What to know about hormonal imbalances

Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the blood. Common symptoms include weight changes, lower sex drive, and acne, but it depends on which hormone is out of balance.
Hormones are chemicals that glands produce in the endocrine system. They travel through the bloodstream to the tissues and organs, delivering messages that tell the organs what to do and when to do it.
Hormones are essential for regulating most major bodily processes. This means a hormonal imbalance can affect many bodily functions. Hormones help to regulate:
metabolism
blood sugar
growth
blood pressure
reproductive cycles and sexual function
general growth and development
mood and stress levels
Imbalances in insulin, steroids, growth hormones, and adrenaline can affect males and females alike.
Females may also experience imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels, while males are more likely to experience imbalances in testosterone levels.
This article explains the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. It also lists and discusses common causes of it.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Click here to learn more
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance
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The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance can vary according to which gland is affected and whether the person is male or female.
In females, the symptoms may include:
mood swings
mood swings
constipation or diarrhea
constipation
diarrhea
irregular menstrual cycle
irregular menstrual cycle
infertility
infertility
pain in the abdomen or the back during menstruation
low sex drive
insomnia
insomnia
unexplained weight gain or weight loss
weight loss
brittle bones
hirsutism, or excessive hair growth
hirsutism
rashes on the skin
When a male has low testosterone levels, their symptoms will typically include:
decrease in sex drive
decrease in sex drive
erectile dysfunction (ED)
erectile dysfunction (ED)
loss of muscle mass
thinning hair and reduced hair growth
thinning hair
tenderness in the area of the chest
Acne
Acne can occur due to the overproduction of oil in the skin’s sebaceous glands. This excess oil can clog pores and attract bacteria, further inflaming the skin.
Acne
the overproduction
The hormones testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone can affect the sebaceous glands in the skin. Some ways these hormones can influence acne include:
Testosterone helps to regulate sebum (oil) production. Excess amounts can potentially block pores, resulting in acne.
sebum
Increasing progesterone levels likely play a role in pregnancy-related acne, although healthcare professionals are not sure exactly how.
pregnancy-related acne
Females can experience postmenopausal acne, which may be due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels.
In addition, females who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to experience severe and persistent acne. Healthcare professionals believe increased exposure to androgen hormones, such as testosterone, and resistance to insulin hormones may increase acne risks.
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
acne
increased exposure
Learn more about hormonal acne.
Learn more about hormonal acne.
Weight gain
Hormone imbalances can affect several processes in the body that lead to weight gain. Some examples include:
Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism or the rate at which it burns energy. Too few thyroid hormones can slow metabolism and result in weight gain.
can slow
Decreasing levels of estrogen can lead to weight gain in menopause.
can lead
menopause
Hormonal imbalances due to PCOS can result in weight gain.
can result
Weight gain and childhood obesity are common symptoms of Cushings syndrome. This disorder causes the body to produce excess amounts of cortisol.
are common
Cushings syndrome
Ideally, treating the underlying condition can help reduce weight gain related to hormonal imbalance.
Learn more about estrogen and weight gain.
estrogen and weight gain
Pregnancy
Pregnancy results in changing hormone levels to nourish a growing fetus. These include changing levels of the hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. While the hormone levels may be different, they are not necessarily unbalanced during pregnancy.
include
However, some hormones that increase during pregnancy can affect how a person’s body uses insulin. This can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes during pregnancy. Learn more about gestational diabetes.
can affect
gestational diabetes
Hair loss
Male pattern hair loss has links to reduced androgen hormones, such as testosterone. For this reason, healthcare professionals also call male pattern hair loss androgenetic alopecia. This condition causes hair loss in the front and crown of the head.
has links to
However, not all males experience androgenetic alopecia even though their hormone levels change as they age. Experts interpret this to mean that some males are genetically predisposed to hair loss.
Learn more about male pattern baldness.
male pattern baldness
Tests for hormonal imbalances
Testing for hormonal imbalances depends largely on what condition a healthcare professional may believe is causing the imbalance. Some of the tests they may use include:
Blood testing: Healthcare professionals can test for certain hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormone.
thyroid hormone
Imaging: Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI tests can help identify cysts or tumors that could cause the body to produce excess amounts of hormones.
Urine testing: Urine tests can measure levels of hormones related specifically to the menstrual cycle, such as cortisol.
Some at-home testing kit companies may offer products that allow a person to take a test at home. These could include urine or blood tests. A person should ensure the company is reputable and uses certified laboratories to evaluate testing samples.
Learn more about at-home hormone testing kits.
at-home hormone testing kits
Causes of hormone imbalance
Most people will experience natural periods of hormonal imbalance or fluctuations at particular points in their lives. However, hormonal imbalances can also occur when the endocrine glands are not functioning properly.
Endocrine glands are specialized cells that produce, store, and release hormones into the blood. There are several endocrine glands located throughout the body that control different organs, including the:
that produce
adrenal glands
gonads (testis and ovaries)
pineal gland
pituitary gland
hypothalamus gland
thyroid and parathyroid glands
pancreatic islets
Several medical conditions can impact the endocrine glands. Certain lifestyle habits and environmental factors can also play a role in hormonal imbalances.Learn more about endocrine disorders.
endocrine disorders
Medical conditions that can affect hormone production may include but are not limited to:
can affect
hypothyroidism
hypothyroidism
hyperthyroidism
hyperthyroidism
Cushing disease
acromegaly
acromegaly
diabetes
diabetes
Addison disease
Addison disease
growth hormone deficiency in children
growth hormone deficiency
Other causes of hormonal imbalance may include:
include:
chronic stress
chronic stress
poor diet and nutrition
nutrition
having overweight or obesity
obesity
hormonal replacement or birth control medications
birth control
misuse of anabolic steroid medications
anabolic steroid
exposure to toxins, pollutants, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including pesticides and herbicides
Females naturally experience several periods of hormonal imbalance throughout their lifetime, including:
puberty
puberty
menstruation
menstruation
pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing
perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause
perimenopause
postmenopause
Females are likely to develop different hormonal imbalance disorders than males because they have different endocrine organs and cycles.
Causes of hormonal imbalance in females include:
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
hormone replacement or birth control medications
hormone replacement
primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)
primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)
ovarian cancer
ovarian cancer
Males also experience natural periods of hormonal imbalance during their lifetime, including:
puberty
aging
stress
Males may develop different hormonal imbalances than females because they have different endocrine organs and cycles.
Medical conditions causing hormonal imbalances in males include, but are not limited to:
congenital problems or other underlying medical conditions
prostate cancer, which develops with the aid of androgens or male sex hormones
prostate cancer
develops
male sex hormones
hypogonadism, which is the production of testosterone
hypogonadism
testicular injury
Learn how to balance hormones.
how to balance hormones
How to fix a hormonal imbalance
Treatment for hormonal imbalances may vary depending on the cause. Every person may require different types of treatment for hormonal imbalances.
Treatment options for females with hormone imbalances include:
include:
Hormonal birth control: For those who are not trying to get pregnant, medications containing forms of estrogen and progesterone can help regulate irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms. Birth control is available as a pill, ring, patch, shot, or intrauterine device (IUD).
Birth control
Vaginal estrogen: People experiencing vaginal dryness associated with changes in estrogen levels can apply creams containing estrogen directly to vaginal tissues to reduce symptoms. They can also use estrogen tablets and rings to relieve vaginal dryness.
vaginal dryness
Hormone replacement medications: Medications are available to temporarily reduce severe symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes or night sweats.
Eflornithine (Vaniqa): This prescription cream may slow excessive facial hair growth in women.
Anti-androgen medications: Medications that block the predominately male-sex hormone androgen can help limit severe acne and excessive hair growth or loss.
Clomiphene (Clomid) and letrozole (Femara): Clomid and Femara are medications that help stimulate ovulation in people with PCOS who are trying to become pregnant. Doctors may also give those with PCOS and infertility injections of gonadotropins to help increase the chances of pregnancy.
Femara
ovulation
Assisted reproductive technology: In vitro fertilization (IVF) may be used to help those with PCOS complications get pregnant.
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Treatment options for males with hormonal imbalances include testosterone medications. Gels and patches containing testosterone can help reduce symptoms of hypogonadism and other conditions that cause low testosterone levels, such as delayed or stunted puberty.
testosterone medications
can help
Treatment options for hormonal imbalances include:
Metformin: Metformin is a medication for PCOS and diabetes. It can help lower both androgens and blood sugar levels.
Metformin
can help
Levothyroxine: Medications containing levothyroxine, such as Synthroid and Levothroid, can help improve symptoms of hypothyroidism.
levothyroxine
Synthroid
can help
Natural remedies for hormonal imbalance
People have used natural supplements to manage hormonal imbalances for thousands of years.
to manage
However, clinical studies have not proven that any natural remedies can treat hormonal imbalances and their causes.
Natural supplements commonly used to reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalances include:
black cohosh, dong quai, red clover, and evening primrose oil for hot flashes caused by menopause
ginseng for irritability, anxiousness, and sleep disturbances caused by menopause
ginseng, and maca for ED
Before taking any natural or herbal treatment, a person should check with their healthcare professional to ensure safety and avoid interaction side effects when taking other medications.
Lifestyle changes that may help reduce the likelihood and symptoms of hormonal imbalances include:
maintaining a moderate body weight
eating a nutritious and balanced diet
exercising regularly
practicing good personal hygiene, focusing on washing areas with a lot of natural oils, such as the face, neck, back, and chest
using OTC acne washes, rinses, and medicated creams or gels for minor to moderate acne
avoiding triggers that cause hot flashes, such as warm weather and spicy, rich, or hot foods and drinks
reducing and managing stress
practicing yoga, meditation, or guided visualization
yoga
limiting sugary foods and refined carbohydrates
carbohydrates
avoiding packaged foods
replacing older non-stick pans with ceramic pans
using glass containers to store and heat foods and drinks
restricting the use of cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals, such as bleach
buying fruits and vegetables free from pesticides or ripening chemicals
avoiding microwaving foods and drinks in plastic containers
Summary
Most people will experience at least one or two periods of hormonal imbalance during their lifetime.
Hormonal imbalances are more common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and aging. However, some people experience continual, irregular hormonal imbalances.
Medical conditions that affect or involve the endocrine system or glands can lead to a hormone imbalance. However, external factors, such as stress or hormone medications, can also be a cause.
A person should speak with a healthcare professional about long-term unexplained symptoms, especially those that cause pain, discomfort, or interfere with everyday activities.
Read this article in Spanish.
Read this article in Spanish