Introduction
You know what feels absolutely fantastic? Not being in your 30s anymore. You have more energy, you're smarter about taking care of your body, and you've learned a thing or two about how to balance stress with self-care. But if you've ever noticed that your body isn't quite as responsive as it once was—and let's be honest: we all do this—you may be experiencing hormonal imbalances! Don't worry: there are ways to fix it without spending thousands on doctors' visits (or worse). In this article, I'll cover signs of hormonal imbalance and how to fix them naturally using foods like whole grains, legumes and fish oils.
Weight gain
Weight gain is a common symptom of hormonal imbalance. You may notice that you're gaining weight even though you've been eating less and exercising more, or that the number on the scale is increasing without any changes to your diet or workout routine.
As we age, our estrogen levels naturally decline, so gaining weight around menopause is normal and healthy—but if it's happening suddenly and without any other obvious cause (like a change in diet), then it could be due to an underlying hormonal imbalance.
Also note that one of the more dangerous side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is weight gain—which occurs because HRT causes estrogen levels to rise back up again after they've been depleted by menopause or surgery.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom of hormonal imbalance. The adrenal glands, which sit directly above your kidneys, produce hormones that help regulate your body’s response to stress. When you are under chronic stress, these endocrine glands become overworked and fatigued—and so do their hormones.
In addition to energy levels being low, fatigue can affect your ability to sleep well at night or wake up refreshed in the morning. As we all know by now too well, feeling tired can have a significant impact on overall mood and quality of life.
Excessive sweating
Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is another common symptom. Sometimes the sweat glands in your body work overtime due to a hormonal imbalance that triggers excessive production of sweat by those glands.
This might sound gross, but it’s actually quite common: one study found that 11% of all Americans suffer from hyperhidrosis and another survey revealed that 1 in 4 women experience this condition at some point during their lives.
Sweating can be caused by overproduction of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which are released when you feel stressed out and anxious. Both of these hormones have an effect on the body's thermoregulatory system (the system that regulates temperature) because they raise your heart rate and blood pressure while lowering your core temperature—so if you're constantly feeling stressed out or anxious about something (like work), then those glandular functions will be affected accordingly!
Depression or anxiety
When your hormones are out of balance, it can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety. Depression is the more common of these symptoms. In fact, depression affects 1 in 4 women at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
If you have a history of depression or anxiety and you notice that either has worsened recently, it’s time to see a doctor. Speak with your primary care physician or gynecologist about any hormonal imbalances that may be causing this change in mood.
Hair loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to get tested by your doctor.
If you're experiencing hair loss and other hormonal imbalances at the same time, it's worth looking into how many supplements you've taken recently. While supplements can be extremely helpful when used correctly, they can also cause negative side effects if not used properly or in moderation. If your hair falls out after taking a supplement that contains DHEA (a hormone that helps build muscle mass), this could mean that your body wasn't ready for the amount of DHEA in the supplement and reacted accordingly by shedding its outer layer—in this case, your scalp's natural covering of hair follicles.
Low sex drive
If you're having a hard time getting excited about sex, it could be a sign that your hormones aren't in balance. This can happen for a number of reasons. For example, if testosterone production drops too low or estrogen becomes too high, it can lead to decreased libido (as well as other issues).
If you want to restore your sex drive and return to enjoying passionate lovemaking again, there are steps you can take:
Breast tenderness
Breast tenderness is a common symptom of hormonal imbalance. It can mean that your hormones are out of balance, but it doesn’t always indicate a serious problem.
If you notice breast tenderness, the first thing to do is make an appointment with your doctor to rule out any other health issues. If everything checks out fine and there’s no underlying medical issue that could be causing the tenderness, there are natural remedies that can help ease discomfort until your body regulates itself again.
Infertility
Infertility is a symptom of hormonal imbalance. Hormones control every aspect of your body, including your fertility and ability to conceive. When they get out of balance, it can affect women fertility, causing you to have irregular periods (or none at all), difficulty conceiving, or even lead to miscarriages.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to consult your doctor.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to consult your doctor. Hormonal imbalance can be treated with a simple visit and some lifestyle changes. It may not be as serious as you think!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of symptoms that can be indicative of hormonal imbalance. To get the best results, it's important to consult your doctor and discuss treatment options with them. They will be able to help determine the cause and recommend treatments based on your personal situation. However, don't hesitate in seeking medical advice if something doesn't feel right! It is better safe than sorry when it comes to your health--and remember: if one method doesn't work...try something else!
