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Signs & Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance in Women

There are several signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances in women. Not all are extremely noticeable; many of them can go on for years without being enough of a nuisance to cause a woman to seek medical attention. Unfortunately, ignoring the early signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance will not make your problem go away. Actually, it is dangerous to let hormone imbalance continue unchecked.

  1. Causes of Hormone Imbalances

    • The three most common factors in hormonal imbalance are age, environment and genetic predisposition. If you are a post-menstrual women who has a family history of hormone problems or if you have been exposed to excessive amounts of environmental pollution, such as smog and pesticides, you should see your medical provider for testing. For those who don't fall into these groups, knowing other signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance may help you to improve your chances of early detection.

    Mood Changes

    • Do you notice a sudden shift in your moods? Do you suffer from bouts of depression or panic attacks? Does irrational fear or anxiety stifle parts of your life that you used to enjoy?

      Though these common symptoms are often dismissed as PMS, they can be early indications of hormonal imbalances. If you find these symptoms creating a problem in your life or they are coupled with other symptoms, seek medical testing for hormonal imbalance.

    Uncontrollable Weight Changes

    • While most people experience a small amount of weight gain as they age, uncontrollable fluctuations in weight can be an indicator of serious health problems. If you find that you cannot shed extra pounds or you are experiencing an extremely slowed metabolism, you may be suffering from the effects of a hormonal imbalance. If the problem persists, testing may confirm the presence of elevated estrogen levels or abnormally low levels of progesterone.

    Migraines and Memory Loss

    • A common sign of hormonal imbalance in women is a migraine headache. These painful attacks can be enough to render you incapacitated for several hours or even a whole day. Memory loss, another symptom of hormone imbalance, is often associated with this symptom, resulting in the true cause of the problem eluding discovery.

    Allergies and Auto-Immune Disorders

    • Because hormonal imbalance affects so many systems in your body, it often reveals itself in the form of allergic reactions or asthma. Chronic allergies can escalate into auto-immune disorders, such as Lupus. Auto-immune disorders leave the body vulnerable to a multitude of other health problems because they lower your bodies natural immunity and defenses against disease and infection.

    Thyroid Problems

    • The thyroid gland releases hormones that control metabolism. Women with hormonal imbalances may experience a condition similar to hypothyroidism as a result of their body's chemical imbalance. This condition often exhibits itself in decreased circulation, resulting in the extremities of the body being cold to the touch.

    Warnings

    • If you think you may be at risk for hormone imbalance or you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your medical provider and be tested for hormone imbalance. Additional health risks, such as cancer and heart disease, are associated with hormone imbalance, so seek early detection and treatment.

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