, patch, ring, or pill.
Hormone Replacement Medications
Medications can help reduce severe symptoms related to menopause. This includes things like night sweats and hot flashes.
Vaginal Estrogen
If you begin to experience vaginal dryness related to estrogen level changes, you can use creams that contain estrogen. These can be applied to your vaginal tissue to help reduce this issue.
Other options include estrogen rings or tablets, which are effective at reducing vaginal dryness.
Clomiphene and Letrozole
If you are dealing with PCOS and want to get pregnant, these medications will help stimulate ovulation. For cases of infertility and PCOS, you may also receive injections of gonadotropins. This will increase your likelihood of getting pregnant.
Now You Know How to Deal with Hormonal Imbalances
Knowing the common causes of hormonal imbalance is just the first step in dealing with it. Be sure to review the information above to know how it is diagnosed and treated, as well.
If you suspect this problem, it is best to seek care from your doctor right away. They can run the necessary tests and create a customized treatment plan for your condition.
To learn more about health and wellness, be sure to check out some of our other blogs. We post new information regularly to ensure you stay informed.
