But what do truehormone imbalancesymptoms actually look like?
How do you even know if thats what youre dealing with?
What is a hormone imbalance?
A hormone imbalance happens when your body starts making too much or too little of a certain hormone.
In some cases, that over- or underproduction can signal an underlying health problem and potentially cause severe symptoms.
But hormonal imbalances arent always bad or abnormal.
endocrinologist, chief medical officer atFound, and formerAmerican Board of Obesity Medicinemedical director
For example, an estrogen imbalance can lead to menopause-related issues.
Menopause is a life transition where people who menstruate will eventually stop.
This happens as production of the hormone estrogen gradually declines.
Those hormonal ups and downs are a completely normal part of aging, though.
So experts dont consider the change to be animbalance,per se.
Here are some of the things you might notice, per Dr. Kumar:
1.
Temperature sensitivity
Hormone problems can make you more sensitive to the surrounding temperature.
Hair changes
Your hair may go through changes during a time of hormonal fluctuations.
Your nails might also become more brittle or crack more often, too, per theCleveland Clinic.
endocrinologist, chief medical officer atFound, and formerAmerican Board of Obesity Medicinemedical director
An underactive thyroid for example can cause feelings of sadness or depression.
It may even make it harder to remember things or think clearly.
Heres Exactly How It Can Affect Your Poop
6.
Gut issues
Hormonal imbalances that affect your metabolism can have an effect on your gut.
Or, you might have backed-up bowels if you have an underactive thyroid, per the Cleveland Clinic.
And if you have an underactive thyroid, you might notice your heart rate is slower than usual.
Other hormone imbalances that affect your metabolism can cause heart issues, too, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
In some cases, your periods might stop altogether until your thyroid problem is treated.
Some people may also get gynecomastiaor enlarged breast tissue, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
How do you check your hormones?
Heres why: Your hormone levels naturally shift throughout the day in accordance with your bodys circadian rhythm.
That doesnt mean you have to avoid at-home tests altogether.
you might definitely take one to get some preliminary results, which you might share with your doctor.
That could include the following, per Dr. Kumar:
Mild hormone imbalances dont always require treatment.
Also: Some hormone issues might clear up when you address specific things that can throw them off.
Stress and certain medications, like steroids, are big culprits here, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Your doctor may also recommend additional testing to determinewhya hormone level is imbalanced.
Is there a way to prevent hormone imbalances?
Not all hormone imbalances are preventable.
(A good reminder to use ametal water bottleinstead of a plastic one, for example.)
You dont need the latest and greatest hormone-balancing products out there, FYI.
They could be due to other causes, like vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, or poor lifestyle habits.
You should especially do so if the symptoms dont ease up with lifestyle adjustments, say Dr. Kumar.
FAQ
How do you fix a hormone imbalance?
As for imbalances brought on by an actual health condition or disease?
What foods to avoid to help balance my hormones?
There arent necessarily specifichormone-balancing foods.
But wholesome, minimally processed foods are your best bet for hormone health, says Dr. Kumar.
How can I check my hormone imbalance at home?
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